Cristian Tarcatu's Staging Area

This felt more like a marketing exercise by the main sponsor rather than a race.

In terms of Swag you get a bag, that is basically a disposable bag (mine broke on way to the actual event). In essence they got the cheapest bag money could buy. That’s about it in terms of swag. Strong showing from the two sponsors, Raiffaisen (that just put banners up, in the hope they make you run faster), and Hainneken (that at least was useful and freely disposed Ice cold, alcohol free beer – not that, that will make you run faster). Overall very disappointed.

This was a hot race with temperatures reaching 28-30 Celsius. You would receive one sponge at around KM10 (which you were expected to hold on to for the duration of the race), as volunteers sat on the side with pots of water. These got warm (in the 30degree heat).

The water stations were too far in between… again I suspect a cost cutting measure.

The expo was small but nice, and dominated by the Raiifaisen marketing event. The whole marathon was more of a marketing exercise than putting a show for runners (I’m Romanian myself.. but this was my 8th marathon). Even Scottish highlands (ran Loch Ness) was many times better organised. I had higher expectations.

it is a road race that gets boring on the outskirts (basically past km 30). The medal is very basic (almost like a generic running medal – with the outline of the city of Bucharest map – that again is very bland & unimaginative). I mean focus on the landmarks… put the house of the people on the medal, the romanian atheneum, the Arc de Triomphe… it’s really not difficult to think of options. That being said no.. it’s a pathetic medal for a pathetic organised marathon. I wouldn’t recommend.