Racer met tragic end as intensely vicious storm erupted unexpectedly during marathon in Romania
In a tragic turn of events, a 50-year-old male runner from Bucharest lost his life during the Bucovina Ultra Rocks 88k race in Romania on July 26, 2025. The race, which is part of the Europe Trail Cup 2025 circuit, was held in Suceava county.
The race was abruptly halted due to a sudden and violent thunderstorm that hit the area, causing major disruptions. The storm, which occurred without any weather warning, was characterized by fast-moving conditions, cold rain, strong winds, thunder, and lightning. The extreme weather was directly responsible for the fatal accident that claimed the runner's life.
The man was caught by a falling tree around 63km into the course in the Giumalău Massif. Despite rescuers reaching him at around 11:25pm, they were unable to resuscitate him.
Seventeen runners had managed to complete the 88k event before the races were suspended. However, approximately 23 other runners on the route had to be evacuated for safety due to the storm's destructive effects. Some of the evacuated runners were suffering from mild hypothermia, but none required hospital treatment.
The Bucovina Ultra Rocks race consists of eight different distances ranging from 5k to 100 miles. The shorter event due to take place on Sunday was cancelled as a result of the storm.
A multi-agency response was launched to reach the scene, but rescuers encountered difficulties due to blocked roads caused by the storm. The destructive weather system has resulted in widespread damage across eastern Romania, including floods, building damage, and cars being swept away.
Race organizers deemed the storm "extremely violent," and runners were directed to assistance points, shelters, and safe areas. Stranded runners were located through the live-tracking system and contacted by phone using the data provided at registration.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased runner during this difficult time. The Bucovina Ultra Rocks race organizers have expressed their deepest condolences and are working closely with authorities to investigate the incident.
[1] Bucovina Ultra Rocks race suspended due to storm (2025, July 26). Retrieved from https://www.bucovinaultra.ro/news/bucovina-ultra-rocks-race-suspended-due-to-storm
[2] Man dies in Bucovina Ultra Rocks race (2025, July 26). Retrieved from https://www.romania-insider.com/man-dies-bucovina-ultra-rocks-race/
[3] Storm causes widespread damage across eastern Romania (2025, July 26). Retrieved from https://www.romania-insider.com/storm-causes-widespread-damage-across-eastern-romania/
[4] Three elderly people die due to floods in eastern Romania (2025, July 26). Retrieved from https://www.romania-insider.com/three-elderly-people-die-due-to-floods-in-eastern-romania/
[5] Bucovina Ultra Rocks race: 23 runners evacuated (2025, July 26). Retrieved from https://www.romania-insider.com/bucovina-ultra-rocks-race-23-runners-evacuated/
- General news reports indicate the Bucovina Ultra Rocks race, part of the Europe Trail Cup 2025 circuit, was suspended due to an unexpected and violent thunderstorm, which led to a tragic accident resulting in a runner's death.
- In addition to the suspended sports event, the weather-related incident caused accidents and widespread damage across eastern Romania, prompting investigations by the race organizers and authorities, while also underscoring the importance of being prepared for sudden and extreme weather conditions.
