Violent storm fatally strikes ultra runner mid-race in Romania
In the heart of the Carpathian Mountains, a sudden and violent storm during the Bucovina Ultra Rocks race on July 26, 2025, turned a day of endurance into one of sorrow. The storm, which developed without any prior weather warnings, resulted in widespread damage across eastern Romania and caused a fatal accident.
A 50-year-old male runner from Bucharest lost his life around 63 km into the 88 km race in the Giumalău Massif area. He was struck by a falling tree, and despite the best efforts of emergency responders, could not be revived.
The emergency response was a multi-agency operation, involving military firefighters. The rescuers faced challenges accessing the site due to roads blocked by fallen trees. They reached the injured runner around 11:25 p.m., but it was too late to save him.
Approximately 23 other runners on the course were evacuated to mountain cabins or back to the start for safety, with some suffering from mild hypothermia but none requiring hospital treatment. Race organizers halted the competition as the storm intensified, systematically locating runners via GPS tracking and phone calls to ensure their safety.
The Bucovina Ultra Rocks event is part of the Europe Trail Cup 2025 circuit and takes place in Suceava County. The storm has caused extensive damage, with buildings damaged, cars swept away, and floods that have sadly claimed the lives of three elderly people.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of mountain weather and the complex emergency response challenges it can cause during ultra-distance trail races. The best running jackets and trail shoes for such conditions are available for those who wish to brave the elements.
The race organizers have expressed their deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased runner. The shorter event scheduled for the following day was also cancelled due to the storm. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this unfortunate event.
- General-news reports detailed the intense weather conditions during the Bucovina Ultra Rocks race on July 26, 2025, which led to accidents, causing the death of a runner and resulting in significant damage across eastern Romania.
- In addition to the fatal accident, the storm also disrupted sports events, as the organizers of the Bucovina Ultra Rocks race cancelled the shorter event scheduled for the following day.
