Photo: inalergare.ro
Cindrel în Alergare
The legend returns — a mountain marathon in the Cindrel massif
25 July 2026 · Păltiniș, Sibiu
From an accessible 12 km cross-country run to a 91 km ultra with +5,500 m of climbing, Cindrel în Alergare takes on the ridges and forests of the Cindrel massif above Păltiniș. Four distances, one mountain, start and finish at Tabăra Șanta.
Date
25 July 2026
Where
Păltiniș, Sibiu
Distances
12–91 km
Max vertical
+5,500 m
The race
A mountain marathon in the Cindrel
Now at its 11th edition, Cindrel în Alergare is one of Romania's classic mountain-running weekends — the legend returns to the Cindrel massif, between Șanta and Păltiniș in the highlands of Sibiu county.
The course climbs from the pine forests around Tabăra Șanta onto open alpine ridges, giving every distance the raw scale of the Cindrel: long climbs, fast descents and summit air. Whether it's your first mountain race or your next ultra, there's a distance built for you.
Distances
Four distances, one mountain
A difficulty ladder from an accessible cross-country run to a serious high-mountain ultra. Pick the distance that matches your mountain legs — every race shares the same start and finish at Tabăra Șanta.
Cros
A short cross-country run to taste the mountain — the friendliest way into Cindrel în Alergare.
- Distance
- 12 km
- Vertical gain
- +500 m
- Level
- Accessible
For: First-timers & families
RegisterSemimaraton
A true half-marathon on the trail, with real climbing to test steady mountain runners.
- Distance
- 23 km
- Vertical gain
- +1,000 m
- Level
- Intermediate
For: Experienced trail runners
RegisterMaraton
The pro line — a full mountain marathon for experienced runners who want a hard day out.
- Distance
- 46 km
- Vertical gain
- +2,200 m
- Level
- Advanced
For: Experienced runners
RegisterUltra Maraton
The legendThe full Cindrel: 91 km and +5,500 m of vertical across the massif's highest ridges — a genuine high-mountain ultra for hardened runners.
- Distance
- 91 km
- Vertical gain
- +5,500 m
- Level
- Extreme
For: Ultra & high-mountain veterans
Register
Entry fees vary by distance — see the official site for the price of each race.
Verticality
5,500 metres of climbing
The Cindrel doesn't give away altitude. Vertical gain rises steeply from the 12 km cross to the 91 km ultra — and the ultra's +5,500 m is more than twice the height of Romania's highest peak, Moldoveanu (2,544 m), packed into a single mountain day.
+500
12 km
Cros
+1,000
23 km
Semimaraton
+2,200
46 km
Maraton
+5,500
91 km
Ultra Maraton
Practical info
Everything you need to know
- Registration
- 1 Feb 2026 – 20 Jul 2026
- Entry fee
- varies by distance
- Elevation gain
- 500-5500 m D+
- Start
- Tabara Santa, Muntii Cindrel
- GPX track
- Download
Details
About the event
Cindrel În Alergare, ediția a XI-a (Șanta – Păltiniș, 25 iulie 2026) — maraton montan în Munții Cindrel.
Trasee
- Cros — 12 km, dificultate redusă, +500 m
- Semimaraton — 23 km, +1000 m
- Maraton — 46 km, +2200 m, traseu profesioniști
- Ultra Maraton — 91 km, +5500 m
Înscrieri
- Deschidere: 1 februarie 2026
- Termen limită: 20 iulie 2026
Bun de știut
- Punct de start: Tabăra Șanta, Munții Cindrel
- Diferență de nivel: 500–5500 m D+
- Locație: Șanta — Păltiniș, Munții Cindrel, Sibiu
On the mountain
What to expect
Marked mountain course
Waymarked trails and ridge sections across the Cindrel, with marshals and signage on route.
Aid stations
Supply points with water and food along the course, spaced for each distance.
Cut-off times
The longer distances run to time barriers to keep every runner safe on the mountain — check the official rules for each cut-off.
Finisher reward
A finisher medal and the Cindrel summit atmosphere waiting at Tabăra Șanta.
Schedule
Event schedule
- 17:00Validare înscrieri și ridicare numere — ziua anterioară (17:00–22:00)
- 07:00Validare înscrieri și ridicare numere — ziua concursului (07:00–08:00)
- 06:00Start Ultra Maraton 91 km
- 08:00Start Maraton 46 km
- 08:30Start Cros 12 km
- 09:00Start Semimaraton 23 km
- 16:00Premiere Cros, Semimaraton, Maraton (după-amiază)
Good to know
Frequently asked
Which distance is right for me?
Start with the 12 km cross if you're new to mountain running or want a family-friendly day. Step up to the 23 km semi-marathon or 46 km marathon as your climbing legs grow. The 91 km / +5,500 m ultra is a serious high-mountain challenge for experienced ultrarunners only.
Are there cut-off times?
Yes — the marathon and ultra distances run to intermediate and final time barriers so no runner is left out on the mountain after dark. Exact cut-offs are published in the official race rules on inalergare.ro.
Is there mandatory kit for the ultra?
High-mountain ultras require a safety kit — typically a waterproof jacket, phone, whistle, water and emergency supplies. The organiser publishes the mandatory equipment list for each distance, so check inalergare.ro before you pack.
When does registration close?
Registration opens on 1 February 2026 and closes on 20 July 2026 (or earlier if a distance fills up). Entries are handled on the official site, inalergare.ro.
Where is the start?
All distances start and finish at Tabăra Șanta, in the Șanta – Păltiniș area of the Cindrel Mountains, Sibiu county.
The legend returns
Subscribe to follow Cindrel în Alergare and get reminders as start times and rules are confirmed — or register now on the official site.