site.bta15 km Free Spirit Run Held between Bulgaria's Ruse and Romania's Giurgiu

The eighth edition of an international road race called Free Spirit Run Giurgiu-Ruse, held between the two mirror cities on the Romanian and Bulgarian banks of the Danube River, is taking place on Sunday, September 28, said the local government administration in Ruse. The event has brought together 300 participants from 11 countries: Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Ukraine, Uganda, the United Kingdom, Poland, Spain, Hungary, Ireland, and Kenya.

Athletes set off on a 15-kilometre route starting in front of the Palace of Justice in Ruse, running through the city’s central streets and boulevards, crossing the Danube Bridge, and finishing in the square in front of Giurgiu Municipality.

Ruse Mayor Pencho Milkov addressed the runners with the words: “Today, Ruse once again shows that it is a city of spirit, ambition, and the strength to transcend borders. At this starting line, athletes from three continents are united by their love of sport and their pursuit of victory. You carry not only your national colours, but also the belief that the free spirit knows no limits. I wish you inspiration along the course, a fair competition, and the true sense of triumph – the triumph over yourselves.”

The opening ceremony was also attended by Ruse Deputy Mayors Borislav Rachev and Dimitar Nedev, the Chairman of the Dunav Athletics Club Evgeni Ignatov, Deputy Mayor of Giurgiu Municipality Marian Damian, and Bulgarian athletics legend Anelia Nuneva.

The race is part of the European Athletics calendar and once again serves as a sporting celebration for the region. Among the participants are some of Bulgaria’s top runners, medallists from previous editions, and athletes in the 45+ and 50+ age groups. The oldest competitor is 78-year-old Ivan Grozev, who has taken part in every edition of the race since 2016.

All finishers will receive a commemorative medal and a T-shirt, while winners in the overall and age group classifications will be awarded cash prizes from a total prize fund of EUR 6,500.

Temporary traffic restrictions were introduced in Ruse and on the Danube Bridge to ensure the smooth running of the event. The organizers are Ruse Municipality and the Dunav Athletics Club.