CHAMPIONING MOVEMENT AND COMMUNITY – BOTH ON THE RACETRACK AND IN THE SKIES
Wizz Air, EMEA’s most environmentally sustainable airline*, is proud to announce 7,902 runners took part in this year’s Wizz Air Cluj-Napoca Marathon, showing a growing interest for the emblematic running event. Benard Kitur, Nicolai Gorbusco and Silviu Stoica made up the men’s podium in the main marathon event, while Ruth Matebo, Anca Faiciuc and Marija Vrajić made up the women’s podium.
As the long-standing title sponsor of the popular running events, Wizz Air considers these activities more than just a race – it embodies the same core values as Wizz Air itself: accessibility, affordability, and simplicity. Just as running is one of the most inclusive sports, requiring nothing more than a pair of shoes and determination, Wizz Air offers an affordable and straightforward way for people to explore the world, as well as the idea that great experiences don’t have to come with a high price tag.
With an increase of 43% in participation rate, over 7,900 runners from 30 countries were present at the 14th edition of one of the most important sports events in Romania. The start took place on the athletics track of Cluj Arena stadium and in the Central Park. Participants raced each other on the competition’s six running courses: family race, 4 km, 10 km, 4x10.5 km, 21.1 km, 42.2 km.
Additionally, the marathon in Cluj-Napoca is part of WIZZ Run Series 2025, a competition offering runners across Europe the chance to win exciting prizes, such as All You Can Fly (AYCF) subscriptions** and money prizes. Participants are encouraged to take part in as many of the nine Wizz Air running events taking place across Europe as possible. To qualify, entrants must be 18 years old and amateur runners***. Points are accumulated throughout the series – 1 point is earned per kilometre run – and runners with the highest total by the end of the competition will win four AYCF passes. The second-place winner will receive a €1,000 WIZZ value voucher, while the third-place winner will be awarded an €800 WIZZ value voucher – in both the male and female categories.
Anastasia Novak, Corporate Communications Manager at Wizz Air, said: “This year, we are once again thrilled to be part of Cluj-Napoca’s most important running event, and one of the most popular in Romania. As an airline dedicated to offering European travellers affordable flight options, we also believe that access to an active and healthy lifestyle should be just as widespread. Through our continued support, we aim to encourage both our crew and passengers in Romania, Europe, and beyond to stay active and embrace movement. This year, 24 of our WIZZ pilot, cabin crew and office colleagues will be at the start line of the marathon race.
Running is a sport that anyone can take up, regardless of background or financial means. It doesn't require expensive equipment, club memberships, or elite training facilities – just the motivation to move. Similarly, Wizz Air has democratized air travel by offering low-cost flights to destinations across Europe and beyond, making travel more accessible to people from all walks of life. Both running and budget flying break down barriers, enabling more people to participate in something they love without financial constraints.”
This year’s all runners receive 20 EUR Wizz Air travel voucher which they can use for a flight of their choice. The Wizz Air Cluj-Napoca Marathon is an event that brings together professional and amateur runners, from home and abroad, in an open competition and large-scale project that promotes a healthy lifestyle among the general public through practicing running sports. The event includes specific running races in accordance with European standards for the organization of running events of this scale.
* According to CAPA - Centre for Aviation Awards for Excellence 2024
** Wizz Air launched the “All You Can Fly” membership in August 2024. The unique membership costs €599 and enables members to book flights across a 12-month period to nearly 200 destinations in over 50 countries on 800 WIZZ routes.
*** Those who are not members of any sports association and do not compete professionally.
