Spirit Run attracts record 450 athletes for Giurgiu-Ruse race

The ninth edition of the international “Spirit Run” took place, featuring a 15-kilometer cross-border course starting in Giurgiu, Romania, and finishing in Ruse, Bulgaria. This year’s event saw a record participation of 450 athletes representing 11 different countries, including Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, Kuwait, Poland, Hungary, Ireland, the USA, Switzerland, and Kenya.

Kenyan athletes dominated the general rankings. In the men’s category, Albert Tonui secured first place with a time of approximately 44 minutes and 37 seconds, followed by fellow Kenyan John Kuria in second, and Romanian Robert Necula in third. In the women’s category, Valentine Jebet took first place with a time of 50:37, narrowly beating Kenyan Jesinta Kamau.

The event, organized by the municipalities of Ruse and Giurgiu along with local sports clubs, serves as a symbol of connection between the two neighboring Danube cities. A total prize fund of 5,700 euros was distributed among the top eight finishers in both the men’s and women’s divisions.