Brașov Running Festival: a world-class 10K Race

Held in Romania, the Brașov Running Festival brings together a series of high-caliber road races, most notably the prestigious tRUNsylvania 10K—one of the fastest 10-kilometer courses in the world. Every year, over two days in October, the entire city comes alive to the rhythm of thousands of footsteps, as both elite international athletes and local enthusiasts take to the streets.With distances ranging from 800 meters to 1,200 meters, 3 kilometers, 5 kilometers, and 10 kilometers, the festival draws a wide community of running fans. This year, the podiums were largely dominated by strong African contingents, while one French runner delivered a particularly impressive performance.

The Brasov Running Festival has established itself as a must-attend event, the largest World Athletics gathering in Eastern Europe. Every year in early October, elite runners, amateurs, and spectators converge on this exceptional venue. The scenery is nothing short of captivating, as if lifted straight from a Bram Stoker novel. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Carpathian Mountains, the races unfold in the modern Coresi district, just minutes from Brașov’s picturesque old town, whose origins date back to the 13th century. The city is celebrated for its remarkable architectural heritage, notably the striking Gothic Black Church, and, a short hour’s drive away, the legendary Bran Castle—forever linked to the Dracula myth.

All formats are represented: 800 meters, 1,200 meters, 3 kilometers, 5 kilometers, and 10 kilometers, for elite runners as well as open races and children’s events. The idea is to make the festival accessible to everyone.

| The second-fastest junior performance of all time over 10K

Ethiopian runner Khairi Bejiga claimed victory in the 10K with a stunning time of 26:54, the second-fastest junior performance of all time. The young prodigy matched the fastest-ever debut over the distance, held by Kenyan athlete Sebastian Sawe, the recent winner of the Berlin Marathon. With his 26:54 finish, Khairi Bejiga came remarkably close to the course record set by Nicolas Kipkorir in 2022 (26:51). Run on a three-loop course, the race is known for its blistering speed — supersonic, even. The 2025 winner took the lead from the very start, picking up the pace around the 4th kilometer. By the halfway mark, he was part of an eight-man pack, passing through 5K in 13:34.

Over the next two kilometers, Bejiga battled the South African runner Maxime Chaumeton. Still full of energy, the Ethiopian gradually wore down his rival before delivering a decisive surge in the final stretch. The silver medalist, Chaumeton, nevertheless set a new South African national record with his time of 26:55, followed by Kenyan Cornelius Kemboi in third with 27:12.

Among the French athletes, junior runner Meziane Benhammou finished 24th in this world-class field with an impressive 30:40, marking the second-fastest French performance ever in his age category and the fifth-best European time of the year.

| A thrilling battle in the women’s race

On the women’s side, Ethiopian runner Medina Eisa claimed victory in 30:28, after passing the halfway mark in 15:14. With 2 kilometers to go, a lead pack of five athletes had pulled away. The final kilometer turned into a thrilling showdown between former 10K world record holder Joyciline Jepkosgei, Turkish star Yasemin Can — a multiple European champion — and Medina Eisa.

Joyciline Jepkosgei launched an attack with 600 meters remaining, trying to break away, but Eisa responded with an explosive finish. The Ethiopian, who ran the world’s fastest 10K this year (29:25 in Castellón last February) and remains unbeaten on the road in 2025, unleashed her trademark kick in the final 300 meters.

Her compatriots Brenda Jepchumba Kenei and Mariam Lufti Njoki dug deep to secure second and third place respectively, edging out Yasemin Can and Joyciline Jepkosgei. Despite missing the podium, Yasemin Can broke her country’s national record with a new mark of 30:36.

The Brașov Running Festival has truly become one of Europe’s must-see sporting events. This gathering — and especially its 10K race — continues to captivate and attract elite athletes, amateurs, and spectators alike. In this unique setting, surrounded by the spellbinding Carpathian Mountains, Gothic architecture, and an electric atmosphere, runners once again added to the event’s growing legend and delivered record-breaking performances.

✔ All the results of the Brasov Running Festival

Emma BERT
Journaliste