Almost half of the participants in mass sports competitions in Romania have said, according to survey data, that their own health is the main reason for practicing movement.
"Running, cycling and triathlon are no longer just sports events, but real lifestyles for thousands of Romanians. According to the latest Endurance RO-Index survey, mass sports competitions have become a social phenomenon, with an impact on both health and the economy. For many participants, sports competitions are not temporary "islands", events that occupy 2-3 hours in their calendar, but frequently involve a training programme, a discipline in movement, in nutrition, sleep or even medical tests," according to pollsters.
For 61% of participants, endurance sports are a lifestyle choice, and health is the main reason for almost half (46%). The atmosphere at the events and the community created around these competitions are other components that motivate the competitors.
Although considered individual sports, running, cycling and triathlon bring people together: 49% of participants signed up with friends, 22% with their life partner and 17% with their children. Only 33% came to events alone.
It is also worth noting the age segment interested in such events. According to the survey, about 4 out of 10 participants are between 35 and 44 years old.
According to the poll findings, in 2024, running attracted 80.5% of respondents, being by far the sport with the highest participation. Cycling competitions attracted 25% of athletes, and triathlon 7%.
Half of the runners started at least five competitions in a single year. Among the running competitors, the climbing competitions attracted 86%, the mountain (trail) competitions 62%, and 45% combined climbing and mountain events. In addition, almost one in five also participated in international events.
The situation is similar for cyclists: 43% participated in at least five events, but most chose mountain bike races (79%), with home events being preferred by 49% of participants.
In the case of triathletes, the Olympic (45%) and sprint (39%) events were the most popular. Almost 12% of the triathletes participating in the poll competed in Ironman competitions, 18% opting for competitions outside Romania.
According to the survey, athlete Alexandru Corneschi is the most followed "influencer persona" online, for advice related to training, equipment or competitions, and the Runners Club is the most appreciated local community. At a global level, the Global Cycling Network platform has become a landmark for cycling lovers, and it is the same in Romania as well.
"The fact that I am nominated as the most followed influencer persona in the online sports environment in Romania is not just a personal recognition, but proof of the power of the community that sport creates. To me, running and sports in general are not just performance, but a way of living, learning and inspiring. I strongly believe that every kilometre we travel, every race and every training bring us closer not only to our goals, but also to each other. Sport is more than results - it means discipline, health, friends and stories that stay with us forever," says Corneschi.
Participating in competitions also entails financial efforts. Almost half of the runners (47%) spent between RON 200 and RON 1,000 in participation fees for these events in 2024. About 20% paid less than RON 200 lei and about 20% ran totals of between RON 1,000 and RON 2,000.
For the majority (87%), these costs were borne out of their own pocket, with a small percentage benefiting from support from a company (9%) or a club (1%).
Endurance RO-Index is based on a survey conducted on competitors who participated in running, cycling or triathlon competitions in the previous year. The 2025 edition evaluated the amateur events in 2024.
The survey was conducted online on 1,110 respondents over 15 years old, with support from sports event organisers.
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