In June, visiting Romania, waiting for Canadian visa, I had the opportunity to run at DHL Marathon, Stafeta Carpatilor. I have received the race number at the start line. Personally, the cooler weather and the fine rain during the race constituted an advantage. There were around 20 runners for the marathon and many others for the half marathon and the marathon relay.  This was my first official marathon on asphalt and I established my personal best. I have finished in 3 hours and 30 minute, without being tired. Comparing this race with the ones that I run in US I realized that the runners were more focused on the race. In some spots, where the route had some loops I encouraged the runners that were coming from the opposite way. The Romanians were surprised, only the foreigners answering back. The race seemed to be well organized. The volunteers were not too cheerful, maybe because of lack of experience.

Some picture

Walking toward the start line, I encountered a poster: Why would you bother running, when you can spend your time shopping? Of course, the meaning is out of the context, but I found it very funny.