Run for Romania 2023
Sign up now for an unforgettable weekend in Bucharest!
Meet the IJM Romania team and run the Bucharest Marathon as part of Anti-Slavery Week, to help IJM stop trafficking in Europe and around the world!
Saturday 14th - Sunday 15th October 2023
Suggested trip itinerary:
Saturday 14th:
- Late afternoon: The adventure begins with a unique chance to meet our IJM Romania team, hear about survivors like Mara* who was trafficked from Romania to the UK, and get inspired about how you're helping to stop trafficking.
- Evening: Time to carb load! Why not get together with other runners for a meal ahead of the big day?
Sunday 15th: Race day!
- Morning: Run your race, passing by the most famous cultural landmarks of Bucharest, knowing that every step you take is helping stop slavery and violence.
- Afternoon: Free time to relax. Enjoy the beautiful sights of Bucharest, and celebrate your amazing achievement!
Cheap return flights are available from most UK airports - simply choose a time that suits you.
Why not gather some friends and make a weekend of it in the beautiful city of Bucharest?
How the marathon festival works
This weekend of races has something for everyone - no matter your age or ability.
You can sign up to run a 10km race, a relay race with friends, a half marathon or challenge yourself to a full marathon.
Runners like you will be able to explore the capital on an extraordinary route, starting from Libertății Boulevard (in front of Izvor Park) and finishing in Constitution Square.
IJM UK will pay your race fee and support you with advice on hotels and travel. You’ll also receive an IJM running top as well as tailored support to help you fundraise and make the biggest difference to people trapped in slavery and violence around the world.
Why Run for Romania?
The Global Slavery Index estimates that 145,000 people are living in modern slavery in Romania, making it one of the highest populations living in slavery in Eastern Europe.
Since 2020, IJM Romania has worked with local police to bring 107 people to safety from trafficking. We've provided holistic, cross-border support services to more than 50 survivors, many of whom experienced brutal sexual exploitation.
With local authorities and partners, we've seen over 100 perpetrators held to account, and 33 traffickers convicted in local courts - including in the UK.
Through your fundraising, you'd be helping to support people like Mara. At
the beginning of 2023, thanks to Mara’s testimony and IJM’s support, three traffickers were found guilty of sex trafficking in a UK court.
Find out more about how your fundraising would help stop trafficking in Europe and support IJM's wider work around the world!
What are you waiting for? Sign up now to Run for Romania!
*Pseudonym and stock image used to protect survivor's identity.