Why a « Mountain Marathon »?
« Hercules Maraton » shall be the first mountain marathon in western region of the country. As we were competing in “Piatra Craiului” Marathon, which gathered about 300 participants, we’ve realized that this sport (trail running) is gaining more and more popularity in Romania but there was only ONE competition of this kind! This was the decisive factor which determined us to organize this event, Hercules Maraton, aiming to bring the challenges and rewards of this sport in our Banat region.
 
Why “Hercules” Marathon?
 
Major mountain marathons’ in Europe – Marathon du Mont Blanc, Olympus Marathon – link their names to the places where they take place. Thus, “Hercules Maraton” aims to symbolize the geographical area – Herculane Spas – but also to suggest the strength and motivation which one has to possess in order to complete the track.
 
Why Herculane Spas – Cerna Valley?
 
The Herculane area is famous for its exceptional beauty, superbly clean air and of course, the therapeutic qualities of its waters. The special variety of landscapes – limestone walls, canyons, cliffs with sub Mediterranean vegetation, beech forests, caves and springs – delights the eye with unique views. We believe that this beauty combined with its special terrain configuration, represents a great incentive to all participants!
 
May 23!
As the Mediterranean micro-climate means hot summers, we specially chose this weekend of May – May 22 – 24 – to aim for the best running conditions!
 
Mission
1. Our wish is to boost the motivation of people to get out in the nature, to spend their time practicing a physical activity, to improve their fitness and to surpass their limits.
2. Raise the awareness of the participants of humans’ impact on nature and promote the respect for our environment. Because we wish to leave mountains as clean as we’ve found them, all competitors should assume the responsibility that no waste shall be left behind. As for the organizers, we will treat with utmost attention the removal of all materials used in the trail markups.
For any information concerning the competition, please contact us at: herculesmaraton@alternativetm.ro
 

Registration process:

Fill the registration form (download here)
E-mail it to us and attach a copy of your proof of payment (see below for payment methods): herculesmaraton@alternativetm.ro
Accept the rules of the competition (sign at you arrival)

How to pay the registration fee:

    * Before May 15:
Transfer to our organizations’ bank account, with payment details:
„Name, Surname – Hercules Maraton”

Clubul Sportiv Alternative
Banca Comerciala Romana
Sucursala Timis Bastion
IBAN: RO65RNCB0255114610340001

    * At the technical meeting on May 22!

 
Track
 
This track represents a challenge for all of us. Either you are super-well-trained and you aim for the first place, or you want to prove yourself that you can do it, this track will charm you with the diversity and beauty of its landscapes.
 
Description:
 
Length: 37.5km
Total elevation difference: 2030m
Type of terrain: mountain paths and forest tracks; except some steep parts, fit for running
Overview: mountain circuit around Arjana Peak (1512m)
Overview
 
Start on Cerna Valley, 11km upstream of Herculane Spas. Climb the valley for 2km (asphalt), cross the river and take a forrest track to climb the Cerna Mountains  towards Arjana Peak, until reaching the Dobraia hamlet’s church. Until this point, we have appx 670m positive vertical gain. The track continues on a carriage road climbing sofly the Bedina valley, under the Piatra Corbului peak, then reaches the Poiana Lunga at km 10, followed by a contour of Arjana Peak and keeps on with slight slope variations until Cracul Teiului pass, at km15. From here, it descends to Bogaltin village on the other side of Cerna Mountains, at km19.
 
From Bogaltin village, take a steep climb on a carriage road and reach the last asphalt portion of the track. A mountain track follows reaching the alpine terrain, continuing on a reasonable ascending path. At km 26.5 the track reaches its highest point -1480m, near Iutii peak. This part is the most demanding, with appx 900m positive vertical gain. A slight descent follows on.
 
From Prislop pass, the track leaves the ridge and takes a forest track for the descent to Prisacina mountain hamlet and reaches again the church from Dobraia, after 34km. The final descent is on the same path as the beginning of the track – towards the finish line next to Dumbrava motel.
 

Elevation profile:

Detailed elevation profile:

No.  Location  Altitude     Total distance Intermediate distance Vertical positiv gain Vertical negative
0. Start 222m - - - -
1. Podul Tasnei 272m 2.3km 2.3km 72m 22m
2. Biserica Dobraia 885m 6.5km 4.2km 618m 5m
3. Poiana Lunga 992m 10km 3.5km 172m 65m
4. Pas Cracul Teiului 905m 15km 5km 88m 175m
5. Bogaltin 567m 19km 4km 0m 338m
6. Poiana Matii 1084m 22.7km 3.7km 517m 0m
7. Cracul Ciumerna 1164m 24.4km 1.7km 107m 27m
8. Saua Ciumerna 1480m 26.5km 2.1km 316m 0m
9. Saua Prislop 1268m 28.8km 2.3km 0m 212m
10. Prisacina 831m 31.1km 2.3km 0m 437m
11. Biserica Dobraia 885m 33.6km 2.5km 144m 90m
12. Finish 263m 37.5km 3.9km 0m 622m

Check and refreshment points:

No.  Point Name            Point   Total distance
0. Start Pod Vanturatoarea Check point -
1. Podul Tasnei Check point 2.3km
2. Izvor Cracul Teiului2/trecerea 1 Refreshment point 5.6km
3. Biserica Dobraia/trecerea 1 Check point 6.5km
4. Izvor Poiana Lunga Revitalizare 12.8km
5. Cracul Teiului-Bogaltin Check point 15.6km
6. Sat Bogaltin Check and Refreshment point 19.0km
7. Izvor Poiana Matzii Refreshment point 22.5km
8. Cracul Ciumerna Check point 24.4km
9. Saua Ciumerna Check point 26.5km
10. Saua Prislop Check point 28.8km
11. Sat Prisacina Check and Refreshment point 31.1km
12. Biserica Dobraia/trecerea 2 Check point 33.6km
13. Izvor Cracul Teiului2/trecerea 2 Refreshment point 34.5km
14. Finish Motel Dumbrava Check and Refreshment point 37.5km

GPS track here: gpx (Garmin Map Source) or kml (Google Earth).

 
1. General description
  • Outdoor mountain competition
  • The track comprises forest roads, public roads, marked touristic paths and unmarked mountain and forest paths. The organizers will place markings all along the track.
 
2. Participation
  • Open to any person with minimum age limit: 16. Note: Competitors under 18years old need a written approval from parents.
  • The organizers recommend only the participation of persons medically fit for effort.
 
3. Categories
  • General Female
  • General Male
  • 16-29 years Female
  • 16-29 years Male
  • 30-40 years Female
  • 30-40 years Male
  • 40+ Female
  • 40+ Male
 
Prizes awarded only for categories with minimum 5 competitors. In case of less then 5 competitors for the category, it will be merged with the one preceding it.
 
4. Equipment
  • Mandatory: competitor number attached visibly in front side, all time during the competition
  • Recommended: Waterproof gear, water (camelback), energy bars, mobile phone, trekking poles.
 
5. Time is measured with „one second” precision.
 
6. Registration and validation of registrations
  • According to „Registration section”;
  • Validation on Saturday May 22, starting 18:00h at Dumbrava guest house;
  • For validation, a valid ID is needed, along with the signature of acceptance of the competition rules and a declaration of assuming the responsibility in case of accident. For minors, the declaration needs to be signed by the parents/tutor.
  • You will receive the competitor number.
 
7. Refund: last date for refund is April 15, 2010.
 
8. Technical Meeting: Saturday, May 22 2010 at 20:00h
 
9. Start: Sunday, 23 May 2010, at 9:00h
 
10. Checkpoint/Refreshment post
Checkpoints and refreshment posts will be set up along the track. The competitors must       pass by all the checkpoints – failing to do so will disqualify the competitor. At refreshment posts water, energizing drinks and fruits shall be provided.
 
11. The time limit is 9h (closing at 18:00h). Mandatory intermediate time is 4h, in the Bogaltin village checkpoint (at 13:00h). Participants not observing this limit shall be disqualified.
 
12. Stop / withdrawing from competition
The organizers may stop a participant’s race in the following situations:
  • Accident after the Start
  • Participant did not reach the intermediate time limit
  • Exceptional cases.
Any participant who can not or does not want to continue the race, for any reason, agrees to inform the organizers as soon as possible.
 
 
13. Actions attracting the disqualification of a participant:
  • Not observing the mandatory track; it is forbidden to shortcut the track by any means
  • Missing a checkpoint
  • Losing the participation number of failing to display the number, visibly on the chest
  • Using any vehicle during the race
  • Exceeding the imposed time limits
  • Abandon of equipment along the track
  • Leaving any garbage on the track
  • Un-respectful / un-sporty behavior towards other competitors, officials, organisers, supporters and locals.
 
* The organizers do not assume any responsibility in case of an accident or in case of a prejudice occurred due to participation at „Hercules Maraton” and reserve the right to change the track or stop the race in exceptional circumstances.
 

Sponsers: 

 

   
    
 
    

  

Partners:

       

Media:

  
  

   

        
 
Adevarul   Viva Sport    Ziua de Vest    Banateanul    News Timisoara    Adevarul    Sport Banat
 Hot News   TV89

Partner Race:

  

    

 

 
There are several possibilities for accomodation in the the Spa Town of Herculane, at 12km from the start/finish line. We recommend also the guest houses situated upstream the Cerna valley, closer to the place of competition.
 
Depending on your preferences, we suggest the following choices:
  • With your tent in the private glade near finish line
  • Dumbrava Guest House, at the border of Caras-Severin and Mehedinti county, situtated also next to the finish line: 25 double rooms with shower are available, at the price of 80RON (~20euro). We have reserved the entire guest house for this event – please contact us at herculesmaraton@alternativetm.ro before May 1 if you wish to be lodged there. The guest house also runs a 70 seats restaurant which serves hot meals.
  • Tierna Hotel – 4km downstream of start/finish line. Facilities: sauna, pool, thermal spa and fitness room. Price: 200RON (~50euro) the double room, breakfast included. For reservations please contact us at herculesmaraton@alternativetm.ro
HERCULANE
 
For those of you who wish to spend one day before/after the Maraton discovering the adveturous lanscapes of Herculane, we propose a variety of activities – trekking, bike, rafting, canyoning, alpinism and climbing.
 
 „Vertical Adveture” Team challenges you to taste some adrenalin and get to know yourself better through these two activities: RAFTING and CANYONING.

Rafting: descent of Cerna river with the inflatable boats – under reserve of acceptable water level. The price is 150RON/person or 100RON/person for groups of 20+. Fair swimming skills required.
 
Canyoning:descending a canyon using mountaineering techniques such as abseiling waterfalls and jumps. The price is 100RON/pers and includes all necessary equipement, coaching, assistance on the track and photographs.
 
For rafting and canyoning please make a reservation in time (preferably before 1 May), by phone +40723.993.359 / +40722.690.324 or by email office@verticaladventure.ro. For more information visit www.verticaladventure.ro.
TREKKING
 
1. Motel Dumbrava -Vanturatoarea Waterfall (marking: Red Cross, 3h round-trip)
Departing from Dumbrava Motel, we’ll follow the road for appx. 1km, then, after crossing the Cerna river, we’ll climb the windy forest path which leads to the 30m high Vinturatoarea Waterfall. This is a pleasant forest track, offering great views of Mehedinti Mountains, Cerna valley and the start line of the marathon.
 
2. Motel Dumbrava - Cheile Tesnei - Poiana Bechet 

(marking: Blue Cross 4h round-trip)
Heading towards Herculane, from the Dumbrava Motel, we’ll take a steeper path on the left, leading us to Tesna keys. This is a trek through a variety of landscapes – forests, quais, glades, waterfalls, cliffs and the famous black pine of Banat. By the end of the keys, we’ll find the „Devils Mill” (Moara Dracului) - a traditional vertical fall watermill, not far from the turning point for our trip, the Bechet Glade. Once, the border between Romania and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, lied along this trek on the Tesna river.
 

3. Crovul Mare-Poiana Mare-Poiana Beletinei

(marking: Red Cross, unmarked path, Blue Triangle).
Seven km-s upstream of Dumbrava Motel, we’ll follow the Red Cross marking which climbs the „Tamna Seaca” towards „Crovul Mare”. Taking the unmarked path, we’ll pas by „Crovul Mare”, „Poiana Mare” and „Poiana Beletinei”. From there, we’ll take a path to the left (Blue Triangle) descending to the Cerna Valley.
For the unmarked path you can check this GPS track.
 
You can find plenty of other beautiful treks in the region, such as Drastanic’s Keys, Prisacina’s Keys and the „Crovuri” (Mehedinti Mountains), all unmarked.
For Drastanic’s Keys you can choose the canyoning trip offered by our „Vertical Adventure” Team and here you’ll find a GPS track of the „Crovuri” (Mehedinti Mountains).
 
BIKE
 
1. Motel Dumbrava - Cerna Sat - Cheile Corcoaiei - lacul Iovan

(appx.  35km one way, mixt).
The track goes upstream the Cerna Valley, on the road. After 8km, there is a nice stop for a view on the „Piatra Puscata” and on the path carved in the stone in 1839. Continue for 5 more km-s before leaving the main road (to Baia de Arama) and take the unasphalted road to Cerna Village (this intersection is marked). For a nice view on the Bobot wall, we suggest you to follow the road for a few hundred meters, until the panoramic point. From the intersection until Cenra Village (Cerna Sat), there are appx. 12 km-s. In the village, one can visit a watermill which is still in use.
Right after leaving the Cerna Village is the entry in the Corcoaiei’s Keys. You can bring the bikes on the other side of the river using the small bridge. Visiting the keys won’t take much of your time and it worths it. From this point the road takes a steep but short climb, then again it gets mild. The last effort is the one at the dam.
Check  some photos here.

2. Motel Dumbrava - Pasul Godeanu - Sat Godeanu 

Village(apx 25km dus, asphalt)
On the road coming from Herculane and heading to Baia de Arama, go along the Cerna Valley, by the „Piatra Puscata”, then pass by the intersection towards Cerna Sat and keep on the asphalted road. The view is superb on the Bobot Keys, Cerna mountains’ ridge, Stans’s Peak and Godeanu Village. See some of the images in this short film:
 

3. Circuitul prin muntii Mehedinti spre Izbucul Cernei

This is an alternative idea for a longer and more demanding track, with a lengh of appx. 85km-s, and 1400m altitude variation. To enter the circuit, leave the Dumbrava motel towards Cerna Village.
Find more details and  the GPS track here.
 
Climbing
 
For climbing and mountaineering tracks you can visit http://www.climbingtopo.ro  -  with details on the climbing regions and tracks. This is a project of C.S. Alternative Timisoara, following the need of gathering and sharing efficiently information on the Cerna Valley climbing region.
 
 
 
If  you wish to check the Cerna Valley meteo before the competition you can use this site:
Tabara de corturi
Carboloading
Sedinta tehnica
START
Podet Maraton
Daniela Marin - locul I feminin
Horia Colibasanu, Alexandru Fodor si Calin Tot
Lucian Clinciu SPONSER
Salvamontul in actiune
Viorel Palici HERCULES 2010
Medalii pentru toti
Punctul de alimentare de la sosire
Sosirea
Masaj dupa sosire
Interviu cu Viorel Palici