UVT Liberty Marathon, the flagship road running event in western Romania, is pleased to announce that the ambassador of the 2025 edition is Alina Dumitru, multiple European and world champion, the first and only athlete from Romania to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games in judo.
PrezAlina Dumitru's participation in the eighth edition of the marathon's history continues the tradition through which UVT Liberty Marathon has honored Romanian sporting excellence every year. This year's competition medal will bear the signature of the great judo champion, as in previous years emblematic names of Romanian sport have done, such as Constantina Diță, Simona Amânar, Camelia Potec, Andreea Răducan, Mihai Covaliu, Ana Maria Brânză and Gabriela Szabo.
For the rector of UVT, prof. dr. Marilen Gabriel Pirtea, this choice reflects a natural step towards consolidating the marathon as a living expression of the community: "With each edition, UVT Liberty Marathon becomes more than a competition, it becomes a community in motion, guided by values such as perseverance, determination and the desire for self-improvement. Alina Dumitru embodies this spirit through her sporting excellence and active involvement in promoting movement and a healthy lifestyle. She is an authentic role model for our entire community. We look forward to seeing you at the eighth edition of UVT Liberty Marathon, on September 27, 2025."
"For me, sport remains the most beautiful way to educate, inspire and bring people together. I gladly accepted the role of Ambassador of the UVT Liberty Marathon because I know how important it is to be there, in the middle of the community, and to talk about what movement really means.", said Alina Dumitru, who also emphasized that, after retiring from competitions, she wanted to stay close to people, to sport, and to an indispensable idea: movement is not optional, but essential.
Last but not least, this choice is also welcomed by Mihai Covaliu, president of the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee, who highlights the role of UVT Liberty Marathon in promoting Olympic values: "We are happy to continue our partnership with the West University of Timisoara, a true landmark for promoting modern education in Romania. The choice of Alina Dumitru, the only Romanian Olympic judo champion, as Ambassador of the UVT Liberty Marathon 2025, is one that honors this event that has become a tradition in Romania. Alina Dumitru is a symbol of excellence and perseverance, a champion who inspires through everything she does. The UVT Liberty Marathon promotes the Olympic values – Excellence, Friendship and Respect – and brings them to life in each edition."
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A career in the spirit of courage and discipline
Alina Dumitru She entered the history of Romanian sports with the Olympic gold medal she won in Beijing in 2008, in the judo event (48 kg category). She defeated the competition's big favorite, the Japanese Ryoko Tani, a multiple world and Olympic champion, in the final.
In addition to Olympic gold, Alina also has o Olympic silver medal (London 2012), eight European titles, two European bronze medals and three more bronze medals won at world championships. She is one of the most decorated judokas in Europe.
After retiring from the sport, Alina remained active in sports, dedicating herself to promoting the younger generations in the world of Romanian judo and participating in initiatives that emphasize health, education, and movement.
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UVT Liberty Marathon: community energy
Besides being a classic time trial, the UVT Liberty Marathon is a point of intersection between people, ideas, and steps that truly leave a mark.
Since 2018, the event has brought together thousands of participants from Romania and abroad, transforming the streets of Timisoara into a common route for professional runners, brave beginners, and supporters who understand that movement means more than speed.
The event has become a landmark of urban running precisely because it combines competition with community spirit and the joy of being part of a project that grows year after year.
The competition includes races for all levels of fitness – from the 2 km cross-country race and children's races, to 10.5 km timed races, half marathon, marathon and relay, the route being designed for accessibility for people with disabilities.
The previous edition (2024) recorded a new participation record, with over 4.000 runners, several thousand more supporters and over 500 volunteers. UVT Liberty Marathon is a World Athletics approved route, and in 2023 it also hosted the National Marathon Championship as part of the event, in partnership with the Romanian Athletics Federation.
The previous edition (2024) recorded a new participation record, with over 4.000 runners, several thousand more supporters and over 500 volunteers. UVT Liberty Marathon is a World Athletics approved route, and in 2023 it also hosted Campio as part of the event.nNational Marathon, in partnership with the Romanian Athletics Federation.
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A community built from steps and stories
Each edition of the UVT Liberty Marathon is a story told in steps, emotions and heartbeats. In this context, the choice of the ambassador becomes a weighty gesture: an arc between sporting excellence and the courage of those who set out on the road, perhaps for the first time.
When the signature of an Olympic champion lands on your medal, you understand that things are not just a simple design detail, but outline a personal, unspoken, but powerful enough message: "You too have your place here! Dare to run!"
UVT Liberty Marathon will take place on the weekend of September 27–28, 2025, in Timișoara. Until May 31, registrations benefit from reduced prices (Early Bird stage), with fees increasing from June. Registrations are open on https://libertymarathon.uvt.ro.
