Romanian trail runner Sebastian Butcovan completed an extraordinary mountain performance: in a single continuous tour he touched all 30 peaks above 2,000 meters in the Rodnei Mountains. The RODNEI 30 challenge covered 68.48 kilometers with 4,939 meters of positive elevation gain, completed in 17 hours and 56 minutes, the Maramureș Mountain Running Sports Club announced.
🏔️ More than a classic ridge traverse
The classic ridge traverse of the Rodnei Mountains is already demanding, but RODNEI 30 went further. Butcovan’s goal was not just to follow the main crest, but to reach every single peak above 2,000 meters. This meant repeated deviations from the trail, descents that erased the altitude gained, and climbs that had to be restarted, including unmarked, technical alpine terrain.
📍 From Pietrosul Rodnei to the hidden summits
The route linked the Ineu, Gărgălău, Puzdrele, Cormaia, Rebra, Buhăescu and Pietrosul Rodnei areas. The highest point was Pietrosul Rodnei at 2,303 meters. Less-known peaks such as Tomnatec, La Cepi, Obârșia Rebrii and Piatra Albă were also part of the challenge.
„The idea of RODNEI 30 came from the desire to connect all the peaks above 2,000 meters of the Rodnei Mountains into a single tour. Not just the main crest, but all 30,” the athlete said.
🔍 What’s next
Butcovan hopes RODNEI 30 will become a challenge for other well-prepared mountain runners and experienced hikers. The route was fully recorded with GPS, and the detailed data can be consulted on Strava.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
