More than 100 paddlers took to the Danube Delta in a new event staged in memory of Romanian canoeing great Ivan Patzaichin.
The Ivan Patzaichin International Canoe Marathon was held for the first time from May 23 to 25.
The inaugural event has been named after Patzaichin, who won seven Olympic medals, including four golds and three silvers, and multiple world titles in a glittering career.
Patzaichin, who was awarded the Olympic Order in 1990, passed away aged 71 in September 2021, but his legend lives on with this event organised by the Ivan Patzaichin Association – Mila 23.
Enthusiasts of kayaking, canoeing and Stand Up Paddling (SUP) took on the 46km route called "Ivan’s Delta", connecting the Ivan Patzaichin Memorial in Tulcea with the Ivan Patzaichin Museum in Mila 23.
“My father would have been thrilled to see a paddling competition on the Danube,” said Ivona Patzaichin-Rusu, President of the Ivan Patzaichin Association – Mila 23.
“I hope that all participants, both elite and beginners, enjoyed this experience and want to repeat it.
“I know his name is mostly associated with high-performance sport and intense competition, but I encourage everyone navigating the ‘Ivan’s Delta’ route to take the time and cultivate the state of mind to observe nature during the race and to truly appreciate the Delta from the water.
“It’s a genuine opportunity to understand and savour the richness of this place.”
Toma Simionov, Ivan Patzaichin’s former doubles partner, was present at the event to offer the medals while several of Patzaichin’s trainees – former athletes and world champions Ciprian Popa, Loredan Popa, and Iosif Chirila were among the participants.
London 2012 Olympian Mitrea Ionut and Matei Barbu, who won the junior category at the 2024 ICF SUP World Championships were also those in action.
Participants completed the 46 km course in a single day or over two days, staying overnight at one eco-lodging point along the trail.
The event offered an experience accessible to both professional athletes and nature-loving amateurs seeking adventure.
“The Ivan Patzaichin Canoe Marathon International goes beyond being just a sporting event – it stands as a model of sustainable tourism that blends environmental preservation, ecological awareness, the celebration of natural and cultural heritage, and forward-thinking infrastructure,” added Patzaichin-Rusu.
Photos by Florin Dutulescu
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