SUN PLAZA 
ESPLANADA NORD Sun Challenge Văcărești is the greenest sports event in Bucharest, organized by Sun Plaza, turning running into an act of environmental responsibility every autumn. Surrounded by the protected wilderness of Văcărești Natural Park, participants get the chance to discover a different side of Bucharest – one where their steps tell stories about biodiversity, care for the environment, and community spirit.
On October 5, 2025, we invite you to run where the city gives way to nature and the heart of the capital beats to the rhythm of wildlife. Choose one of the three distances – 5 km, 10 km, or 20 km – and sign up for the race. With every kilometer you run, you support a real project with a direct impact on the environment and the community. Together, we turn sport into a tool for ecological conservation.
Each edition of Sun Challenge has marked a meaningful step for the urban ecosystem of Văcărești Delta. In 2019, we built a maternity shelter for turtles; in 2021, we launched conservation programs for otters (Yes, there are otters in Bucharest!); in 2022, we created the greenest urban running trail, 10 km long; and in 2023, we built floating shelters for several protected or endangered species. In 2024, we created a sustainable playground made from eco-friendly materials for children, offering the community a safe and educational space where future generations can learn about nature right in its midst. All these achievements were made possible by the contributions of runners who understood that a race means more than sport – it means involvement.
The 2025 edition is dedicated to protecting six species of amphibians, key elements of the delicate ecosystem in Văcărești Natural Park. Their role is vital: they help maintain water quality and the biological balance of wetlands, acting as indicators of environmental health. Through this year’s project, we aim to build shelters specifically designed for these species, clean and restore the aquatic spaces where they live, and develop ecological education initiatives that bring the public closer to understanding their role and value. This effort is not only about conservation but also about raising awareness of the importance of urban biodiversity. By participating in Sun Challenge 2025, you become part of an ecological responsibility project that will last beyond the event day. Running thus becomes a commitment – to nature, to the community, to the future.
Sun Plaza brings back the most beautiful, relaxing, and generous running race! This year, we aim to protect the silent lives that bring balance and vitality to the urban ecosystem – the six species of amphibians living in Văcărești Natural Park. This project is not just about conservation, but also about understanding, education, and respect for biodiversity.
Our main goal is to build special shelters for amphibians, clean the wetlands where they live, and promote ecological education about the importance of these small creatures for environmental health. Amphibians help filter water, maintain the food chain balance, and serve as indicators of ecosystem quality. Through the Sun Challenge 2025 project, we want to offer them a safe, protected, and sustainable environment in the heart of the city.
Will you sign up for Sun Challenge to be part of the project dedicated to amphibians?
Together, we take care of Văcărești Park!
For registration and more details about Sun Challenge 2025, visit us at https://www.sun-plaza.ro/sun-challenge-2025/
Sun Challenge Văcărești is the greenest sports event in Bucharest, organized by Sun Plaza, turning running into an act of environmental responsibility every autumn. Surrounded by the protected wilderness of Văcărești Natural Park, participants get the chance to discover a different side of Bucharest – one where their steps tell stories about biodiversity, care for the environment, and community spirit.
On October 5, 2025, we invite you to run where the city gives way to nature and the heart of the capital beats to the rhythm of wildlife. Choose one of the three distances – 5 km, 10 km, or 20 km – and sign up for the race. With every kilometer you run, you support a real project with a direct impact on the environment and the community. Together, we turn sport into a tool for ecological conservation.
Each edition of Sun Challenge has marked a meaningful step for the urban ecosystem of Văcărești Delta. In 2019, we built a maternity shelter for turtles; in 2021, we launched conservation programs for otters (Yes, there are otters in Bucharest!); in 2022, we created the greenest urban running trail, 10 km long; and in 2023, we built floating shelters for several protected or endangered species. In 2024, we created a sustainable playground made from eco-friendly materials for children, offering the community a safe and educational space where future generations can learn about nature right in its midst. All these achievements were made possible by the contributions of runners who understood that a race means more than sport – it means involvement.
The 2025 edition is dedicated to protecting six species of amphibians, key elements of the delicate ecosystem in Văcărești Natural Park. Their role is vital: they help maintain water quality and the biological balance of wetlands, acting as indicators of environmental health. Through this year’s project, we aim to build shelters specifically designed for these species, clean and restore the aquatic spaces where they live, and develop ecological education initiatives that bring the public closer to understanding their role and value. This effort is not only about conservation but also about raising awareness of the importance of urban biodiversity. By participating in Sun Challenge 2025, you become part of an ecological responsibility project that will last beyond the event day. Running thus becomes a commitment – to nature, to the community, to the future.
Sun Plaza brings back the most beautiful, relaxing, and generous running race! This year, we aim to protect the silent lives that bring balance and vitality to the urban ecosystem – the six species of amphibians living in Văcărești Natural Park. This project is not just about conservation, but also about understanding, education, and respect for biodiversity.
Our main goal is to build special shelters for amphibians, clean the wetlands where they live, and promote ecological education about the importance of these small creatures for environmental health. Amphibians help filter water, maintain the food chain balance, and serve as indicators of ecosystem quality. Through the Sun Challenge 2025 project, we want to offer them a safe, protected, and sustainable environment in the heart of the city.
Will you sign up for Sun Challenge to be part of the project dedicated to amphibians?
Together, we take care of Văcărești Park!
For registration and more details about Sun Challenge 2025, visit us at https://www.sun-plaza.ro/sun-challenge-2025/
