More than 2,000 sports and fitness enthusiasts from across the country, as well as from six other countries, embraced the Invictus spirit on Saturday and took part in the half marathon dedicated to the heroes of yesterday and today, organised in Bistrita.

The number of participants in the fourth edition of the Invictus Heroes Half Marathon was a record one, proof that the competition - for which registration is free of charge - is growing year by year and attracting ever more supporters.

Organised by the Bistrita branch of the Invictus Association, led by Afghanistan war veteran Florin Boc, the half marathon was supported by the Bistrita City Hall, the Bistrita-Nasaud County Council, the 81st Mechanised Brigade 'General Grigore Balan', Gloria Bistrita Sports Club, the Rotary Club Bistrita Nosa and numerous sponsors.

This year's edition was attended by Prince Radu, who gave the start of the first event, the half marathon, competition ambassadors - former footballer Ionut Rada and communications specialist Adrian Maniutiu - members of Team Invictus Romania, as well as soldiers from the United Kingdom, Lithuania, France, Belgium, Ukraine and Spain.

The strains of the National Anthem, performed by the Bistrita Garrison brass band and folk music singer Mirela Petrus, officially marked the start of the Invictus Heroes Half Marathon.

The competition director, Florin Boc, who in 2024 also became an honorary citizen of Bistrita, opened the event by speaking about his fellow servicemen.

'I am very glad that you chose to become part of the heroes' story, an event dedicated to them, the heroes of yesterday and today. I want to greet my comrades, thank you for being here, and I am honoured to have you by my side. I met some of them in hospital in Germany, others through the Invictus project. All I can say is that I am proud and honoured,' Florin Boc said.

Prince Radu of Romania paid tribute to military values and principles.

'We are deeply grateful to you for this wonderful spring day in which we pay tribute to the finest example we can receive in society - of sacrifice, modesty, discretion, kindness and love for family and country - all carried out with great dignity,' His Royal Highness stressed.

The start was given from the historic centre of Bistrita.

Competitions included the half marathon (21 kilometres), cross-country race (5 kilometres), Invictus Family race (2 kilometres) and children's race, with neither age nor disabilities representing an obstacle.

Participants competed individually and in teams, with children by their side or even accompanied by their dogs, while more than 300 volunteers guided and encouraged them throughout the event.

At the finish, participants' efforts were rewarded with medals and applause, and they are expected to return for the 2027 edition, driven by the desire to surpass themselves and by the Invictus spirit. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Tina Dumitrescu; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob)