THE AnSWER VAULT
FIND SOLUTIONS, TIPS & ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS
I registered for a race, but cannot find my email. How can I verify my registration?
You should have received a registration confirmation email in your inbox. Please also check your Spam folder. If you cannot find it, you can check your registration on our njuko platform. Simply visit the registration section, log in to your account and click Check my registration. If you still have trouble verifying your registration, send us and email at run@zmeuxfest.ro and we will look into it for you.
What if I can’t attend a race I registered for?
If you registered and cannot attend, you need to let us know by email at run@zmeuxfest.ro by April 20th 2025. You can opt for partial reimbursement of the registration fee, or you can choose to transfer your registration to another runner, which will incur a surcharge of 50 RON paid upon registration, as well as the race fee difference in case they opt for another race.
I want to change race. How do I proceed?
Simply let us know by email at run@zmeuxfest.ro by April 20th 2025, and we will transfer you to the race of your choice. Please note that there will be a surcharge of 50 RON paid upon registration, as well as the race fee difference.
I am interested in doing a trail, but I am mostly into hiking. Is walking allowed?
Absolutely! Lots of hikers do our runs. Most of our courses involve going over steep sections, a good number of runners also hike these sections as a race strategy to preserve energy. However, it is worth to note that all our courses have time limits and cut off times across the distance. As long as you make sure you make it before the cut off times and time limit, you are free to do the course at your own pace.
How old do I need to be to participate in Zmeu X-Fest?
Runners over 18 years of age may participate in any Zmeu X-Fest course. Runners who are under 18 years of age may only participate in the Short Uphill or Classic Mountain races.
What is the course terrain like?
The course has several different types of terrain which consist of flat grassy fields, rock gardens, roots, gravel roads, fire roads, and flowing single track. The track sections are not too technical, but they are quite steep.
Will I need special gear?
No special gear is required, but due to the steepness of each course, running or trekking poles will be of huge help!
Will I need special clothes?
Depending on the weather conditions, we will advise participants regarding mandatory equipment closer to the event.
What happens in case of bad weather?
Zmeu X-Fest takes place at the start of May, which means it is highly likely to expect snow at some altitudines. As the weather changes and we adjust to the new season, we may experience rain or heavy precipitations at altitude. It’s not called mountain running for nada!
You will be advised on mandatory gear prior to the event. In case of dangerous weather reports, we will adjust the courses or even resort to alternative safe routes. For more information, please read our Race Rules page.
Should I be training on trails to get ready?
You should ABSOLUTELY be training on trails! Zmeu X-Fest is not a race to be taken lightly. The terrain is rugged, wild and steep, so getting ready on similar trails can help prevent injuries and make sure you are ready to take up the challenge.
I’m afraid of getting lost. Will the course be clearly marked?
If a junction is coming up, we pre-announce it by putting streamers (at eye level) and pin flags (stuck into the ground) on the side you need to turn to. After you make the turn, look for streamers ahead of you at eye level. These are called “confidence streamers” and are an indication that you are on the right track.
Do I need insurance?
It’s really important you get suitable and adequate insurance to take part in Zmeu X-Fest. For more information, please read our Race Rules page.
Can I run with my pet?
Although we love pets, you will be advised to leave them at home. Because of the difficulty of the each course, some sections might prove to be too much for our beloved furry friends.
Where can I except aid stations on the trail?
Each race has aid stations set up in designated open areas. To find out more about the aid stations for a specific race, please check your race page on our website.
What kind of food will there be at aid stations?
The foods that we stock at aid stations are foods that are easy to digest and have a good mix of protein and carbs such as crackers, energy bars, sweets, bananas, nuts and cakes. Drink wise, we provide plain water as well as Coke and electrolyte drink. You are free to pack this food and liquid with you as you go to the next aid station. We recommend you eat and drink frequently to prevent fatigue.
Will there be photographers on course? Where can I access the pictures after the race?
On most of our runs you can expect a photographer on the course and all pictures taken will be available online. Pictures taken by our professional photographers will be available free of charge for you to download for your personal use.
Do you provide finishers medals or awards?
Yes, we give out personalised medals for each race to every finisher. Also, on all our courses, you can earn ITRA points and qualify for races in the UTMB Series. We will award a number of runners for each race in the male and female categories at the end of the event. Please see our Rules page for more details.
What if I run into wildlife on the trail?
Although Bucovina is one of the wildest regions in Europe, home to the wild boar, the grey wolf and the lynx, the chance of you running into either of them is next to 0. They are easily startled and considering the large number of participants in this event, you will not enjoy any close encounters with wildlife. However, you are more likely to run into flocks of sheep guarded by dogs. As event organisers, we liaise with all shepherds in the area and discuss race program and conditions, to make sure no flocks of sheep will be present on trails during the race.
How do I get to the start area?
You will have different start areas depending on the course you choose. All this information can be found on each race page on our website and will be contained in your joining instructions. But if you have any questions, please get in touch. You are responsible for getting to the start of the event on time.
What do you recommend for accommodation?
You can choose the accommodation that suits you best and is closest to the start area of your course, using Booking.com. Otherwise, you can check our Partners page and look into our hospitality partners.
What restaurants do you recommend?
The hospitality and local cuisine in Bucovina is unmatched. Simply check our Partners page and scroll down to Eat & Sleep. You will be directed to a Tripadvisor page, recommending the best restaurants in the area, which are bound to give you a treat you won’t forget.
I’m traveling with non-runners. What is there to do around in the area?
Most of our runners bring their friends or family along for the weekend. For things to do around Câmpulung Moldovenesc, simply check our Partners page and scroll down to Eat & Sleep. You will be directed to a Tripadvisor page, with everything there is to do culturally around Câmpulung, as well as places where you can eat.