Patagonia Marathon, Chile – 7marathons on 7continents

Last month, on September 24, I ran my 9th marathon on third continent – South America. I flew to Chile and I ran the Patagonian marathon. It was one of the most thrilling experiences of my life.

This marathon was part of my 7 marathons on 7 continents journey. I traveled more than 24 hours to get to the destination. I met some of the most wonderful and inspirational people. I met an American couple who ran the marathon as well and it was their last marathon as part of their 7 marathons on 7 continents journey. They gave me few tips for the Great Wall of China and Antarctica marathons. I learned that the Great Wall of China marathon might be the hardest marathon I will ever run and that Antarctica might be the most beautiful and unique experience I will ever have. And that I will get to hug penguins and perhaps take selfies with them. 🙂

I also met this wonderful group of runners from Germany. They were so nice and kind to me. I am thankful to have met them. ❤ When I arrived in Punta Arenas, I did not have a bus ticket and I was a little bit nervous about it. Didn’t really speak the language and I was worried I wouldn’t find my way around. But my new friends invited me to get a ride with them in their bus. In two hours we all arrived in Puerto Natales, a beautiful small city in Chile’s southern Patagonia.

If you decide to run a marathon somewhere around the world, please check out my friend’s running tours! I met my friend, Nils, in Patagonia and I was amazed that he ran over 90 marathons around the world. So cool and inspiring. Nils believes that running is a way of traveling. I love it! Check out his website “here” and maybe you decide to run a marathon with him one day. I will for sure one day! Thank you Nils and entire team for your love and kindness. And Good Luck running NYC Marathon! I will be there to support you all 🙂

Thank you so much to my family, friends and all donors. Thank you to my amazing manager, Josy, and coworkers for all the support and help. I raised more than $4000 running Patagonian marathon. We are so close to having raised $100,000 for education. ❤

Here are few pictures from the marathon. It’s been so busy and I still haven’t had a chance to go through all pictures and videos. I will have another blog post on Chile and Patagonia. I got to see beautiful places and do an incredible hike after my marathon. I really want to share it all with you! ❤

Before I left for Patagonia, I got my hair cut and my shirt. I was ready to run and raise more money for School #4!

 

Look how far I traveled to run the Patagonian Marathon!

And look who came with me!! My cheerleaders. I love them so much. Always, so supportive.

Happy Cookie Monster!!!

Fascinated by the colors and beautiful Patagonia!

He truly enjoyed the bus ride to Puerto Natales.

Misleading number, hahah. Only 80 people ran the marathon. And I was the first Romanian to ever run Patagonia Marathon! Woot-woot! Finally I’m first at something. 🙂

Race day! It was cold early morning but it got much warmer throughout the day.

Me and other beautiful runners I met in Patagonia!

The view was amazing! I stopped few times and tried to take it all in.

I think this was around mile 20. Beautiful!

❤

I ran the race with Run2BuildSchools shirt and Team For Kids hat! Yay!!!
Team For Kids family! ❤

Who ran Patagonia?! Meeee!

Happy and tired!

I met Ana Paula from Brazil! So sweet ❤ We talked about running together one day in Brazil.

Thank you Ana for taking these pictures. I was so happy! The view was stunning.

So beautiful!

Me at the finish line! I felt like jumping up and down. So HaPpY!!! ❤

Here is a cute video I took while running the marathon. The view was breathtaking!

One more marathon checked off my 7 marathons on 7 continents list!

Next year is ASIA – Great Wall of China! and many, many marathons between!

❤ ❤ IT’S ALL FOR KIDS AND SCHOOLS!!! ❤ ❤

 Thank you so much for the support and love! ❤