Propark – Foundation for Protected Areas, with the support of Brașov City Hall, is organizing the second edition of the adventure competition that promotes protected areas in Brașov County, titled Propark Adventure Race Family & Friends, taking place on September 9, 2023, within the city of Brașov.

Propark Adventure Race Family & Friends is a spin-off of the original Propark Adventure Race launched in 2016 – an annual competition that challenges athletes to test their physical and mental abilities, as well as their knowledge about nature, across various protected areas in Romania.

With the first Family & Friends edition launched in 2022, the concept was designed as an accessible adventure raceopen to the general public, allowing participants to get a taste of the experience typically reserved for the athletes in the full Propark Adventure Race.

This edition offers a family- and friend-friendly route through protected natural areas within Brașov, connecting participants with the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

All relevant details about the competition – rules, registration, and updates – can be found at www.propark-adventure.roand on our Facebook page.

 

What is Propark Adventure Race Family & Friends?

• An adventure experience designed to explore a selection of protected areas in Brașov County.
• Orienteering challenge – Each team receives a map with 10 control points just one day before the race. Teams must chart their own route between points.
• Special tasks – At each control point, a team of facilitators will guide participants through a themed challenge. These will test knowledge of the natural and cultural values of protected areas in Brașov.
• Teamwork – Teams must be made up of 4 members, including at least one minor. All challenges must be completed by the whole team – offering a fun and meaningful way to learn more about the environment, protected areas, and to enjoy nature together.
• Special guests – Each control point will be staffed by a representative of a protected area from Brașov County who will lead the challenge at that station.
• Promoting natural values – Every team will choose and represent a protected area from Brașov or neighboring counties as their team name. Teams are encouraged to post on social media about their experience and promote the values and destinations of these areas.

What’s New in 2023?

Propark Adventure Race Family & Friends is joining the Green Cities Forum (FOV) 2023 – Brașov, the largest environmental sustainability event in Romania. A surprise awaits both competitors and supporters!

Supporters will be able to help their favorite teams by participating in nature-themed games and activities. By joining these events, they can earn vouchers that can be “donated” to a team – potentially helping them avoid penalties during the special challenges at the 10 control points.

September 9 Activity Centers – at FOV

The nature education activities and 5 interactive tents will be hosted along Eroilor Boulevard, in front of and inside Colegiul Național Unirea, as designated by Brașov City Hall.

Main activities:

• Escape Tent – A nature-themed escape game where participants solve challenges to collect "seeds to save the planet".
  • Age group: 9–14 years (with parents).
  • Duration: 1 hour.
  • Challenges include: food chains, tree species, animal diets.
• Wild Immersion (VR Experience) – A virtual reality journey through local natural areas, followed by discussions on the importance of nature.
• Max participants/session: 15.
• Shrub Roulette – Spin a wooden roulette to select a shrub species, then use a voucher to join a planting activity, guided by two specialists.
• Bat Corner – In partnership with Lilieci.ro – Bat Conservation Center, children use programmable robots ("ozobots") to navigate through a self-made map representing a bat’s environment.
• Which Bird Is This? – A fun challenge where participants identify bird species from the forests and meadows of Brașov using feather color codes and image-based deduction.

Key Info about the Competition:

• Free participation.
• Teams of 4, including at least one minor.
• Maximum 30 teams allowed to register.
• Route and map will be revealed on September 8 during a technical meeting at Propark’s headquarters.
• Control points will represent the following protected areas:
  • Șinca Veche Virgin Forest
  • Făgăraș Mountains (Natura 2000 site)
  • Hârtibaciu Plateau (Natura 2000 site)
  • Bucegi Nature Park
  • Dumbrăvița Fishpond Complex
  • Piatra Craiului National Park
  • Tâmpa Mountain (Natura 2000 site)
  • Carpaterra Geopark
  • Brasovia Nature Park
• The route can be completed on foot, by running, or using personal transportation (bikes, scooters, rollerblades) or Brașov’s public transit (RATBV).
• Estimated total distance: approx. 20 km, depending on each team’s chosen path.
• Maximum time to complete the race: 8 hours from the official start.
• Full details: www.propark-adventure.ro → Family & Friends section.

The competition is part of the project “Propark Adventure Race Family & Friends”, organized in partnership with Brașov City Hall, and funded through the Green Spaces program – Protected Natural Areas component, supported by the Partnership Foundation and Mol Romania