200 athletes registered for the Rubicon 2023 ultramarathon have run 540 kilometers for three days, through nine districts located along the Nistru river. Out of these, about 170 athletes from the right bank and 30 athletes from the left bank of the Nistru have participated in the various stages of the race, thanks to the support offered by the European Union, through the "Confidence Building Measures" Programme, implemented by UNDP.

“The Rubicon ultramarathon embraces perfectly the spirit of the EU ‘Confidence Building Measures’ to promote cooperation between people from communities from both banks of the Nistru River. Sport is a perfect tool for confidence building as it gathers athletes from different areas of the country, united to participate in the same initiative, promoting healthy lifestyles and positive values. Sport unites people, irrespective of nationality, language, social, gender or age differences,” mentioned Giuseppe Paglione, Programme Manager at the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova. The route was designed so that the runners could enjoy the main tourist attractions of the crossed districts.

Since 2017, more than 1000 athletes and amateur runners have joined the Rubicon Ultramarathon.

“The six-year Rubicon cycle is over. We started from Soroca Fortress not knowing what the next editions will bring. And here we are in 2023 awarding Rubicon winners: children ran 100+ km, and adults over 340 km! It's unbelievable, but true. It's great that the Rubicon fulfils its task, expanding the boundaries of human capabilities and self-confidence! I am grateful to the partners for their trust and to Sporter team,” said Dmitri Volosin, President of the Sports Club Sporter.

The EU “Confidence Building Measures” Programme, implemented by the UNDP, contributes to strengthening trust between residents on both banks of the Nistru river, by involving them in joint development projects.