The second edition of the Ivan Patzaichin International Canoe Marathon – a 45-kilometre challenge bringing together kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddle enthusiasts, both elite and recreational – is an event that honours both athletic performance and the legacy of one of Romania’s greatest athletes.
Held from 22-24 May, the marathon also marks the official opening of the tourist season in the Danube Delta. Participants will paddle the “Ivan’s Delta” ecotourism route, linking the Ivan Patzaichin Memorial in Tulcea with the recently inaugurated Ivan Patzaichin Museum in Mila 23 – a journey blending sport with cultural tribute.
In the run-up to the event, we caught up with 19-year-old Ruben Alexandru Săcrieriu, winner of the 2025 Ivan Patzaichin International Canoe Marathon kayak division. Hailing from Siret in Suceava County and racing for CSM Constanța, Ruben trains under coaches Gabriel Aftenie and Alina Chirilă.
Hi Ruben, welcome to TotalPaddler! Can you take us back to how your journey in canoeing began. What moments or milestones have shaped you most as an athlete?
I started kayaking when I was 13 years old, and at first it was just something new I wanted to try. Very quickly, it became much more than a sport for me, it became part of my life. I remember the first trainings being difficult, but also exciting, because I was discovering something I truly liked.
What shaped me the most were the early mornings on the water, the hard training sessions, and the moments when I was tired but kept going anyway. I also learned a lot from my first competitions, both in winning and in losing. Losing taught me discipline and patience, while winning gave me extra motivation to work harder.
Over time, canoeing helped me grow not only as an athlete, but also as a person. It taught me responsibility, consistency, and focus. Every step in this journey helped build the athlete I am today.
You took the win in the elite competition at last year’s Ivan Patzaichin International Canoe Marathon – what did that victory mean to you?
That victory meant a lot to me because it gave me confidence in my training and showed me that I can perform at a high level. It was also special because the race carries the name of Ivan Patzaichin, a legend in our sport, so winning there was an honour.
You’ve taken part in the Ivan Patzaichin International Canoe Marathon – what makes this event unique compared to other races you’ve done?
This event stands out because of its unique atmosphere and strong connection with nature. The Danube Delta landscape and the way the race is organized make it different from standard competitions. It’s not only about results, but also about the experience and the joy of being on the water.
What should paddlers expect from the conditions, environment and overall experience in Tulcea?
Paddlers should expect beautiful but sometimes challenging conditions. The water can vary, and weather plays an important role. At the same time, the environment is amazing the Danube Delta is one of a kind. Overall, it’s a mix of competition, nature, and adventure.
For someone entering for the first time, what’s your key piece of advice?
My advice would be to prepare well physically, but also to enjoy the race. It’s important to manage your energy and stay focused, while also taking in the experience without too much pressure.
The event mixes elite competition with a strong connection to nature and heritage – does that change the way you race or experience it?
Yes, it definitely changes the experience. You feel more connected to the environment, and it gives a different kind of motivation. It’s not just about speed, but also about respecting the place and the tradition behind the event.
With the 2026 edition bringing together canoe, kayak, and SUP with a €30,000 prize pool, how do you see the level of competition evolving?
I think the level of competition will increase a lot. A bigger prize pool attracts more athletes, including international ones, and combining different disciplines makes the event more dynamic and competitive.
We’re seeing stand-up paddleboarding growing fast and sharing the same start line here – what’s your take on that evolution? Have you personally tried SUP, or would you consider it as part of your training or racing in the future?
SUP is growing very fast, and I think it’s great for the sport overall. I’ve actually tried it my first experience was a 10 km race on Lake Snagov at the SUP’er Race Dracula. It was a very beautiful experience, something different and exciting. I would definitely like to include SUP in my training in the future, because I think it’s something spectacular and beneficial.
To find out more and register, explore the event bulletin here
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*Photos courtesy of Ruben Alexandru Săcrieriu