Paolo Marconi claims SUP victory & new course record at the International Ivan Patzaichin Canoe Marathon in Romania

The second edition of the International Ivan Patzaichin Canoe Marathon – powered by Orange Romania – has officially wrapped up in Tulcea, Romania, bringing together canoe, kayak, and SUP athletes for a spectacular 45km journey through the heart of the Danube Delta.

More than just a race, the event once again served as a living tribute to Ivan Patzaichin – the legendary “Admiral” of Romanian paddling – with competitors tracing the iconic “Ivan’s Delta” route from the Ivan Patzaichin Memorial on the Tulcea Promenade to the Ivan Patzaichin Museum in Mila 23, through one of Europe’s most unique and untouched natural environments.

This multi-discipline race highlighted the growing place of SUP alongside canoe and kayak at a national event of this calibre – something the wider paddling community can both recognise and celebrate. Bringing together some of Romania’s paddling legends alongside the country’s next generation of athletes, the event featured former Ivan Patzaichin student Ciprian Popa, a multiple-time world and European medallist in sprint canoe, 17-year-old Matei Barbu, the ICF Junior World SUP Champion and Vice World Champion in sprints, Marian Sârbu, Chair of the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing Committee, and 67-year-old long-distance paddler Valerică Rîmbu, a two-time national champion in marathon and long-distance events for the Masters 60+ category.

Photo by Traian Olinici

Adding even greater significance to the celebrations, the opening and award ceremonies were attended by retired Olympic canoe legend Toma Simionov, winner of three Olympic medals alongside both his brother Gheorghe and Ivan Patzaichin, together with Ivona Patzaichin-Rusu, daughter of Ivan Patzaichin and President of the Ivan Patzaichin – Mila 23 Association, and Gabriel Bălan, General Secretary of the National Association of Professional Divers and Lifeguards of Romania.

Photo by Traian Olinici

In the SUP division, the spotlight fell on Paolo Marconi, Italian SUP Champion, endurance paddler, author of ‘Racing the Quit Monkey: An Ultra Endurance Journey’, and coach at SUP Salivoli, who claimed victory while setting a new SUP course record on his SUNOVA Flatwater 14’x20”.

Reflecting on the race, Paolo explained:

“A race like this begins long before the event itself. In the weeks leading up to the marathon, I adapted my training toward longer distances, aware that I already had a strong intensity base from the first part of the season focused on classic short races. In the final days, I paid close attention to every detail, studying the course carefully and searching for the best nutritional strategy to support me during the race.

For me, the appeal of Ultra Endurance races comes precisely from the fact that they go beyond traditional SUP and pure performance. They require solid logistical preparation, a strong action plan, and good mental readiness.”

Photo by Traian Olinici

We caught up with Paolo to hear his perspective on this special event, so deeply connected to Romania’s culture, history, and natural environment, and to understand what it feels like to experience the Danube Delta from the unique perspective of a paddleboard.

Photo by Traian Olinici

Hi Paolo, congratulations on winning the SUP division at the Ivan Patzaichin Marathon – what sparked your decision to head to Romania and take on the race? And what was your motivation and mindset going into a challenge like this?

When I first heard about the Ivan Patzaichin Marathon, I immediately knew it would be a great opportunity for a new ultra-endurance challenge and a new SUP adventure. For me, SUP is not only a competitive sport, but also a way to explore both the world and myself through racing.

The marathon was definitely a major physical challenge, but also a chance to travel to a new country and discover a new culture. I arrived at the event with a strong mindset built through past ultra-endurance experiences, while also being ready to embrace whatever challenges the race would bring.

Photo by Traian Olinici

How would you describe the atmosphere and organisation of the event from an athlete’s perspective?

The atmosphere at the event was friendly from the inaugural ceremony onwards. It felt like the athletes were there not only to race, but also to celebrate the paddling community and honour the memory of Ivan Patzaichin.

The organisation was very welcoming and supportive throughout the event, and they did an incredible job designing such a beautiful course through the river system. I also faced some logistical issues getting to the event, so I’m especially grateful for the special people I met along the way who helped make this trip possible.

Photo by Traian Olinici

How was your experience paddling the ‘Ivan’s Delta’ route between Tulcea and Mila 23, and what did it feel like racing through a course that combines endurance sport with such a strong cultural tribute to Ivan Patzaichin?

The race itself was tough – very technical, long and physically demanding. During the race I stayed fully focused on my task, but at the same time I could still appreciate being completely immersed in such a natural environment. You could really feel the power of nature throughout the course, with the thick vegetation and the constant sound of birds along the waterways.

Photo by Traian Olinici

I was especially impressed by how magical it felt arriving in Mila 23, the small village where Ivan Patzaichin was born, accessible only by water. After such a long and demanding effort, it felt incredibly welcoming.

Photo by Traian Olinici

What makes the Ivan Patzaichin Marathon unique for SUP athletes compared to other endurance races?

For me, the Ivan Patzaichin Marathon was the perfect combination of an ultra-endurance challenge, a journey through one of Europe’s most untouched natural environments, and a celebration of paddling culture through the memory of a legend like Ivan Patzaichin.

Photo by Traian Olinici

International Ivan Patzaichin Canoe Marathon Results: 

SUP Division Results:

Mihaela Rusu and Ruben Alexandru Săcrieriu |Photo by Traian Olinici

Open Women Kayak Division Results:

Open Men Kayak Division Results:

Agatha Mia Zamora Cristescu | Photo by Traian Olinici

Canoe 1 Results:

Andrei Rosioru | Photo by Traian Olinici

To find out more, visit rowmania.ro

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Read Paolo’s full Logbook: Ivan Patzaichin International Marathon (Tulcea-Mila 23, Romania)

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