More than 400 participants joined public authorities, international partners and local communities in Cahul on 26 September 2026 for the fourth edition of Border Marathon. Supported by the SCOP project, the event promoted healthy lifestyles, resilience and cooperation in Moldova’s southern border region.
Border Marathon 2026 took place in the Cahul region, near the border between the Republic of Moldova and Romania. The Border Police of the Republic of Moldova organised the event with support from national and international partners. It brought together law enforcement officers, representatives of central and local authorities, international organisations, civil society and local residents with their families for a day of sport and community engagement.
SCOP, a project implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), contributed to the organisation of the event with financial support from the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic. The contribution reinforced the project’s long-standing cooperation with the Border Police of the Republic of Moldova.
More than 400 runners participated in the marathon and its accompanying activities. The programme featured races of 42 km, 21 km and 11 km along routes crossing the southern border area. The 2026 edition also introduced a 2 km children’s run. This new race encouraged younger participants to lead active lifestyles and strengthened the event’s family-oriented character.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, the leadership of the Border Police, representatives of local authorities and international partners attended the official opening. In addition to its sporting programme, Border Marathon offered citizens and families an opportunity to engage directly with border police officers. Participants could learn more about the institution’s role in serving and protecting communities.
Through its support for Border Marathon, the SCOP project helps to strengthen trust between institutions and communities. The initiative also promotes healthy lifestyles and fosters partnerships that support effective, people-centred border management in the Republic of Moldova.
