Burduf Challenge
About this good practice
Showcasing the region’s most renowned local cheese, ”burduf de munte” (mountain cheese).
- Highlighting the tradition of transhumance and sheep farming by organizing the race in a subalpine grazing area.
- Utilizing the marked hiking trails from the ”Anii Drumeției” program as running routes.
- Celebrating local ingredients through a gastronomic event following the race.
- Promoting the region’s-built heritage, particularly traditional shepherds’ huts (” colibe”).
The project is a collaboration between the My Transylvania Association and the commune of Râu Sadului and is co-financed by the Sibiu County Council.
Project Beneficiaries
The event creates multiple benefits for various groups:
• Visitors, who get the opportunity to run on the region’s most scenic trails in an organized setting and engage with locals.
• Local youth, who can participate in the race free of charge.
• Local producers, who can showcase and sell their goods at the adjacent fair.
• The commune of Râu Sadului, which gains recognition as an ecotourism destination.
• The Sibiu County Council, which promotes Sibiu County as an ecotourism hub while supporting small-scale producers and artisans.
• The My Transylvania Association, which raises funds for the restoration of colibe and provides students with the opportunity to learn traditional woodworking techniques.
• Colibe owners, who benefit from the renovation of their wooden structures.
Expert opinion
Resources needed
The annual budget for the initiative is EUR 12,000.
Funding sources are distributed as follows: 45% from the County Council of Sibiu, 5% from the Commune Râu Sadului, and 50% from My Transylvania Association through donations and registration fees.
The organizing team consists of 12 members.
Evidence of success
The event has been held for six editions, with approximately 100 runners participating/ year. Additional activities are organized for the families of participants, bringing in around 150 extra attendees. A local producers' market features 8 to 10 producers who showcase six different types of local cheese specialties. During the event, they generate approx. EUR 2,000 in revenue. Craft workshops are also available, with a total of three workshops offered to participants.
Potential for learning or transfer
Community Involvement and Support:
• The organizing team is made up of local collaborators and volunteer children.
Education:
• The event encourages creativity among local operators.
• It also enhances participants' knowledge and understanding of local culture.
