2nd June 2026

Ingrid Mutter - The Pace of Freedom

Ingrid Mutter is an orthopedic surgeon who found her way to trail running back in 2011 as a way to manage the pressure of medical school exams. What started as a stress outlet grew into something much deeper, a practice that shaped her professional courage, her relationship with fear, and her understanding of freedom.

Brief introduction: who are you and what are your most notable running achievements?

In 2017, I became the European Skyrunning Champion.
In 2017, I won the bronze medal with the Romanian national team at the World Mountain Running Championships held at Giir di Mont–Premana.
At the 2024 Lavaredo Ultra Trail, I finished 2nd in the 20 km race.
I was the Romanian National Mountain Running Champion:
- 2019 – Long Distance
- 2020 – Long Distance
In 2025, I won:
- Semimaraton 21
- Eco Maraton
- Brașov Marathon

1. How did your passion for running begin?

My passion for running began in 2011, driven by the desire to feel better in my own skin, to feel stronger, and to find balance in my everyday life. I started running while preparing for my medical school entrance exam, after not succeeding the year before. I was looking for a way to manage stress and recharge after long days of studying, and running in nature seemed like the best way to clear my mind, oxygenate my brain, and boost my energy. I started together with a friend who was already running regularly while preparing for her high school graduation exams. Those were the days!

2. Who are you when you're not running and how much of that person do you bring with you onto the trails?

When I'm not running, I'm an orthopedic surgeon. I'm not sure whether I bring parts of my everyday life into running, but I certainly bring part of my runner self into my daily life. In fact, running influenced my decision to choose my specialty. It gave me the courage to pursue a field that many people still see as predominantly male: orthopedic surgery. I've always wanted to help people regain their ability to move—sometimes quite literally—and mountain running taught me to be brave enough to make decisions like that. Through running, I've learned to trust myself more and believe in what I'm capable of achieving. That's something I'm still working on every day, both as a runner and as a person. Mountain running helps me push my limits, not only physically but especially mentally. It took me many years to learn not to be afraid of being alone in the mountains, and although doubts still appear from time to time, once you let go of fear, you truly discover freedom.

3. This is your first Bucovina Ultra Rocks experience. What attracted you to this event?

I haven't participated in Bucovina Ultra Rocks before, so this will be my first year. However, I took part in Zmeu X-Fest last year and have competed several times in the National Mountain Running Championships held on some of the same trails used at BUR. Running races teach me to test my limits, to become more confident and determined in everything I do. They teach me discipline, but above all, they teach me to appreciate the journey that brought me there and everything that surrounds me along the way.

4. Bucovina Ultra Rocks is a race, but it's also a state of mind. What does this place: its nature, people, and energy feel like to you?

The first time I came to Bucovina was also thanks to mountain running. I arrived with an open mind and great enthusiasm to discover a new region, and I found myself in extraordinary places with a unique charm. The people are welcoming, and the energy of the area makes you want to come back whenever you have the chance.

5. If you were to describe the Bucovina Ultra Rocks experience to runners who have never been here before, what would you want to convey beyond words?

I don't think words can fully capture the emotions, feelings, and magic of a place—whether we're talking about Bucovina or anywhere else. I would simply tell them that it's worth coming at least once to see it, feel it, and experience it for themselves. It's one of the most beautiful regions in our country, and I'm sure they'll be pleasantly surprised by everything they discover here.

6. What does the idea of running among roots while looking toward the horizon mean to you?

For me, running is the way I connect with myself and with nature. It's my way of living in the present in an increasingly busy world where we often forget to stop and truly experience life, even for a moment. I consider myself very fortunate to have discovered this sport and this way of life. Running is like meditation: you focus on moving through roots and technical terrain, you clear your mind of unnecessary thoughts, and you become fully present in what you're doing. The solitude and tranquility of nature, far away from the noise of the city, help you discover who you really are and, ultimately, what freedom truly means.