Barnstaple veteran wins Romanian hearts at Invictus Heroes Half Marathon

A Barnstaple veteran and fundraiser has been speaking of his ‘truly wonderful’ experience while taking part in the Invictus Heroes Half Marathon at Bistrita in Romania over the weekend.

Conrad Goss was bowled over by the kindness and welcome showed by the people of the city and the organisers of the Invictus Games event for wounded, injured and sick (WIS) service personnel from many European nations.

The North Devon veteran, who had to leave military service in 1995 due to medical issues, was taking part in an Invictus event for the first time while raising money for the Royal Marines Association (RMA).

He said he had no idea what to expect after being selected to take part in the event hosted by Invictus Romania, but was overwhelmed by the experience, which began with volunteers greeting arriving veterans at the airport and continued throughout as everyone, in his words ‘showed the world what a community should look like’.

Above: Arriving veterans are greeted at the airport by staff and volunteers from Invictus Romania.

The Heroes Half Marathon was marked with comradeship and friendship, Conrad said, with veterans from the Poland, Denmark, Georgia, Germany, Holland and the UK, but was especially poignant with veterans from the Ukraine taking part, even as their country continues to fight off the Russian invasion.

Above: Entrants gather before the start of the Heroes Half Marathon and (below) the warm up.

Conrad told the Gazette: “I had no preconceived ideas or expectations before I arrived in Romania, I went with an open mind and open heart - both were soon filled with joy and love.

“Words cannot do justice to what I have just experienced, Invictus România, the people and city of Bistrita, the deputy mayor and dignitaries, the volunteers, the competitors, comrades, veterans and the teams and more were magnificent and a true example of real kindness and humanity.”

Above: Conrad Goss (centre) with fellow racers.

On race day, Conrad was beset with medical issues after nine kilometres, but while he was already determined to keep going, he was lifted up even more by the many veterans and bystanders who supported and encouraged him to make it across the finish line.

Above: A Ukraine veteran and others give Barnstaple’s Conrad Goss help and encouragement to complete the half marathon.

In a letter to event director Florin Boc, Conrad said: “Thank you with all my heart for such an incredible experience with you all in Bistrita România.

“This was the first time I have been selected by the Invictus Games Foundation to take part in an event and I was hugely honoured and proud to be asked to be there.

“Many of you are aware of the many physical and psychological problems I face daily and with that, this half marathon was a challenge in itself to complete.

“I came to Bistrita to help raise money and awareness for an amazing charity and the challenge for me was to complete the race.

“With courage and determination I dug deep to get around but what I wasn’t expecting was the amount of people and fellow competitors from every nation come out to join me in the last 100 metres of my race.”

Above: Conrad powers on to finish the Heroes Half Marathon despite having medical difficulties and (below) young Romanians offer Conrad Goss encouragement as he battles through.

In reply, Florin Boc wrote: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your overwhelmingly beautiful words - so full of emotion, sincerity, and inner strength. I read them with deep admiration and respect.

“I’m truly glad that you found peace, inspiration and support in Bistrița and among the Invictus România team.

“You have shown that true strength lies in continuing the journey—not just for yourself, but to lift others along the way. It was an honour to have you with us. Your energy, humility, generosity of spirit, and camaraderie left a deep mark in our hearts.

“Conrad, please know that you are not just a guest. You are, and always will be, part of the Invictus România family. Our door will always be open to you - and so will our hearts.”

If you would like to donate to the Royal Marines Association via Conrad’s fundraiser, please go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/conrad-goss-rma80-invictusheroeshalfmarathon

Above: The Romanian town of Bistrita where the Heroes Half Marathon took place.