The allure of Kackar by UTMB® lies not just in the stunning Ayder Plateau hub, but primarily in the wild and challenging trails awaiting participants. For the inaugural 2025 event, three distinct distances are offered, each promising a unique journey through the diverse landscapes of the Kaçkar Mountains: the Kackar 74K (KÇK 74K), the Kackar 39K (KÇK 39K), and the Kackar 20K (KÇK 20K). While subject to final adjustments, the preliminary Kackar by UTMB courses give a clear picture of the adventure ahead. This article provides a detailed look at each race, exploring their profiles, potential terrain, elevation challenges, and what runners can expect.
Disclaimer: Course details, including precise distances, elevation gain/loss, aid station locations, and cut-off times, are based on preliminary information (as of March 2025) and the official Kackar by UTMB® website. Always refer to the latest official race information for definitive details.
Common Threads: The Kaçkar Challenge
All three courses share the signature characteristics of the Kaçkar Mountains:
- Significant Vertical Gain: Expect steep climbs and demanding descents, regardless of the distance. Trail running elevation Kackar is a defining feature.
- Mixed Terrain: Trails will likely range from runnable forest paths and jeep tracks to technical singletrack, rocky alpine sections, potentially muddy areas (especially after rain), and possibly some stream crossings.
- Stunning Scenery: All runners will experience the lush forests, high pastures (yaylas), and dramatic mountain vistas that make this region unique.
- Variable Weather: Be prepared for potentially rapid weather changes, from sunshine to rain, fog, and cooler temperatures, especially at higher elevations.
- Kackar 74K (KÇK 74K) – The Ultimate Kaçkar Ultra
- Category: 100K (UTMB® Index)
- Preliminary Distance: ~74.2 km
- Preliminary Elevation Gain: ~4,870 m+
- Running Stones: 3
- Course Overview: This is the flagship ultra-distance race, designed for experienced trail runners seeking a true mountain challenge. The Kackar 74K race promises an epic journey through the heart of the Kaçkar range, likely reaching the highest altitudes and most remote sections of all the courses.
- Expected Terrain: Expect the full spectrum of Kaçkar terrain. Long, arduous climbs to high passes or ridges above the tree line, potentially involving technical rocky sections and exposure. Equally long and demanding descents requiring focus and quad strength. Sections through dense forests, across open yaylas, and possibly linking several distinct valleys. Night running will be involved for most participants.
- Key Challenges: Sustained climbing, technical descents, managing nutrition and hydration over a long duration, potential for challenging weather at high altitudes, navigating technical terrain (especially when fatigued or at night), meeting cut-off times.
- Who is it for? Experienced ultra-trail runners with proven mountain running skills, self-sufficiency, and the mental fortitude for a long, demanding day (and night) in challenging terrain. Requires dedicated training focused on vertical gain, technical trails, and endurance.
- Kackar 39K (KÇK 39K) – The Scenic Mountain Marathon
- Category: 50K (UTMB® Index)
- Preliminary Distance: ~38.8 km
- Preliminary Elevation Gain: ~2,930 m+
- Running Stones: 2
- Course Overview: Offering a significant mountain challenge within a shorter ultra format, the Kackar 39K details suggest a course packed with climbing and stunning scenery. It will likely explore key features accessible from Ayder, including forests, yaylas, and potentially reaching viewpoints or passes offering expansive vistas.
- Expected Terrain: A demanding mix similar to the 74K but covering less ground. Expect very steep climbs from the start, potentially reaching altitudes well above Ayder. Trails could include forest paths, rocky singletrack, and sections on yayla tracks. Descents will be significant and require good technique.
- Key Challenges: The sheer amount of elevation gain packed into ~39km is substantial. Steep climbs demand strong hiking and running power. Technical descents will challenge legs and focus. Managing effort effectively to avoid burning out on the climbs is crucial.
- Who is it for? Strong trail runners comfortable with significant elevation gain and technical terrain. Ideal for those stepping up from shorter trail races, experienced marathon runners seeking a mountain challenge, or ultra runners wanting a faster, more intense effort. Requires training focused on climbing, descending, and mountain endurance.
- Kackar 20K (KÇK 20K) – A Taste of Kaçkar Glory
- Category: 20K (UTMB® Index)
- Preliminary Distance: ~20.1 km
- Preliminary Elevation Gain: ~1,400 m+
- Running Stones: 1
- Course Overview: The shortest distance, but by no means easy. The Kackar 20K profile indicates a significant amount of climbing for the distance, offering a true taste of Kaçkar mountain running. The course will likely focus on the trails and immediate slopes surrounding Ayder Plateau, possibly climbing through forests to reach scenic viewpoints or nearby yaylas before descending back to the finish.
- Expected Terrain: Primarily forest trails, potentially some wider tracks, and maybe a short section on higher pastureland. Expect steep climbs and descents, potentially muddy or rooty sections. While less technical overall than the longer races, it will still require focus.
- Key Challenges: Significant climbing relative to the distance. Maintaining a strong effort on the ascents and handling the descents efficiently. A fast and intense race for experienced runners, a substantial challenge for those newer to mountain trails.
- Who is it for? Trail runners looking for a shorter, punchy mountain race. A great entry point to the Kackar by UTMB® experience or for runners who prefer shorter distances but still want a significant elevation challenge. Also suitable for faster runners aiming for a high-intensity effort.
Training Implications
Regardless of your chosen distance, reviewing the preliminary Kackar by UTMB courses highlights the critical need for specific training:
- Embrace the Vert: Incorporate hill training (repeats, long climbs, power hiking) consistently. Your legs need to be ready for the significant trail running elevation Kackar throws at you.
- Practice Technical Terrain: Seek out rocky, rooty, uneven trails in your training to improve footwork, ankle stability, and confidence.
- Build Endurance: Focus on time on feet, especially for the 39K and 74K. Back-to-back long runs can be beneficial for the longer distances.
- Strength Train: Target core, glutes, quads, and stabilizer muscles to handle the demands of climbing and descending.
- Test Your Gear: Train with the shoes, pack, and mandatory gear you plan to use on race day.
Conclusion:
The Kackar by UTMB courses for 2025 offer a compelling range of challenges, from the accessible yet demanding Kackar 20K profile, through the vert-packed Kackar 39K details, to the epic Kackar 74K race. Each distance promises an unforgettable immersion in the stunning, wild beauty of the Kaçkar Mountains. Analyze the preliminary profiles, choose the distance that best suits your experience and goals, and tailor your training to meet the specific demands of trail running elevation Kackar. The mountains are calling – which challenge will you accept?