et ready to explore the breathtaking and rugged beauty of Turkey’s Black Sea region! The prestigious UTMB® World Series welcomes a thrilling new addition to its 2025 calendar: Kackar by UTMB®. Set amidst the stunning Kaçkar Mountains in the Rize province, this event promises an unforgettable trail running experience, blending challenging alpine terrain, lush forests, unique cultural heritage, and the legendary spirit of UTMB®. Whether you’re an elite athlete seeking Running Stones or a passionate trail runner looking for your next great adventure, UTMB Turkey now offers a world-class race in one of the country’s most spectacular, yet relatively undiscovered, mountain landscapes. Mark your calendars for late September 2025 and prepare to answer the call of the Kaçkars.
What is Kackar by UTMB®?
Kackar by UTMB® is the newest sanctioned event in the UTMB® World Series 2025, the globe’s ultimate trail running circuit. As an official UTMB® event, it guarantees high organizational standards, international participation, and the opportunity for runners to collect Running Stones – essential for entering the lottery for the UTMB® World Series Finals in Chamonix (UTMB®, CCC®, OCC). This Rize trail race positions Turkey firmly on the international trail running map, showcasing the immense potential of its mountains.
The Majestic Kaçkar Mountains: A Runner’s Paradise
The race takes its name from the Kaçkar Mountains (Kaçkar Dağları), a dramatic mountain range forming the easternmost extension of the Pontic Alps. Located near the Black Sea coast in northeastern Turkey, this region is renowned for:
- Dramatic Alpine Scenery: Expect soaring granite peaks (reaching nearly 4,000 meters), sharp ridges, glacial lakes, and high mountain passes.
- Lush Green Valleys: Contrasting the high alpine zones are deep valleys carved by rushing rivers, blanketed in dense forests of pine, fir, beech, and endemic rhododendrons.
- Unique Yayla Culture: The mountains are home to traditional highland pastures (‘yaylas’) where local communities migrate during summer months, preserving ancient traditions and offering a glimpse into a unique way of life. Ayder Plateau, the race hub, is one such famous yayla.
- Rich Biodiversity: The region is a biodiversity hotspot, home to diverse flora and fauna, including brown bears, chamois, wild goats, and numerous bird species.
- Challenging Terrain: Trail running Turkey in the Kaçkars means tackling steep ascents and descents, technical rocky sections, potentially muddy forest trails, and river crossings – a true test of skill and endurance.
Race Distances and Categories (Preliminary – Based on Typical UTMB® Structure)
Kackar by UTMB® will likely offer multiple race distances catering to different levels of trail runners, typically falling into UTMB® World Series categories like 20K, 50K, 100K, or 100M. While the exact distances and elevation profiles for the Kackar by UTMB® 2025 races are yet to be finalized (as of March 2025), we can anticipate options similar to:
- ~20K Category: An accessible introduction to the Kaçkar trails, perfect for those newer to mountain running or seeking a shorter, intense effort. Expect significant climbing even in this shorter distance.
- ~50K Category: A challenging mountain marathon distance demanding solid endurance and technical skills, likely exploring diverse terrain from forests to higher pastures.
- ~100K Category: A demanding ultra-trail experience, venturing deep into the heart of the Kaçkars, potentially crossing high passes and requiring significant self-sufficiency and mountain experience.
- (Possibly) 100M Category: The ultimate test, an epic journey through the most remote and challenging parts of the range, reserved for experienced ultra-runners.
(Official course details, including precise distances, elevation gain/loss, course maps, time limits, and the number of Running Stones awarded per distance, will be announced by the Kackar by UTMB® organization closer to the event date.)
Why Run Kackar by UTMB®?
- Be Part of the Inaugural Event: Experience the excitement and unique atmosphere of the very first Kackar by UTMB®.
- Earn Running Stones: Collect valuable Running Stones for the UTMB® Mont-Blanc lottery.
- Discover a Hidden Gem: Explore a stunningly beautiful and culturally rich mountain region less frequented by international trail runners compared to the Alps.
- True Mountain Challenge: Test yourself against demanding, genuinely mountainous terrain.
- Turkish Hospitality: Experience the warm welcome and vibrant culture of Turkey’s Black Sea region.
- World-Class Organization: Benefit from the high standards and global network of the UTMB® World Series.
The Timing: Late September 2025
Holding the race in late September is strategic. While mountain weather is always unpredictable, this time often offers:
- Cooler Temperatures: More comfortable running conditions compared to the peak summer heat.
- Potential for Autumn Colors: The forests might begin showing hints of fall colors, adding to the scenic beauty.
- Shoulder Season: While still popular, it might be slightly less crowded than the absolute peak summer tourist season.
- (Caveat): Be prepared for potential rain and cooler temperatures, especially at higher elevations. Proper gear will be essential.
Conclusion:
Kackar by UTMB® 2025 is set to be a landmark event for trail running Turkey. It offers a rare combination of challenging alpine running, breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural immersion, and the prestige of the UTMB® World Series. Whether you’re aiming for Chamonix or simply seeking an extraordinary adventure, the call of the Kaçkar Mountains is waiting. Keep an eye on the official Kackar by UTMB® channels for registration dates and detailed course information. The journey to UTMB Turkey begins now!