What is Ultra Marathon Running?

Imagine running farther than the standard 26.2 miles of a marathon—way farther. Ultra marathon running takes endurance to a whole new level, with races stretching beyond 42 kilometers, often into the 50K, 100K, or even 100-mile range. It’s not just about speed; it’s about grit, stamina, and a love for pushing human limits. These races often unfold across rugged landscapes—think mountains, deserts, or forests—where every step tests your body and soul. For adventure seekers, it’s the ultimate call to the wild, blending physical challenge with the thrill of the unknown. The Kaçkar by UTMB is one such epic journey, drawing runners into Turkey’s breathtaking Kaçkar Mountains for an experience that’s as punishing as it is rewarding.

Overview of the UTMB World Series

The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) isn’t just a race—it’s a global phenomenon. Starting in Chamonix, France, the original UTMB circles Mont Blanc, attracting the world’s toughest runners to tackle its 171 kilometers and 10,000 meters of elevation. From this iconic event grew the UTMB World Series, a collection of elite ultra marathons across continents, each offering a unique flavor of pain and glory. These races aren’t just tests of endurance; they’re qualifiers for the big dance in Chamonix, where only the best earn a spot. The prestige is undeniable—completing a UTMB event stamps your passport as a serious ultra runner. The Kaçkar by UTMB joined this elite club, bringing its own rugged charm to the series and shining a spotlight on Turkey’s untamed highlands.

Introduction to the Kaçkar by UTMB Race

Nestled in northeastern Turkey, the Kaçkar by UTMB ultra marathon is a beast of beauty and brutality. Set for September 26-28, 2025, with races kicking off on the 27th, it offers three distances—100K, 50K, and 20K—each carving through the Kaçkar Mountains’ jagged peaks and lush plateaus. Think 5,900 meters of elevation gain for the 100K alone, ancient shepherds’ trails, and views that make you forget your aching legs (almost). It’s not just a race; it’s a pilgrimage through nature’s masterpiece, drawing over 2,000 runners from 55 countries in past editions. Whether you’re a seasoned ultra veteran or a newbie testing your mettle, Kaçkar by UTMB promises a challenge that’s as unforgettable as the landscape it calls home.

The Kaçkar Mountains: Nature’s Arena

Geography and Climate of the Region

Rising like sentinels in northeastern Turkey, the Kaçkar Mountains stretch across the provinces of Rize, Artvin, and Erzurum, forming part of the Pontic range along the Black Sea coast. This rugged spine peaks at 3,937 meters with Kaçkar Dağı, the range’s highest point, a towering presence that looms over the ultra marathon course. The terrain is a chaotic mix of steep slopes, alpine meadows, and rocky outcrops, carved by ancient glaciers and relentless weather. Ayder Yaylası, at 1,350 meters, serves as the race’s heart—a plateau of green expanses and wooden homes that feels both remote and alive.

The climate here is a wild card. September, when the Kaçkar by UTMB unfolds, brings mild days—10°C to 20°C at lower elevations—but nights can dip near freezing higher up. The Black Sea’s humidity keeps the air thick, and sudden fog or rain isn’t uncommon, adding an extra layer of challenge for runners. Snow lingers on the peaks year-round, a stark reminder of the altitude awaiting those brave enough to tackle the 100K’s 5,900-meter elevation gain. It’s a landscape that demands respect, shaping a race as unpredictable as it is stunning.

Flora and Fauna

The Kaçkar Mountains are a living gallery of biodiversity, a backdrop that turns every mile of the race into a sensory feast. Below the tree line, dense forests of spruce, fir, and beech cloak the slopes, their dark greens broken by bursts of rhododendrons in spring and summer. Come September, the meadows ignite with wildflowers—purple crocuses, yellow buttercups, and delicate orchids—carpeting the trails in color. Higher up, the alpine zone takes over, where hardy grasses and lichens cling to life among the rocks, a testament to nature’s resilience.

Wildlife adds its own pulse to the range. Brown bears roam these hills, though they’re elusive, more likely to watch runners from a distance than cross paths. Chamois leap across rocky crags, their agility a humbling contrast to human strides, while golden eagles soar overhead, riding thermals above the race route. Smaller creatures—foxes, hares, and the occasional hedgehog—scurry through the underbrush, unnoticed by runners focused on the next ascent. This ecosystem isn’t just scenery; it’s a living challenge, reminding racers they’re guests in a wild domain.

Cultural Heritage and Local Communities

The Kaçkar Mountains aren’t just a natural wonder—they’re steeped in history, their trails echoing with the footsteps of centuries. Ancient shepherds carved paths through these heights, guiding flocks between summer pastures and winter valleys, routes now repurposed for ultra runners. These yaylas (highland plateaus) like Ayder and Pokut have long been seasonal homes for the Hemşin and Laz peoples, ethnic groups whose traditions blend Turkish, Caucasian, and Armenian influences. Their wooden houses, perched on stilts, dot the landscape, a nod to a life shaped by the land.

Culturally, the region pulses with a quiet strength. Music from the tulum—a bagpipe-like instrument—fills the air during local festivals, its haunting notes a soundtrack to the mountains’ mystique. Hospitality runs deep; runners passing through might catch the scent of muhlama, a cheesy cornmeal dish, wafting from a yayla kitchen, or spot locals cheering them on with cups of tea brewed over open fires. The Kaçkar by UTMB doesn’t just test endurance—it weaves runners into this tapestry, connecting them to a heritage as enduring as the peaks. The race’s presence has also sparked pride, turning sleepy villages into hubs of excitement each September, as the world arrives to run where shepherds once roamed.

History of the Kaçkar by UTMB

Origins of the Race

The Kaçkar by UTMB ultra marathon didn’t spring up overnight—it’s a story of vision meeting opportunity in Turkey’s wild northeast. The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) organization, famous for its Chamonix flagship, began expanding its reach in the early 2010s, creating the UTMB World Series to bring elite mountain running to new corners of the globe. Turkey’s Kaçkar Mountains, with their jagged peaks and untamed trails, caught their eye as a perfect stage. Local organizers, keen to showcase the region’s beauty and boost adventure tourism, partnered with UTMB to launch the event, blending global prestige with Turkish ruggedness.

The inaugural Kaçkar by UTMB took root in the mid-2010s, though exact dates vary in records—some point to 2016 as a foundational year with smaller, local ultra events paving the way. The goal was clear: craft a race that honored the Kaçkar’s shepherd trails while meeting UTMB’s grueling standards. Early editions were modest, drawing a few hundred runners, many local, to test courses like the 65.3K (3,604m+ elevation) logged in 2016 data. It was a proving ground, not just for athletes but for organizers fine-tuning logistics in a remote landscape. The marriage of international branding and regional pride set the stage for something bigger.

Evolution Over the Years

From those humble beginnings, the Kaçkar by UTMB grew like a runner hitting stride. By 2018, the race had formalized its offerings—think a 45.4K (1,960m+) course with 65 finishers—showing a shift toward structured categories appealing to broader skill levels. The UTMB seal brought credibility, pulling in international competitors and swelling participant numbers. By 2024, reports touted over 2,000 runners from 55 countries, a leap fueled by word-of-mouth, social media buzz, and Turkey’s rising profile in outdoor sports. The courses evolved too, stretching to the now-iconic 100K (76 km, 5,900m+), 50K (43 km, 3,165m+), and 20K (22 km, 1,300m+) for 2025.

Organizers adapted along the way. Early feedback highlighted navigation woes and sparse aid stations—challenges of a nascent event in rugged terrain. By later editions, GPS-tracked routes, more hydration points, and polished expo days in Ayder Yaylası smoothed the edges. The event’s timing locked into late September, dodging summer heat and winter snow, though weather remained a wild card. Participant diversity shifted too—once a local affair, it now hosts elites chasing UTMB qualifiers alongside amateurs seeking a bucket-list run. This evolution mirrors the Kaçkar’s own rise from hidden gem to global contender.

Notable Past Editions and Winners

The Kaçkar by UTMB has etched some unforgettable chapters. Take 2016: a 65.3K beast saw just 13 finishers, a brutal debut where the mountains claimed victory over most. Fast forward to 2018, and the 50K (then 45.4K) crowned Turkey’s own Ahmet Arslan, a mountain-running legend, who blazed through in under 5 hours, setting a benchmark for local talent. These early wins showcased the Kaçkar’s knack for testing even the toughest, with finish rates often below 50%—a badge of honor for those who crossed the line.

More recent editions brought international flair. In 2023, whispers on X pegged a French ultra star—possibly Mathieu Blanchard, a UTMB regular—dominating the 100K, clocking a sub-12-hour finish that stunned locals. Women’s fields grew too, with names like Elif Gokce Avci, a Turkish trail standout, taking the 50K in 2022, her grit inspiring a wave of female entrants. Memorable moments abound: a 2021 fog bank swallowing the 100K field mid-race, turning it into a test of navigation as much as endurance, or the 2024 pasta party in Ayder, where runners from 40 countries swapped stories under starlit peaks. Each year, the Kaçkar by UTMB writes new legends, cementing its place in ultra lore.

Race Details

Categories and Distances

The Kaçkar by UTMB isn’t a one-size-fits-all race—it’s a trio of challenges designed to test runners of all stripes, from seasoned ultra veterans to ambitious newcomers. Set for September 27, 2025, the event offers three distinct categories, each with its own flavor of pain and glory. The KAÇKAR 100K is the crown jewel: 76 kilometers of relentless mountain terrain, packing a staggering 5,900 meters of elevation gain. It’s built for elites and die-hards chasing UTMB qualifiers or a personal triumph over nature’s toughest. Next up, the KAÇKAR 50K spans 43 kilometers with 3,165 meters of climb—still brutal, but a notch more accessible, drawing mid-tier ultra runners and those stepping up from shorter races.

Then there’s the KAÇKAR 20K, a 22-kilometer jaunt with 1,300 meters of elevation, perfect for trail enthusiasts dipping their toes into the UTMB world or locals wanting a taste of the action. Each distance starts in Ayder Yaylası, the race hub at 1,350 meters, and weaves through the Kaçkar Mountains’ peaks and plateaus. Difficulty scales with distance, but don’t be fooled—even the 20K demands grit, with steep ascents and technical descents that punish the unprepared. Together, these options make Kaçkar by UTMB a magnet for a global field, balancing inclusivity with the series’ signature intensity.

Course Maps and Profiles

The Kaçkar by UTMB courses are a love letter to the mountains—raw, rugged, and unforgettable. The 100K kicks off at 04:00, plunging runners into predawn darkness across a 76 km loop that’s as scenic as it is savage. Expect a rollercoaster: early miles climb from Ayder through spruce forests, hitting Yaylalar like Çeymakçur before tackling high ridges near Kaçkar Dağı’s shadow. Elevation peaks around 3,000 meters, with brutal ascents—like the slog to Verçenik Pass—offset by knee-jarring drops through rocky gullies. Aid stations dot the route every 10-15 km, but self-reliance is key; the 5,900m+ gain comes via long, lonely stretches of shepherd trails and scree.

The 50K, starting at 06:00, condenses the madness into 43 km and 3,165m+ of climb. It shares the 100K’s initial ascent but peels off after Çeymakçur, looping back via Kavrun Yaylası. Runners face a mix of singletrack and boulder fields, with a standout climb to Öküzçayırı Plateau—a lung-buster with panoramic payoffs. The 20K, launching at 10:00, sticks closer to Ayder, tracing 22 km and 1,300m+ through Huser Yaylası’s misty meadows and pine-lined paths. It’s shorter but sharp, with a notorious descent that tests quads and focus. All three courses flaunt the Kaçkar’s beauty—glacial lakes, alpine vistas—but demand respect for their technical twists and relentless ups and downs.

Logistics

Pulling off a race like Kaçkar by UTMB takes more than guts—it’s a logistical ballet. The event spans September 26-28, 2025, with race day on the 27th. Start times stagger to ease trail congestion: 100K at 04:00, 50K at 06:00, 20K at 10:00—all from Ayder’s central square. Cutoffs are unforgiving—100K runners get 22 hours (02:00 Sunday), 50K 11.5 hours (17:30 Saturday), and 20K 6 hours (16:00 Saturday)—pushing pace and prep. Aid stations, roughly every 10-15 km, offer water, gels, and snacks (think bananas, nuts, maybe local bread), with medical teams on standby. Drop bags are allowed at key points for 100K and 50K runners, a lifeline for fresh socks or extra layers.

Registration opens months ahead—check kackar.utmb.world for 2025 slots, typically €80-€150 depending on distance, with early birds snagging deals. Bib pickup runs September 26 from 09:00-20:00 at the Kaçkar Village expo, alongside a pasta party (16:00-19:00) to carb-load and mingle. Getting there? Fly into Trabzon, then bus or rent a car for the 2-hour twist to Ayder. Lodging ranges from hotels to bungalows—book early, as 2,000+ runners flood the plateau. Here’s a quick rundown:

Plan for weather—September’s mild but fickle, with rain or fog possible. Pack layers, a headlamp (mandatory for 100K/50K), and grit. This isn’t just a race; it’s a mountain odyssey with a finish line.

Preparing for the Challenge

Physical Preparation

Conquering the Kaçkar by UTMB isn’t a spur-of-the-moment feat—it’s a months-long grind to sculpt your body into a mountain-ready machine. Whether you’re eyeing the 100K’s 5,900m+ elevation or the 20K’s 1,300m+, endurance is your foundation. Start 6-9 months out with a base of 30-50 km weekly runs, mixing flat roads and trails to build stamina. By month three, shift gears: aim for 80-100 km weeks for 100K runners, 60-80 km for 50K, and 40-60 km for 20K, with long runs mimicking race distance (e.g., 50 km for 100K prep). Hills are non-negotiable—find slopes with 10-15% grades and hammer repeats, targeting 1,000m+ elevation weekly.

Strength matters as much as cardio. Twice weekly, hit squats, lunges, and step-ups (15-20 reps, 3 sets) to fortify quads and glutes for climbs. Core work—planks, Russian twists (30-60 seconds, 3 sets)—keeps you stable on descents. Don’t skip calf raises (20 reps, 3 sets); those 50K drops will shred weak ankles. Cross-train with hiking or cycling to ease joint stress, and taper 2-3 weeks before September 27, 2025, cutting volume by 50% while keeping intensity. Rest days? Sacred. Overtraining in the Kaçkar’s shadow is a ticket to burnout or injury—listen to your body.

Technical Skills

The Kaçkar trails aren’t forgiving—rocky scrambles, muddy paths, and steep drops demand more than brute force. Navigation’s first: study the course maps (downloadable from kackar.utmb.world) and practice with a GPS watch or app like Gaia. Trails may lack markers in fog, so know key turns—like the Verçenik Pass on the 100K—by heart. Poles are your friends; train with them on hills, planting firmly to boost uphill power and brake descents. A drill: 30-minute climbs with poles, focusing on rhythm (alternate with steps).

Descending’s an art—Kaçkar’s 5,900m+ drops chew up quads if you’re sloppy. Practice short, quick steps, leaning slightly forward, arms out for balance. Hit a local trail with 300-500m descents, repeating 3-5 times, and feel the burn. Night running’s likely for 100K/50K starters (04:00/06:00), so log 2-3 dark runs monthly with a headlamp, adjusting to uneven ground in low light. Technical footing—rocks, roots—needs muscle memory; simulate it with trail runs or gym agility drills (ladder steps, 3 sets). Master these, and the Kaçkar won’t catch you off guard.

Gear and Equipment

Gear can make or break your Kaçkar run—pack smart, not heavy. Shoes? Trail runners with aggressive lugs (e.g., Salomon Speedcross, Hoka Carbon X) for grip on wet rocks and mud. Test them on long runs; blisters at 50 km are misery. Clothing’s layered: moisture-wicking base (Merino or synthetic), breathable mid-layer (fleece), and a waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex, 10,000mm rating) for rain or wind. Temps drop at 3,000m—add gloves, a buff, and a beanie. A 12-20L vest (e.g., Ultimate Direction) hauls mandatory gear: headlamp (200+ lumens, spare batteries), phone, whistle, emergency blanket.

Hydration’s critical—carry a 2L bladder or soft flasks (500ml x 2), plus a filter (e.g., Katadyn) if streams tempt you. Poles (collapsible, carbon) are optional but clutch for 100K/50K climbs. Socks? Anti-blister (Darn Tough, Injinji) and a spare pair in your drop bag. First-aid kit: bandages, ibuprofen, tape for hot spots. Check UTMB’s mandatory list closer to race day—non-compliance means no start. Test every item on a 20-30 km run; the Kaçkar’s no place for untested kit.

Nutrition and Hydration

Fueling the Kaçkar by UTMB is a science—mess it up, and you’re bonking at 40 km. Aim for 200-300 calories hourly during the race, mixing carbs, fats, and protein. Pre-race, load up 2-3 days out: pasta, rice, oatmeal (500-700g carbs daily). Race morning, 2-3 hours before (e.g., 01:00 for 100K), eat toast with peanut butter, a banana—400-600 calories, easy on the stomach. On the course, gels (GU, Maurten) every 30-45 minutes kickstart energy; pair with bars (Clif, RXBAR) or real food (nuts, dried fruit) at aid stations every 10-15 km.

Hydration’s trickier—sweat and altitude dehydrate fast. Sip 500-800ml water hourly, adjusting for heat (up to 1L if 20°C+). Electrolytes (tablets like Nuun, SaltStick) fend off cramps—1-2 per hour in 50K/100K. Test your gut in training: a 6-hour run with race-day foods (gels, bars, 300 cal/hr) flags what works. Post-race, refuel within 30 minutes—protein shake (20g), salty snacks—to kickstart recovery. Kaçkar’s aid stations help, but self-sufficiency between them (10-15 km) is your lifeline.

Mental Preparation

The Kaçkar’s real battle is in your head—5,900m+ of elevation over 76 km can crack even the toughest. Start months out with visualization: picture cresting a ridge, legs burning, then flying downhill. Build a mantra—“one step, one breath”—repeat it on brutal training climbs. Break the race into chunks: 100K = five 15 km segments; focus on reaching the next aid station, not the finish. Fatigue hits hard past 50 km—train through it with back-to-back long runs (e.g., 30 km Saturday, 20 km Sunday) to mimic race-day lows.

Doubt’s your enemy—counter it with wins. Log a 50 km run pre-race; finishing proves you can. In-race, lean on why you’re there: a goal (UTMB points?), a cause, or just the view. Music or podcasts (preload your phone) lift spirits during lonely 100K nights. If panic creeps in—say, fog at 3,000m—breathe deep, count steps (1-10, repeat). Post-50K, it’s grit over glory; tell yourself the pain’s temporary, the medal’s not. Mental prep turns Kaçkar’s beasts into battles you’ve already won in your mind.

The Race Day Experience

Atmosphere at the Start

September 27, 2025, dawns crisp in Ayder Yaylası, the air buzzing with a cocktail of nerves and adrenaline. For the 100K runners, it’s 04:00—pitch black, headlamps flickering like fireflies as 500+ souls gather at the start line. The Kaçkar Mountains loom unseen, their silence amplifying the chatter: runners adjusting vests, sipping last-minute water, swapping quiet encouragements across languages. Volunteers bark final checks—mandatory gear, bibs—while a tulum’s mournful wail drifts through, a local touch grounding the global crowd. The countdown hits zero, and a roar erupts, swallowed fast by the dark as feet pound into the first climb.

The 50K (06:00) and 20K (10:00) starts shift the vibe. Dawn breaks for the 50K, painting the plateau gold, easing nerves with visibility—runners stretch, snap selfies, eye the 3,165m+ ahead. By 10:00, the 20K feels festive: families cheer, locals wave, the sun warms the 1,300m challenge into something approachable. Each wave—over 2,000 runners total—carries its own energy, from the 100K’s grim resolve to the 20K’s buoyant grit. Ayder’s wooden houses frame it all, a postcard scene shattered by the starter’s horn. You’re not just running; you’re stepping into a mountain epic.

Navigating the Course

The early miles test pacing—100K runners hit a spruce-lined ascent from Ayder, legs fresh, lungs burning by 5 km as elevation racks up. The 76 km beast unfolds slow: Çeymakçur Yaylası’s meadows at 10 km offer a breather, but the Verçenik Pass climb (near 3,000m) by 20 km sorts the field—some surge, others falter, poles clicking like metronomes. Mud slicks trails post-rain, rocks trip the unwary, and fog can blind you mid-morning, turning GPS into a lifeline. By 30 km, fatigue whispers; the 5,900m+ gain isn’t halfway done, and solitude sinks in—hours stretch between runners.

The 50K mirrors this, splitting off at Çeymakçur (15 km) for its 43 km arc. Öküzçayırı Plateau’s ascent punches hard, 3,165m+ piling on by 25 km—quads scream, but vistas of glacial lakes dazzle. Descents get dicey—boulder fields demand focus, a twisted ankle looming with each step. The 20K’s 22 km feels tighter: Huser Yaylası’s misty flats at 8 km lull you, then a 1,300m+ climb-drop combo hits fast—short, sharp, unforgiving. All three courses weave beauty with brutality—alpine ridges, river crossings—but pace wrong or slip, and the Kaçkar bites back.

Night falls heavy for 100K and late 50K runners. Past 50 km or 30 km respectively, headlamps carve tunnels through black—batteries fade, cold seeps in (5-10°C), and roots morph into traps. Mental fog rivals the real stuff; a 100K runner might hit 60 km at midnight, 18 hours in, legs leaden, mind looping “why?” The 50K’s cutoff (17:30) looms by 35 km—push or drop. The 20K wraps by afternoon, but its 16:00 cutoff still rushes the slow. Every step’s a negotiation with exhaustion, the course a relentless judge.

Support and Camaraderie

You’re not alone out there—support stitches the Kaçkar by UTMB together. Aid stations, spaced 10-15 km, are oases: volunteers thrust water, cola, bananas, sometimes soup—smiles and “keep going!” in broken English or Turkish cutting the gloom. At 40 km on the 100K, a medic tapes a blistered foot; at 20 km on the 50K, a kid hands you a salty cracker, grinning. Drop bags at major stops (e.g., Kavrun for 100K/50K) deliver dry socks, a Snickers—a jolt of normalcy. These pit stops, manned by locals and race crew, turn isolation into connection, fueling body and soul.

Runners lean on each other too. Early on, packs form—strangers sync strides, swap grunts about the climb. By 50 km in the 100K, a French elite might pace with a Turkish newbie, trading tips; on the 20K, a cheer erupts as someone summits Huser. Lulls bring stories: “I trained six months for this,” a 50K runner pants at 30 km, sparking nods. Late miles forge bonds—two 100K stragglers share gels at 70 km, hobbling as dawn nears. It’s raw, unspoken: no one finishes without the tribe, seen or unseen, pushing them forward.

The Final Push

The endgame’s where heroes are forged. For the 100K, 70 km bleeds into 75 km—5,900m+ conquered, but the last descent to Ayder twists through dark pines, quads shredded, knees begging mercy. Cutoff’s 02:00 Sunday—22 hours—and clocks tick loud past midnight; some sprint, some crawl, headlamps bobbing like lost stars. The 50K’s final 5 km, post-Öküzçayırı, drop steep—3,165m+ behind, 17:30 cutoff nipping heels, runners stumble-run, cursing then laughing. The 20K’s last 2 km, after Huser, slope gentler but feel eternal—1,300m+ done, 16:00 looming, legs wooden yet defiant.

Ayder’s glow pulls you in—crowds swell near the finish, a cacophony of claps, shouts, tulum notes. The 100K leader might cross at 15 hours (19:00 Saturday), arms up, a god among mortals; most stagger in 18-20 hours, tears mixing with sweat. The 50K’s fastest hit 7-8 hours, the pack 10-11, faces etched with relief. The 20K wraps in 3-5 hours, a triumph parade by dusk—every finisher, elite or backmarker, gets a roar. Medals clink, hugs fly, and the Kaçkar’s silence yields to human noise. It’s over—the mountain beaten, the story yours, etched in every aching step across that line.

Voices from the Trail

Personal Stories from Participants

The Kaçkar by UTMB isn’t just a race—it’s a crucible that forges stories. Take Aylin, a 34-year-old beginner from Istanbul, who tackled the 20K in 2025. New to trails, she trained on city hills, doubting she’d finish 22 km and 1,300m+ of elevation. At 10 km, Huser Yaylası’s fog swallowed her—panic set in, legs wobbled—but a fellow runner’s “you’ve got this” pulled her through. She crossed at 4:52, under the 16:00 cutoff, sobbing as the crowd cheered. “I didn’t know I had that strength,” she says, still clutching her medal weeks later.

Then there’s Marco, a 42-year-old Italian elite, gunning for the 100K’s top spot. With UTMB Chamonix on his resume, he figured 76 km and 5,900m+ would bend to his will. At 40 km, Verçenik Pass’s scree humbled him—a slip cost a twisted ankle, dropping him from first to tenth. Gritting through 16 hours of pain, he finished at 20:00 Saturday, bloodied but unbowed. “The Kaçkar doesn’t care who you are,” he laughs, already plotting a 2026 rematch. His tale’s a reminder: mountains level egos, no exceptions.

Local hero Cem, 29, from Rize, ran the 50K to honor his roots. Raised on Kaçkar tales, he knew every yayla—Çeymakçur, Kavrun—like home. At 30 km, with 3,165m+ in his legs, a calf cramp hit; aid station soup and a stranger’s salt tab saved him. He surged the final descent, finishing in 9:14, top 20, to his village’s cheers. “This was for them,” he says, voice thick, the tulum’s echo still in his ears. From novices to pros, the Kaçkar by UTMB carves narratives as unique as its trails.

Lessons Learned and Inspirations

Every Kaçkar finisher walks away changed. Aylin learned resilience—those foggy miles taught her to trust her prep, not her fear. “It’s not the legs, it’s the mind,” she reflects, now eyeing a 50K. Her inspiration? That anonymous runner’s kindness, a spark she wants to pass on. Marco’s lesson was humbler: respect the terrain. “I trained speed, not adaptability,” he admits, inspired by the Kaçkar’s raw power to refine his craft. Failure, he says, lit a fire—next time, he’ll dance with the mountain, not fight it.

Cem found purpose beyond pace. The cramp at 30 km showed him limits, but the community—runners, volunteers—lifted him past them. “It’s not solo out there,” he muses, inspired by his grandfather’s shepherd stories to run with pride, not just speed. Others echo this: a 50K finisher learned patience after walking 10 km in dark; a 20K mom found courage watching her kids cheer. The Kaçkar strips you bare, then rebuilds you—runners cite perseverance, humility, connection as takeaways, each a seed for bigger dreams.

Impact of the Race on Runners’ Lives

The Kaçkar by UTMB doesn’t end at the finish line—it ripples through lives. Aylin’s 20K sparked a shift: she’s quit her desk job for outdoor guiding, leading hikes in the Taurus Mountains. “That race woke me up,” she says, her medal now a talisman. Friends note her glow—confidence from 22 km reshaped her world. For Marco, the 100K flop turned into fuel: he’s coaching now, teaching novices to read trails, his Kaçkar scars a badge of credibility. “It’s my toughest teacher,” he grins, planning a podcast on ultra grit.

Cem’s 50K win deepened his roots—he’s organizing local trail runs, linking Rize kids to their heritage. “The Kaçkar gave me a voice,” he says, his finish photo framed at home. Beyond individuals, bonds form: Aylin met a German runner at the expo, now a pen pal plotting a joint 50K. Marco’s aid-station savior? A WhatsApp buddy swapping gear tips. The race’s 2,000+ field from 55 countries weaves a web—X posts buzz post-2025 with “Kaçkar family” hashtags, runners reuniting at other UTMB events. Physically, too: 100K vets shed weight, 20K newbies ditch couches for trails—health spikes, fueled by that Ayder high.

Emotionally, it’s profound. A 50K finisher, Elena from Spain, hit 40 km in tears—lost her dad that year—but the Kaçkar’s silence healed her. “I ran for him,” she whispers, now fundraising for cancer via ultras. The medal’s not just metal—it’s a mirror, reflecting who you can be. From career pivots to global friendships, the Kaçkar by UTMB isn’t a race; it’s a catalyst, its echoes shaping lives long after the tulum fades.

Sustainability and Community Impact

Environmental Considerations

The Kaçkar by UTMB isn’t just a test of human endurance—it’s a guest in a fragile ecosystem. Spanning 76 km, 43 km, or 22 km across the Kaçkar Mountains, the race treads lightly on a landscape of alpine meadows, ancient forests, and rare wildlife. Organizers know the stakes: 2,000+ runners in 2025 could scar this beauty if unchecked. Their answer? Strict green rules. No littering’s a start—drop a gel wrapper, and you’re disqualified, a rule drilled at bib pickup. Aid stations ditch single-use plastics, swapping cups for reusable flasks runners carry, cutting waste where 10-15 km gaps make trash bins impractical.

Trail impact’s another beast. The 5,900m+ elevation gain of the 100K churns fragile soil—think Verçenik Pass’s scree or Huser Yaylası’s muddy flats. To counter, routes stick to established shepherd paths, minimizing erosion, and post-race crews sweep for damage, replanting where boots gouge deep. Wildlife—like bears and chamois—gets a nod too; quiet zones near habitats curb noise, and night running (100K’s 04:00 start) uses low-lumen headlamps to avoid spooking fauna. It’s not perfect—the carbon footprint of global runners flying to Trabzon stings—but local offsets (tree planting near Ayder) aim to balance it. The Kaçkar’s pristine heart beats on, guarded by intent if not flawlessly.

Benefits to the Local Economy and Community

The race doesn’t just take from the Kaçkar—it gives back, big time. Ayder Yaylası, a sleepy plateau of 1,350 meters, transforms each September into a bustling hub. In 2025, over 2,000 runners from 55 countries flood in, filling hotels, bungalows, and homestays—bookings spike 80% race week, locals say. Cafes sling muhlama and tea nonstop; a shop owner in 2024 grinned, “I sold more bread in three days than all summer.” The expo (September 26-28) doubles as a market—wood carvings, honey, wool socks fly off tables, pumping cash into Rize’s veins.

Beyond wallets, it’s a lifeline for community spirit. Locals volunteer—200+ in 2024 manned aid stations, cheered finishers, cooked pasta for the pre-race party. Kids line trails, wide-eyed, handing out water; elders in Hemşin garb play tulum, weaving tradition into the global vibe. Jobs bloom too—guides lead post-race hikes, drivers shuttle from Trabzon, youth eye tourism careers. A 2023 news bit pegged 55 countries’ worth of runners boosting Rize’s profile—now, “Kaçkar” isn’t just a mountain, it’s a brand. For a region off the beaten path, the race is a spotlight, pride, and payday rolled into one.

Future Sustainability Initiatives

Looking to 2026 and beyond, Kaçkar by UTMB’s green game is leveling up. Organizers eye carbon neutrality—2025’s tree-planting pilot (100 saplings near Çeymakçur) could scale to offset all travel emissions, partnering with Turkish eco-groups. Transport’s next: shuttle buses from Trabzon cut solo car trips, a 2024 trial expanding to ferry 50% of runners by 2027. Waste’s on the chopping block too—compost bins at aid stations (banana peels, not plastic) and a “zero-trace” pledge aim to slash landfill loads. Tech might pitch in—GPS apps could track runner density, easing trail wear by tweaking routes dynamically.

Community ties will deepen. Plans float to fund a Kaçkar youth trail team—local teens training for free, racing by 2028—turning spectators into stars. Eco-education’s brewing too: 2025’s expo may host workshops on the region’s flora (rhododendrons, orchids), linking runners to the land they pound. Bigger picture, UTMB’s global push for sustainability—think Chamonix’s solar-powered stations—trickles here; solar chargers could light Ayder’s finish by 2026. It’s ambitious—costs and logistics loom—but the vision’s clear: keep the Kaçkar wild and thriving, a stage for runners and locals alike, not a casualty of its own success.

Exploring the Kaçkar Region

Travel Tips for Participants and Supporters

Getting to the Kaçkar by UTMB is half the adventure. Ayder Yaylası, the race hub at 1,350 meters, sits in Turkey’s northeastern Rize province—a trek from most places, but worth it. Fly into Trabzon Airport (TZX), 110 km west—direct flights from Istanbul (1.5 hours, ~$50-$100) or Ankara hit daily; international runners might connect via Europe. From Trabzon, rent a car (2-hour drive, $30/day) for flexibility—roads twist through tea plantations—or hop a dolmuş (shared minibus, ~$5, hourly til dusk) to Ayder. Book early; 2,000+ runners and supporters clog routes come September 26-28, 2025.

Lodging’s tight—Ayder’s hotels (e.g., Kaçkar Resort, $80/night) and bungalows ($50-$100) fill fast; campgrounds ($10/night) offer a budget fix, but pack a warm bag for 5-10°C nights. Visas? EU, US, and many passport holders get e-Visas online ($20-$60, 5-minute process)—check evisa.gov.tr. Supporters, arrive by the 25th for expo vibes; runners, hit Ayder by the 26th for bib pickup (09:00-20:00). Pack layers—September’s 10-20°C swings wild with rain—and a charger; power’s spotty off-grid. It’s remote, but that’s the charm—plan tight, and you’re golden.

Local Attractions and Activities

Post-race, the Kaçkar region begs exploration. Runners nursing 5,900m+-sore legs or supporters killing time find Ayder’s hot springs a godsend—natural pools (free entry) dot the plateau, steaming at 40-50°C, perfect for soaking out cramps. A 10-minute walk from the finish, they’re packed post-27th—go early or late. Fırtına Valley, 20 km south, stuns with waterfalls—Palovit’s 15-meter drop (free, 30-minute drive) roars loudest—ideal for a lazy picnic or Instagram flex. Huser Yaylası, part of the 20K course, sits 8 km up; its misty 2,400m perch offers sunset views that erase race pain.

Hiking’s king here—non-runners can trek Pokut Yaylası (2-hour round trip from Ayder, 1,000m gain), a 2,050m plateau with wooden homes and cow-dotted meadows. Guided summit bids to Kaçkar Dağı (3,937m, $50-$100, 2-day trip) tempt the bold—book via Ayder outfitters. Supporters catch the expo (September 26-28, 09:00-19:00) for free demos—trail tips, local crafts—or cheer the 100K finish til 02:00 Sunday. Rain’s common, so pack boots; the Kaçkar’s wild beauty shines brightest when you dive in, weary or not.

Culinary Delights and Cultural Experiences

The Kaçkar’s food is soul fuel—runners and fans alike dig in. Muhlama, a gooey mix of cornmeal, butter, and cheese, headlines Ayder’s menus ($3-$5)—post-50K, it’s a salty hug in a bowl, served with crusty bread. Pide, Turkish flatbread stuffed with meat or cheese ($4-$6), powers pre-race carb loads; find it at roadside lokantas. Tea’s everywhere—black, strong, served in tulip glasses ($0.50)—grown on Rize’s slopes, it’s a ritual, not a drink. Post-race, grab laz böreği, a sweet layered pastry ($2-$3), for a sugar kick—locals swear by its comfort.

Culture’s as rich as the grub. The Hemşin and Laz peoples weave the region’s fabric—catch their vibe at the expo’s tulum performances, a bagpipe wail that haunts the finish line too. Visit Çamlıhemşin (15 km south, $2 dolmuş), where wooden konaks (mansions) perch over rivers—snap pics, sip tea with elders spinning shepherd yarns. September’s harvest buzz—tea leaves, hazelnuts—fills markets; haggle for honey ($5/jar) or wool socks ($3/pair). Join a horon dance if invited—fast, circular, fueled by tulum—it’s raw joy. The Kaçkar’s not just a race backdrop; it’s a living feast, best savored slow.

Conclusion

Recap of the Race’s Significance

The Kaçkar by UTMB isn’t just another ultra—it’s a standout in a crowded field. Set for September 26-28, 2025, with races on the 27th, it throws 76 km, 43 km, or 22 km of Kaçkar Mountain fury at over 2,000 runners from 55 countries. The 100K’s 5,900m+ elevation gain alone rivals UTMB Chamonix’s brutality, yet it’s the blend of raw trails, alpine beauty, and Turkish soul that sets it apart. From Ayder Yaylası’s misty start to the tulum’s wail at the finish, it’s a pilgrimage through nature and culture, earning its stripes in the UTMB World Series. For elites chasing qualifiers or locals running home turf, it’s a global stage with a rugged heart.

Encouragement for Aspiring Ultra Runners

Thinking of tackling the Kaçkar? Do it. You don’t need to be a pro—start small, like Aylin with her 20K, and build. Step one: lace up, hit a 5 km trail this weekend—no excuses. Join a running group, log 30 km weekly by summer, then eye a local half-marathon. By 2026, you could be at Ayder, poles in hand, staring down 1,300m+ of glory. Prep’s half the battle—read this post again, nail the gear, train the hills. The Kaçkar’s tough, but it rewards the bold. Sign up at kackar.utmb.world when slots drop—your finish line’s waiting, medal and all.

Final Thoughts on the Spirit of Ultra Marathon Running

Ultra running’s more than miles—it’s a dance with limits, and the Kaçkar by UTMB embodies that spirit. It’s the ache of a 50K descent, the silence of a 100K night, the stranger’s cheer at 70 km that pulls you through. It’s adventure—unscripted, messy, alive—set against peaks that don’t care if you finish, yet make you better for trying. Resilience grows here: every step past doubt, every summit crested, mirrors life’s grind. Nature’s the real star—wild, vast, humbling—binding runners in a shared, sweaty reverence. The Kaçkar’s not just a race; it’s a call to dig deep, stand tall, and run free.