🏃 Best Ultra Marathon Routes in Turkey + 2025 Race Calendar

Turkey Ultra Marathon Guide 2025: Best Races, Routes & Travel Tips

With its rugged mountains, ancient trails, and breathtaking coastal paths, Turkey is rapidly becoming a must-run destination for ultra marathoners around the globe. From the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the dramatic cliffs of the Lycian Way, the country offers diverse terrain, challenging courses, and rich cultural backdrops.

This 2025 guide is built for trail runners, endurance athletes, and travel-hungry competitors who want to explore Turkey’s most iconic races. Whether you’re training for your first 50K or planning a 100-miler in the Kaçkar Mountains, we’ve compiled everything you need to plan, prepare, and run strong—plus where to stay, what to pack, and how to get there.

Let’s dive into the best ultra marathon races Turkey has to offer in 2025.

Top Ultra Marathon Races in Turkey (2025 Calendar)

Turkey’s 2025 ultra marathon calendar is packed with diverse events—from alpine climbs in the Kaçkar Mountains to historic trails along the Aegean coast. Here’s a curated list of the top races, with confirmed and expected dates, key distances, and locations.

Entry Requirements and Registration Tips

Ultra marathons in Turkey vary in difficulty, terrain, and altitude — so it’s no surprise that race requirements differ as well. Whether you’re eyeing a 20K in the Aegean or a 100K in the Kaçkar Mountains, here’s what you need to know before you register.

Minimum Age Requirements

• Most races require participants to be at least 18 years old on race day.
• Shorter distances (5K–12K) may allow 16–17 year olds with parental consent.

Medical Certificate or Health Report

• For distances over 20K, a (dated within the last 6–12 months) is often mandatory.
• It must confirm that you are fit to run long-distance or ultra trail races.
• In Turkish races, the term used is “sağlık raporu”.

Experience or Qualification Requirements

• Some technical races (e.g., UTMB®-style or alpine events) may require proof of prior finish in a race of similar length or elevation.
• Kaçkar by UTMB® and Cappadocia Ultra Trail may request past race history or ITRA points for the longest distances.

Waivers & Risk Acknowledgement

• All races require signing a liability waiver or “participant agreement.”
• This confirms you’re running at your own risk and understand the medical/environmental challenges involved.

Registration Periods and Deadlines

• Early bird registrations open 4–8 months before race day and offer lower fees.
• Most races close registrations 3–4 weeks before the event or when participant limits are reached.
• Popular races like Cappadocia, Kaçkar, and İznik often sell out early — book fast!

Entry Fees & What’s Included

• Fees range from €20–€120+ depending on the distance, popularity, and included services.
• Typical inclusions: race t-shirt, bib, chip timing, on-course nutrition, finisher medal.
• Premium races may also offer transport, photos, drop-bag handling, and post-race meals.

Where to Register

• Official race websites are always the safest place to register.
• Some events use platforms like pulsartiming.com or event.dakik.com for payments and confirmations.
• Follow race social media pages for announcements, discounts, and last-minute changes.

How to Prepare for an Ultra Marathon in Turkey

Whether you’re tackling technical alpine climbs or flowing forest trails, preparing for an ultra in Turkey means respecting the terrain, the climate, and your limits. Here’s how to show up ready—physically and mentally.

🏋️ Physical Training Tips

• Back-to-back long runs: Practice running long distances on consecutive days to simulate fatigue and improve recovery.
• Train on terrain: Match your workouts to your race’s surface—technical rocks for Kaçkar, smooth dirt for Frig, steep climbs for Tahtalı.
• Weekly vertical gain: Include hill repeats and elevation-focused trail runs if you’re racing in mountainous regions.
• Don’t ignore strength: Core and leg workouts 1–2x per week improve endurance and injury resistance.
• Race simulations: Practice night runs, hydration timing, and running with full race gear.

🍝 Nutrition Before, During, and After

• Before the race: Carb-load for 2–3 days with rice, pasta, fruits; avoid heavy fats or untested foods.
• On race day: Eat a light, familiar breakfast 2–3 hours pre-race (oats, bananas, toast).
• During the race: Consume 150–250 kcal/hour via gels, bars, fruit, or nut mixes. Use aid stations wisely.
• Hydration: Drink to thirst and balance electrolytes—especially in hot regions like Antalya or Fethiye.
• After the race: Replenish with carbs + protein within 30 minutes. Recovery meals = hummus, grains, smoothies, nuts.

🎒 Essential Gear for Turkish Ultras

• Trail shoes: Grippy, protective, and suited to either rocky or muddy terrain depending on race.
• Running vest: Hydration bladder + room for mandatory gear (jacket, headlamp, food, phone).
• Weather layers: Light waterproof shell, gloves, buff—especially for Kaçkar, Aladağlar, or high-altitude trails.
• Poles: Recommended for vertical races like Tahtalı and Aladağlar.
• Headlamp: Required for early starts or night finishers (bring extra batteries).
• Extras: Sunscreen, anti-chafe balm, electrolyte tablets, emergency foil blanket.

🧠 Mental Strength & Race-Day Focus

• Expect discomfort: There will be pain, boredom, and doubt. Prepare your mind like your legs.
• Break it down: Mentally divide the race by checkpoints or hours—not kilometers.
• Use mantras: “This is what I trained for.” “One more step.” “Stay in motion.”
• Visualize: Imagine race day the night before—your gear, your pace, your smile at the finish.
• Adapt: Turkey’s weather can be unpredictable. Be ready to pivot without panic.

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wearing new shoes or untested gear on race day
• Skipping strength training or mobility work during training cycle
• Over-fueling or under-drinking, especially in hot races
• Starting too fast or ignoring aid station stops
• Not reading the race manual (mandatory gear, cutoff times, rules)

Where to Stay and What to See: Travel Guide for Runners

Running an ultra in Turkey offers more than just kilometers — it’s a chance to experience one of the world’s most diverse and storied landscapes. Here’s how to travel smart, recover in style, and explore epic scenery along the way.

✈️ Closest Airports to Major Races

• Cappadocia (Ürgüp): Nevşehir (NAV) or Kayseri (ASR)
• Kaçkar (Rize): Rize–Artvin Airport (RZV) or Trabzon (TZX)
• Iznik: Bursa Yenişehir (YEI) or Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)
• Fethiye / Lycian Way: Dalaman Airport (DLM)
• Marmaris: Dalaman Airport (DLM)
• Efesus Ultra (Selçuk): Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)
• Antalya Ultra / Tahtalı: Antalya Airport (AYT)
• Frig Ultra: Afyonkarahisar Bus Terminal (no airport – bus/train access)

🏨 Best Hotel Picks (Runner-Approved)

• Ürgüp – Cappadocia: Kayakapi Premium Caves, Yunak Evleri (stone cave hotels, recovery heaven)
• Ayder – Kaçkar: Villa de Pelit, Ayder Doga Resort (near race start, hot springs nearby)
• Iznik: Limnades Hotel, İznik Askania (by the lake, peaceful setting)
• Selçuk: Hotel Kalehan, Celsus Boutique Hotel (historic atmosphere + walking distance to ruins)
• Marmaris: Casa De Maris, Marmaris Bay Resort (ideal for beach recovery)

📍 Top Tourist Highlights by Region

• Cappadocia: Hot air balloon rides, Göreme Open Air Museum, Love Valley hikes, pottery in Avanos
• Kaçkar Mountains: Ayder hot springs, Pokut & Gito plateaus, Zilkale fortress, Turkish Black Sea cuisine
• Lycian Way: Ölüdeniz beach, Butterfly Valley, Patara Ruins, Çıralı Chimera flames, sea kayaking in Kekova
• Selçuk: Ephesus ruins, Temple of Artemis, Meryem Ana (Virgin Mary’s House), Şirince wine village
• Iznik: Roman walls, Ayasofya mosque-church, Iznik Gölü lakeside walks, traditional tile workshops
• Marmaris: Dalyan river cruise, Sedir Island (Cleopatra Beach), Marmaris Marina, forested bike paths

💬 Cultural & Travel Tips

• Language: Turkish is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
• Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY) — credit cards widely accepted.
• Transportation: Intercity buses are cheap and reliable; car rental is best for trail races in remote areas.
• Safety: Turkey is generally safe, but use common sense in big cities or remote areas after dark.
• Insurance: Get travel insurance that covers endurance sports and mountain rescue (especially for Kaçkar or Aladağlar).
• Water: Prefer bottled or filtered water outside major cities.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🧠 Quiz: How Well Do You Know Turkey’s Ultra Trails?

1. Which Turkish ultra marathon is part of the official UTMB® World Series?
   A) Efesus Ultra B) Kaçkar by UTMB® C) Iznik Ultra D) Uludağ Premium


2. What is the highest elevation gain among major Turkish races?
   A) 4470m B) 5900m C) 3700m D) 3200m


3. Which race takes place in a UNESCO World Heritage site?
   A) Marmaris Ultra B) Cappadocia Ultra Trail C) Frig Ultra D) Antalya Ultra


4. Which region hosts the “Run to Sky” race finishing at 2365 meters?
   A) Fethiye B) Aladağlar C) Kemer D) Rize


5. Which ancient city do runners pass in Efesus Ultra?
   A) Troy B) Side C) Ephesus D) Miletus


6. Which race includes overnight stages across salt flats?
   A) Frig Ultra B) Salt Lake Ultra Trail C) Babadağ Ultra D) Kaçkar by UTMB®


7. What is typically required to enter a 50K+ ultra in Turkey?
   A) A passport B) UTMB® membership C) A medical certificate D) Race insurance only

✅ Quiz Answers

• 1: B) Kaçkar by UTMB®
• 2: B) 5900m
• 3: B) Cappadocia Ultra Trail
• 4: C) Kemer
• 5: C) Ephesus
• 6: B) Salt Lake Ultra Trail
• 7: C) A medical certificate

📢 Share Your Score!

🎥 Video Suggestions

Experience the atmosphere of Turkey’s most iconic ultra marathons through these official race videos. From volcanic landscapes to alpine wilderness, these trails are as cinematic as they are challenging.

✍️ Final Thoughts

Turkey’s ultra marathon scene is no longer a hidden gem—it’s a growing global destination for trail runners seeking adventure, heritage, and raw nature. From the clouds of Kaçkar to the caves of Cappadocia and the cliffs of the Lycian Way, these races offer more than just distance. They offer story.

Whether you’re planning your first international race or chasing UTMB® stones, this guide should give you a strong foundation. Now it’s your turn to choose a trail, register, and start training. The Turkish trails are calling. Will you answer?

📢 Share This Guide With Fellow Runners: