Running Events In Turkey – Marathons, Road Races, Ultras & Trails

Do you love running? Well, welcome to our page of running events in Turkey.

Whether you live here, are travelling around Turkey, or you want to time a holiday so that you can also take part in a running event, we thought we’d bring some of the regular events together all in one place.

Running is a fast-growing pastime in Turkey and we love being part of the running fraternity.

Some of these running events, we attend regularly.

We’ve only taken part in road races so far but we’re also pondering dipping our toes into the world of trail running.

So we’ve included some of the main trail running events and ultra marathons in Turkey, too.

Unlike in some countries, whilst registrations for running events in Turkey do fill up, there are no events that require ballot entry.

You should be able to register up to a few days before for most events.

And some also have late registration on the day if the quota isn’t full or there are cancellations.

About Our Running Events In Turkey Page

Some of the running events in Turkey are larger and well established.

Not surprisingly, the Istanbul Marathon is the largest road race. The marathon is an IAAF Gold Label event.

Others are recent additions to the Turkish road races calendar and are smaller and more low key.

We love the smaller running events just as much as the larger get togethers.

For trail running and ultra marathons in Turkey, a lot of the more established events are part of the ITRA (the International Trail Running Association).

This country is packed with national parks featuring rivers, canyons, rolling hills and colossal mountain ranges making trail running in Turkey a real draw (for those that are that way inclined).

Disclaimer

• We have put this page of ultras, trail runs, road races and marathons in Turkey as a general guide. If you want to take part in any of the running events, it is obviously your own responsibility to keep yourself up to date with race information, registration and rules.
• This is purely a page for your information. We are not working with any of the event organisers. So we will not receive any commission if you choose to register for a race via one of the links below. We simply enjoy running.
• We have linked to race websites (English language sections) or Facebook pages where possible.
• We will keep this page as up to date as possible. For some 2022 running events, dates are yet to be confirmed. These are marked with ‘tbc.’ We will add the dates as soon as we know them.
• Just a tip: Some running events in Turkey don’t necessarily take place on the same date, week – or even month – every year. If you are thinking of travelling to Turkey specifically to take part in a race, don’t book anything until the dates are confirmed.
  
  As an example, the Bodrum Global Run was to take place in May for 2020. In past years, it has taken place in April.

COVID – 19 – As with other running events around the world, due to the risk of Coronavirus, many organisers are making the decision to cancel or postpone imminent races in Turkey.

Check via the links provided below to check the status of your chosen race. ‘Iptal’ means cancelled. ‘Ertelendi’ means postponed.

^{January Running Events}

January – Road Races

Adana Kurtuluş Yarı Maratonu
When:	9th January 2022
Where:	Adana
Distances:	Half Marathon
Further Info:	Register via Alivex

^{February Running Events}

February – Road Races

Alanya Yarı Maratonu
When:	13th Feb 2022
Where:	Alanya
Distances:	Half Marathon, 5k
Further Info:	Facebook Page

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Trabzon Yarı Maratonu
When:	20th Feb 2022
Where:	Trabzon (Eastern Black Sea)
Distances:	Half Marathon, 10k, 5k Fun Run
Further Info:	Website in English

February – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Manavgat Ultra Marathon
When:	4th-5th Feb 2022
Where:	Manavgat, Antalya Province
Distances:	66k, 38k, 12k, 6k
Further Info:	Facebook Page

Manavgat, in the Antalya Province is famous for its waterfalls. You could also visit nearby Side and take in the ancient ruins.

^{March Running Events}

Runtalya running events take place over the first Saturday and Sunday of March.

The High Heels Race, fun run and children’s events take place on the Saturday.

The marathon, half marathon and 10k take place on the Sunday.

There’s lots to see and do in Antalya including exploring the old city of Kaleiçi and wandering Karaalioğlu Park.

The 10k route goes through both of these areas.

March – Road Races

Runtalya
When:	3rd March 2022
Where:	Antalya
Distances:	Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k
Further Info:	Facebook Page

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Büyükada Koşusu
When:	13th March 2022
Where:	Istanbul (Büyükada, Princes Islands)
Distances:	Half Marathon, 10k, 5k
Further Info:	Official race website

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Hatay Barış Koşusu
When:	20th March 2022
Where:	Antakya
Distances:	10k, 4k People’s Fun Run
Further Info:	Facebook Page

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Uluslararası Mersin Maratonu
When:	22nd March 2022
Where:	Mersin
Distances:	Marathon, 10k, Fun Run
Further Info:	Facebook Page

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Istanbul Yarı Maratonu
When:	27th March 2022
Where:	Istanbul
Distances:	Half Marathon, 10k
Further Info:	The Istanbul Half Marathon is an IAAF Gold Label Event. Official website in English.

March – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Efes Ultra Marathon
When:	17th-20th March 2022
Where:	Selçuk & Şirince
Distances:	120k, 61k, 42k, 23k, 12k, 5k
Further Info:	Register

Your perfect opportunity to explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus as well as the pretty town of Selçuk and village of Şirince.

^{April Running Events}

April – Road Races

April – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Iznik Challenge Camp
When:	15th-18th April
Where:	Iznik
Distances:	165k, 106k
Further Info:	Official website (in English)

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Farm Olea Backyard Ultra Trail
When:	16th April 2022
Where:	Urla
Distances:	6.7k Every Hour
Further Info:	MCR RaceSetter

Run the 10k or the half marathon on the stunning Datça Peninsula and then enjoy all the things to do in Datça.

The Fethiye Ultra obviously takes place in our hometown. And of course, there are lots of things to see and do in Fethiye!

^{May Running Events}

May – Road Races

May – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Iznik Ultra
When:	20th-22nd May 2022
Where:	Iznik
Distances:	160k, 90k, 55k, 35k, 25k, 14k, 5k City Run, Kids’ Run
Further Info:	Official website in English.

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This Izmir event in May is part of the Wings For Life World Run series with running events taking place around the world.

Billed as the race where the finish line comes to you. The aim is to run as far as you can before the race car catches up with you.

100% of entry fees go to spinal chord research.

The winner is the person who runs the furthest.

Enjoy the streets and bars of Alsancak and take in some culture at the Izmir agora.

The Bodrum Global Run is part of a series of running events that take place in different cities around the world.

If the Lycian Way Ultra Marathon is your thing, this area of the Antalya Province is also perfect for exploring sites such as Phaselis and Olympos.

^{June Running Events}

June – Road Races

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Ankara Yarı Maratonu
When:	19th June 2022
Where:	Ankara
Distances:	Half Marathon, 10k
Further Info:	Official Website

June – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

^{July Running Events}

July – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Lots to see and do, whichever of these ultras you choose. Kayseri is close to Cappadocia whilst Bursa is packed with famous sights and is the birthplace of the Ottomans and the tasty Iskender Kebab.

^{August Running Events}

August – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Amongst other famous sights, the Denizli Province of Turkey is home to the country’s second most visited tourist attraction, the famous Pamukkale travertines.

Don’t miss out on the ruins of Hierapolis just above the travertines.

^{September Running Events}

September – Road Races

September – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

As well as taking part in the running events, there’s lots to keep you occupied in Eskişehir.

Explore Odunpazarı, the old city; indulge in famous çiğbörek; enjoy the student vibe in the bars and eateries; stroll along the Porsuk River; the list goes on.

^{October Running Events}

October – Road Races

Gelibolu Maratonu
When:	2nd October 2022
Where:	Gallipoli
Distances:	Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, Family Run
Further Info:	Facebook Page

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Kayseri Yarı Maratonu
When:	9th October 2022
Where:	Kayseri
Distances:	Half Marathon, 10k
Further Info:	Official Website (Turkish)

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Early and late season are perfect times to visit Bodrum if you like life to be a little slower and quieter – after the running event, that is.

We’re yet to take part in the Kaş Yarımadaton running event but pretty Kaş is a great place to spend a night or two.

You’ll have places like Big Pebble Beach almost to yourself. You can also visit another country from Kaş.

The Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo) is just a 20-30 minute sail across the bay.

One of the smaller running events – 1200 runners in 2019 – the Dalyan Caretta Run has beautiful scenery. Lots of things to do in Dalyan, too.

Yaşam İçin Yarış raises money for cancer care in the Fethiye area.

Run or walk 5k along Fethiye harbour and check out which restaurants you might want to eat at later, en route.

The turning point is just after Denizatı Restaurant.

^{November Running Events}

November – Road Races

November – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

When it comes to marathons in Turkey, the Istanbul Marathon is the country’s flagship event.

Whichever distance you choose, you will start the race in Asia and finish in Europe – the only marathon event that takes place over two continents.

You can see photos of the 10k route of the Istanbul Marathon event.

There is no longer a 10k option but the first 10 kilometres of the 15k and the marathon follow the same route.

Obviously, there is much to see and do in Istanbul.

This is the city of the magnificent Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace…we won’t go on.

Everyone should visit Istanbul as far as we’re concerned.

^{December Running Events}

December – Road Races

December – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Further Running Events In Turkey

This list is not intended as a list of every running event in Turkey.

There are regular, smaller events that take place around Istanbul, for example.

Follow the Spor Istanbul Facebook page for some event notifications.

Because road races and trail running is a growing sport in Turkey, some towns and cities will host a running event just to test the water.

These can be a one off and then they disappear from the running calendar.

When you register for some running events, you will receive future emails about other upcoming races in Turkey that are also run by the same events company.

This makes life easier if you want to take part in future events.

It’s All Turkish To Me – Some Key Words & Phrases

One of the main running event hosts is Alivex.

If you register for a race with Alivex, there are English language options when you get to the payment and registration pages. So don’t be put off.

Here are a few key words and phrases to look out for on websites if there is no English language option:

• Kayıtlar başladı / açılmış – Registration is open
• Kayıt ol – Register
• Koşu – Run
• Maraton / Yarı Maraton – Marathon / Half marathon
• Parkur – Race routes / distances
• Yarış – Race
• Yarış bilgileri / Bilgiler – Race information