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 and 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 2021 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 | |
| When: | 10th January 2021 |
| Where: | Adana |
| Name of Event: | Adana Kurtuluş Yarı Maratonu |
| Distances: | Half Marathon |
| Further Info: | Official Website (Turkish Only) |
January – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs | |
| When: | tbc |
| Where: | Göcek |
| Name of Event: | KariaUltra |
| Distances: | 24k, 50k |
| Further Info: | Blog (in Turkish) – we’ll update when we find more info about 2021 |
If you do the KariaUltra, Göcek is a great little chilled out marina resort with a few places to eat that stay open in winter. You could also stay in Fethiye where daily life continues year round.
February Running Events
February – Road Races | |
| When: | tbc |
| Where: | Trabzon (Eastern Black Sea) |
| Name of Event: | Uluslararası Trabzon Yarı Maratonu |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 11.5k |
| Further Info: | Website in English |
February – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs | |
| When: | tbc |
| Where: | Manavgat, Antalya Province |
| Name of Event: | Manavgat Ultra Marathon |
| Distances: | 66k, 38k, 12k, 6k |
| Further Info: | Official 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
Runatolia 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 | |
| When: | 7th March 2021 |
| Where: | Antalya |
| Name of Event: | Runatolia |
| Distances: | Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k |
| Further Info: | The Runatolia Facebook page |
| When: | 21st March 2021 |
| Where: | Alanya |
| Name of Event: | Alanya Atatürk Halk Koşusu Ve Yarı Maratonu |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 5k |
| Further Info: | The race’s Facebook page. |
| When: | tbc |
| Where: | Istanbul (Büyükada, Princes Islands) |
| Name of Event: | Büyükada Koşusu |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k, 5k |
| Further Info: | This is the official race website |
| When: | tbc |
| Where: | Antakya |
| Name of Event: | Hatay Barış Koşusu |
| Distances: | 10k, 4k People’s Fun Run |
| Further Info: | Official Facebook page |
| When: | tbc |
| Where: | Mersin |
| Name of Event: | Uluslararası Mersin Maratonu |
| Distances: | Marathon, 10k, Fun Run |
| Further Info: | Official Facebook page |
March – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs | |
| When: | 13th, 14th March 2021 |
| Where: | Selçuk and Şirince |
| Name of Event: | Efes Ultra Marathon |
| Distances: | 120k, 61k, 42k, 21k, 12k, 5k |
| Further Info: | Official website in English |
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 | |
| When: | 4th April 2021 |
| Where: | Istanbul |
| Name of Event: | Istanbul Yarı Maratonu |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k |
| Further Info: | The Istanbul Half Marathon is an IAAF Gold Label Event. (This is a separate event, not to be confused with the Istanbul Marathon which takes place in November) |
| When: | tbc |
| Where: | Datça |
| Name of Event: | Run Datça |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k, 5k |
| Further Info: | Official Facebook page |
| When: | tbc |
| Where: | Izmir |
| Name of Event: | Maraton Izmir |
| Distances: | Marathon, 10k, Fun Run, Children’s Run |
| Further Info: | Official race website (the English language section isn’t operating yet) |
April – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs | |
| When: | 3rd April 2021 – Cancelled |
| Where: | Fethiye |
| Name of Event: | Fethiye Ultra |
| Distances: | 77k, 57k, 27k, 10k |
| Further Info: | Official website in English. |
| When: | 3rd April 2021 |
| Where: | Alanya |
| Name of Event: | Alanya Ultra Trail |
| Distances: | 76k, 48k, 28k, 17k |
| Further Info: | Alanya Ultra Trail Facebook page. |
| When: | 9th, 10th, 11th April 2021 – Postponed: See below |
| Where: | Iznik |
| Name of Event: | Iznik Ultra |
| Distances: | 160k, 90k, 55k, 35k, 20k, 5k City Run, Kids’ Run |
| Further Info: | Official website in English. Please Note: This race will now take place 6th, 7th August 2021. There will also be a 25k trail run on 8th August 2021. |
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 | |
| When: | 2nd May 2021 |
| Where: | Avşa Adası (Balıkesir) |
| Name of Event: | Avşa Yarı Maratonu |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k, Children’s Race |
| Further Info: | Official Facebook page |
| When: | tbc |
| Where: | Bozcaada (northwest Turkey) |
| Name of Event: | Bozcaada Yarı Maratonu |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k |
| Further Info: | Official Facebook page |
| When: | tbc |
| Where: | Bodrum |
| Name of Event: | Bodrum Global Run |
| Distances: | 10k, 5k |
| Further Info: | Official Facebook page |
May – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs | |
| When: | 1st May 2021 |
| Where: | Istanbul (near the Belgrade Forest) |
| Name of Event: | Istanbul Ultra |
| Distances: | 100k, 60k, 30, 15k |
| Further Info: | English version of the official website |
| When: | 15th, 16th May 2021 |
| Where: | Kemer, Antalya Province |
| Name of Event: | Tahtalı Run To Sky |
| Distances: | 116k, 62k, 29k, 27k |
| Further Info: | Official website, English language |
| When: | 24th, 25th, 26th September 2021 |
| Where: | Lycian coast of the Antalya Province |
| Name of Event: | Lycian Way Ultra Marathon |
| Distances: | 100k, 57k, 37k, 20k |
| Further Info: | Official Lycian Way Ultra Marathon website in Turkish |
| When: | May 22nd 2021 |
| Where: | Bursa |
| Name of Event: | Dağyenice Ultra Trail |
| Distances: | 59k, 32k, 13k |
| Further Info: | Official website. (No English language option) |
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. 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 | |
| When: | 13th June 2021 |
| Where: | Kadıköy, Istanbul |
| Name of Event: | Cadde 10k |
| Distances: | 10k, Paralimpik, Children’s Run |
| Further Info: | Official website |
June – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs | |
| When: | 5th June 2021 |
| Where: | Iznik (Müşküle Village) |
| Name of Event: | Müşküle Nazim Hikmet Koşusu |
| Distances: | 25k, 8k |
| Further Info: | Official Nazim Hikmet Run website (in English) |
| When: | 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th June |
| Where: | Iznik |
| Name of Event: | Iznik Challenge Camp |
| Distances: | 165k, 106k |
| Further Info: | Official website (in English) |
July Running Events
July – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs | |
| When: | 2nd, 3rd July 2021 |
| Where: | Kayseri – Erciyes Ski Centre |
| Name of Event: | Sky Erciyes Ultra Trail |
| Distances: | VK (vertical kilometre race to 3350m elevation), 64, 25k, 12k |
| Further Info: | Facebook page |
| When: | 2nd, 3rd, 4th July 2021 (postponed from 2020) |
| Where: | Bursa |
| Name of Event: | Uludağ Premium Ultra Trail |
| Distances: | 100k, 66k, 30k, 16k, 6k |
| Further Info: | Official website in English |
| When: | 10th July 2021 |
| Where: | Denizli |
| Name of Event: | Kartal Gölü Ultra |
| Distances: | 23k, 43k |
| Further Info: | Kartal Gölü Ultra Facebook page (The 2021 event is July) |
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 | |
| When: | 14th August 2021 |
| Where: | Niğde/Kayseri |
| Name of Event: | Aladağlar Sky Trail |
| Distances: | 50k, 29k |
| Further Info: | Official Facebook page |
| When: | 20th, 21st, 22nd August 2021 |
| Where: | Tuz Gölü, Konya Province |
| Name of Event: | Runfire Salt Lake Ultra Trail |
| Distances: | 100 miles, 80k, 40k, 20k, 10k |
| Further Info: | Official website in English |
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 | |
| When: | 28th/29th August 2021 |
| Where: | Eskişehir |
| Name of Event: | Eskişehir Yarı Maratonu |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k, Paralympic 10k, 21k |
| Further Info: | Official Facebook Page (no English language option) |
| When: | tbc |
| Where: | Gallipoli |
| Name of Event: | Gelibolu Maratonu |
| Distances: | Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, Family Run |
| Further Info: | Official Facebook page |
September – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs | |
| When: | 10th, 11th, 12th September 2021 |
| Where: | Balıkesir |
| Name of Event: | Kyzikos Ultra Maratonu |
| Distances: | 85k, 60k, 45k, 22k, 5k |
| Further Info: | Official website in English |
| When: | 11th September 2021 |
| Where: | Kaçkar Mountains (Eastern Black Sea) |
| Name of Event: | Kaçkar Ultra Marathon |
| Distances: | 45k, 15k, 5k |
| Further Info: | Official Facebook page |
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 | |
| When: | 3rd October 2021 |
| Where: | Bodrum |
| Name of Event: | Bodrum Yarı Maratonu |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k, 5k |
| Further Info: | Bodrum Yarı Maratonu Facebook page |
| When: | tbc |
| Where: | Fethiye |
| Name of Event: | Yaşam İçin Yarış (Race For Life) |
| Distances: | 5k Fun Run |
| Further Info: | Facebook group for Yaşam İçin Yarış |
| When: | 9th October 2021 |
| Where: | Kaş |
| Name of Event: | Kaş Yarımadaton |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 12k, 6k Marina Run |
| Further Info: | Official Facebook page |
| When: | tbc |
| Where: | Kuşadası |
| Name of Event: | Run Aydın |
| Distances: | 10k, 5k |
| Further Info: | Run Aydın Facebook page |
| When: | tbc |
| Where: | Dalyan |
| Name of Event: | Dalyan Caretta Run |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 14k, 5k |
| Further Info: | Dalyan Caretta Run Facebook page |
October – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs | |
| When: | 2nd, 3rd October 2021 |
| Where: | Uludağ, Bursa |
| Name of Event: | Eker I Run |
| Distances: | 2k Kids’ Race, 5k, 15k, 42k |
| Further Info: | Official website in English |
| When: | 16th, 17th October 2021 |
| Where: | Ürgüp, Cappadocia |
| Name of Event: | Cappadocia Ultra Trail |
| Distances: | 119k, 63k, 38k |
| Further Info: | Official website in English |
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 | |
| When: | 14th November 2021 |
| Where: | Istanbul |
| Name of Event: | Istanbul Maratonu |
| Distances: | Marathon, 15k, 8k People’s Fun Run |
| Further Info: | Spor Istanbul Facebook page |
November – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs | |
| When: | (tbc) |
| Where: | Bodrum |
| Name of Event: | Bodrun Ultra Marathon |
| Distances: | 60k, 23k 10k, 6k |
| Further Info: | We’ll keep an eye out for 2021 event info… |
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 | |
| When: | tbc |
| Where: | Gaziantep |
| Name of Event: | Gazi Yarı Maratonu |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 5k People’s Fun Run |
| Further Info: | Registration via Alivex |
December – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs | |
| When: | 5th December 2021 |
| Where: | Urla |
| Name of Event: | Farm Olea Backyard Ultra Trail |
| Distances: | 6.7k Every Hour |
| Further Info: | Trace de Trail – Route info and link to website |
| When: | tbc |
| Where: | Ida Mountains National Park |
| Name of Event: | Ida Ultra Marathon |
| Distances: | Ida Ultra, Ida Half Ultra, 35k, 15k Village Run |
| Further Info: | Official Facebook page |
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’s 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