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Running Events In Turkey

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.

Running Events In Turkey - Bodrum
Bodrum plays host to various running events

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

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

Runatolia Marathon, Antalya, Turkey
At the Runatolia start line

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

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

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

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

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
Ephesus Library Of Celsus
Combine ultra running with archaeology

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

Run Datça
When:tbc
Where:Datça
Distances:Half Marathon, 10k, 5k
Further Info:Facebook Page

Maraton Izmir
When:17th April 2022
Where:Izmir
Distances:Marathon, 10k, Fun Run, Children’s Run
Further Info:Official race website (this is an English language section)

April – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Fethiye Ultra
When:tbc
Where:Fethiye
Distances:77k, 57k, 27k, 10k
Further Info:Official website in English.

Alanya Ultra Trail
When:2nd April 2022
Where:Alanya
Distances:76k, 48k, 28k, 17k
Further Info:Website in English

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

Farm Olea Backyard Ultra Trail
When:16th April 2022
Where:Urla
Distances:6.7k Every Hour
Further Info:MCR RaceSetter
Datça Beaches
For views, the route of Run Datça is difficult to beat

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

Fethiye Ultra Trail Start Line
Fethiye Ultra start line at Beşkaza Meydanı, 2019

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

Wings For Life World Run
When:8th May 2022
Where:Izmir
Distances:Run as far as you can until the catcher car passes you
Further Info:Official Website (English)

Manisa Yarı Maratonu
When:15th May 2022
Where:Manisa
Distances:Half Marathon, 10k, Children’s Run
Further Info:Official Website (English)

Giresun Yarı Maratonu
When:22nd May 2022
Where:Giresun (Black Sea Region)
Distances:Half Marathon, 10k
Further Info:Official Website (Turkish)

Avşa Yarı Maratonu
When:29th May 2022
Where:Avşa Adası (Balıkesir)
Distances:Half Marathon, 10k
Further Info:Facebook Page

Bodrum Global Run
When:tbc
Where:Bodrum
Distances:10k, 5k
Further Info:Facebook Page

May – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Istanbul Ultra
When:tbc
Where:Istanbul (near the Belgrade Forest)
Distances:100k, 60k, 30, 15k
Further Info:English version of the official website

Tahtalı Run To Sky
When:13th-15th May 2022
Where:Kemer, Antalya Province
Distances:116k, 62k, 27k, 12k
Further Info:Official website, English language

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.

Lycian Way Ultra Marathon
When:tbc
Where:Lycian coast of the Antalya Province
Distances:100k, 57k, 37k, 20k
Further Info:Official Lycian Way Ultra Marathon website in English
Running Events In Turkey - Izmir
Izmir is a fun, friendly city

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.

Bodrum Global Run
The Bodrum Global Run starts and finishes at the Bodrum cruise port

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.

Olympos From Phaselis Theatre
Climbing to the top of the theatre of Phaselis offers views of Mount Olympos

June Running Events

June – Road Races

Bozcaada Yarı Maratonu
When:4th June 2022
Where:Bozcaada (northwest Turkey)
Distances:Half Marathon, 10k
Further Info:Facebook Page

Cadde 10k
When:tbc
Where:Kadıköy, Istanbul
Distances:10k, Paralimpik, Children’s Run
Further Info:Facebook Page

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

June – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Dağyenice Ultra Trail
When:4th June 2022
Where:Bursa
Distances:59k, 32k, 13k, 6k
Further Info:Official website. (No English language option)

Müşküle Nazim Hikmet Koşusu
When:12th June 2022
Where:Iznik (Müşküle Village)
Distances:25k, 8k
Further Info:Official Nazim Hikmet Run website (in English)

July Running Events

July – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Sky Erciyes Ultra Trail
When:1st-2nd July 2022
Where:Kayseri – Erciyes Ski Centre
Distances:VK (vertical kilometre race to 3350m elevation), 64, 45k, 25k, 12k
Further Info:Official Website (English)

Uludağ Premium Ultra Trail
When:22nd-24th July 2022
Where:Bursa
Distances:100k, 66k, 30k, 16k, 6k
Further Info:Official website (in English)

Kartal Gölü Ultra
When:tbc
Where:Denizli
Distances:23k, 43k
Further Info:Facebook Page

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

Aladağlar Sky Trail
When:tbc
Where:Niğde/Kayseri
Distances:50k, 29k
Further Info:Facebook Page

Runfire Salt Lake Ultra Trail
When:tbc
Where:Tuz Gölü, Konya Province
Distances:100 miles, 80k, 40k, 20k, 10k
Further Info:Official website in English
Pamukkale Cascades
Pamukkale is a joint UNESCO World Heritage site along with Hierapolis

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

Eskişehir Yarı Maratonu
When:22nd August 2022
Where:Eskişehir
Distances:Half Marathon, 10k, Paralympic, Children’s Run
Further Info:Facebook Page

September – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Kyzikos Ultra Maratonu
When:tbc
Where:Balıkesir
Distances:85k, 60k, 45k, 22k, 5k
Further Info:Official website in English

Kaçkar Ultra Marathon
When:10th September 2022
Where:Kaçkar Mountains (Eastern Black Sea)
Distances:45k, 15k, 5k
Further Info:Facebook Page
Eskişehir, Turkey
Eskişehir is a great student city with lots to see and do

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

Bodrum Yarı Maratonu
When:2nd October 2022
Where:Bodrum
Distances:Half Marathon, 10k, 5k
Further Info:Facebook Page

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

Yaşam İçin Yarış (Race For Life)
When:16th October 2022
Where:Fethiye
Distances:5k Fun Run
Further Info:Facebook Group

Kaş Yarımadaton
When:tbc
Where:Kaş
Distances:Half Marathon, 12k, 6k Marina Run
Further Info:Facebook Page

Run Aydın
When:tbc
Where:Kuşadası
Distances:10k, 5k
Further Info:Facebook Page

Dalyan Caretta Run
When:tbc
Where:Dalyan
Distances:Half Marathon, 14k, 5k
Further Info:Facebook Page

October – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Eker I Run
When:1st-2nd October 2022
Where:Uludağ, Bursa
Distances:2k Kids’ Race, 5k, 15k, 42k
Further Info:Official website in English

Cappadocia Ultra Trail
When:15th-16th October 2022
Where:Ürgüp, Cappadocia
Distances:119k, 63k, 38k
Further Info:Official website in English
Running Turkey - Bodrum Yarı Maratonu
Club runners doing a jog around town before the Bodrum Yarı Maratonu event

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.

Shopping In Kaş, Turkey
Kaş is always worth a visit

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.

Running Events In Turkey - Dalyan Caretta Run
The Dalyan Caretta Run takes place at the end of October

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.

Fethiye News: Race For Life
A moment’s silence before the Yaşam İçin Yarış race begins

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

Istanbul Maratonu
When:6th November 2022
Where:Istanbul
Distances:Marathon, 15k, 8k People’s Fun Run
Further Info:Facebook Page

November – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Bodrun Ultra Marathon
When:tbc
Where:Bodrum
Distances:60k, 23k 10k, 6k
Further Info:Instagram

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.

Istanbul Marathon Start
Run between Asia and Europe in the Istanbul Marathon and 15k events

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

Gazi Yarı Maratonu
When:tbc
Where:Gaziantep
Distances:Half Marathon, 5k People’s Fun Run
Further Info:Official website (Turkish)

December – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Ida Ultra Marathon
When:tbc
Where:Ida Mountains National Park
Distances:Ida Ultra 114k, Ida Half Ultra 66k, 36k, 15k Village Run
Further Info:Facebook Page Registration opens 1st March

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

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