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 | |
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When: | 9th January 2022 |
Where: | Adana |
Distances: | Half Marathon |
Further Info: | Register via Alivex |
February Running Events
February – Road Races
Alanya Yarı Maratonu | |
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When: | 13th Feb 2022 |
Where: | Alanya |
Distances: | Half Marathon, 5k |
Further Info: | Facebook Page |
Trabzon Yarı Maratonu | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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When: | 3rd March 2022 |
Where: | Antalya |
Distances: | Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k |
Further Info: | Facebook Page |
Büyükada Koşusu | |
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When: | 13th March 2022 |
Where: | Istanbul (Büyükada, Princes Islands) |
Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k, 5k |
Further Info: | Official race website |
Hatay Barış Koşusu | |
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When: | 20th March 2022 |
Where: | Antakya |
Distances: | 10k, 4k People’s Fun Run |
Further Info: | Facebook Page |
Uluslararası Mersin Maratonu | |
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When: | 22nd March 2022 |
Where: | Mersin |
Distances: | Marathon, 10k, Fun Run |
Further Info: | Facebook Page |
Istanbul Yarı Maratonu | |
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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 | |
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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
Run Datça | |
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When: | tbc |
Where: | Datça |
Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k, 5k |
Further Info: | Facebook Page |
Maraton Izmir | |
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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 | |
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When: | tbc |
Where: | Fethiye |
Distances: | 77k, 57k, 27k, 10k |
Further Info: | Official website in English. |
Alanya Ultra Trail | |
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When: | 2nd April 2022 |
Where: | Alanya |
Distances: | 76k, 48k, 28k, 17k |
Further Info: | Website in English |
Iznik Challenge Camp | |
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When: | 15th-18th April |
Where: | Iznik |
Distances: | 165k, 106k |
Further Info: | Official website (in English) |
Farm Olea Backyard Ultra Trail | |
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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
Wings For Life World Run | |
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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 | |
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When: | 15th May 2022 |
Where: | Manisa |
Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k, Children’s Run |
Further Info: | Official Website (English) |
Giresun Yarı Maratonu | |
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When: | 22nd May 2022 |
Where: | Giresun (Black Sea Region) |
Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k |
Further Info: | Official Website (Turkish) |
Avşa Yarı Maratonu | |
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When: | 29th May 2022 |
Where: | Avşa Adası (Balıkesir) |
Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k |
Further Info: | Facebook Page |
Bodrum Global Run | |
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When: | tbc |
Where: | Bodrum |
Distances: | 10k, 5k |
Further Info: | Facebook Page |
May – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs
Istanbul Ultra | |
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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 | |
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When: | 13th-15th May 2022 |
Where: | Kemer, Antalya Province |
Distances: | 116k, 62k, 27k, 12k |
Further Info: | Official website, English language |
Iznik Ultra | |
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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 | |
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When: | tbc |
Where: | Lycian coast of the Antalya Province |
Distances: | 100k, 57k, 37k, 20k |
Further Info: | Official Lycian Way Ultra Marathon website in English |

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
Bozcaada Yarı Maratonu | |
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When: | 4th June 2022 |
Where: | Bozcaada (northwest Turkey) |
Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k |
Further Info: | Facebook Page |
Cadde 10k | |
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When: | tbc |
Where: | Kadıköy, Istanbul |
Distances: | 10k, Paralimpik, Children’s Run |
Further Info: | Facebook Page |
Ankara Yarı Maratonu | |
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When: | 19th June 2022 |
Where: | Ankara |
Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k |
Further Info: | Official Website |
June – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs
Dağyenice Ultra Trail | |
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When: | 4th June 2022 |
Where: | Bursa |
Distances: | 59k, 32k, 13k, 6k |
Further Info: | Official website. (No English language option) |
Müşküle Nazim Hikmet Koşusu | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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When: | 22nd-24th July 2022 |
Where: | Bursa |
Distances: | 100k, 66k, 30k, 16k, 6k |
Further Info: | Official website (in English) |
Kartal Gölü Ultra | |
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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 | |
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When: | tbc |
Where: | Niğde/Kayseri |
Distances: | 50k, 29k |
Further Info: | Facebook Page |
Runfire Salt Lake Ultra Trail | |
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When: | tbc |
Where: | Tuz Gölü, Konya Province |
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
Eskişehir Yarı Maratonu | |
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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 | |
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When: | tbc |
Where: | Balıkesir |
Distances: | 85k, 60k, 45k, 22k, 5k |
Further Info: | Official website in English |
Kaçkar Ultra Marathon | |
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When: | 10th September 2022 |
Where: | Kaçkar Mountains (Eastern Black Sea) |
Distances: | 45k, 15k, 5k |
Further Info: | 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
Gelibolu Maratonu | |
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When: | 2nd October 2022 |
Where: | Gallipoli |
Distances: | Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, Family Run |
Further Info: | Facebook Page |
Bodrum Yarı Maratonu | |
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When: | 2nd October 2022 |
Where: | Bodrum |
Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k, 5k |
Further Info: | Facebook Page |
Kayseri Yarı Maratonu | |
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When: | 9th October 2022 |
Where: | Kayseri |
Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k |
Further Info: | Official Website (Turkish) |
Yaşam İçin Yarış (Race For Life) | |
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When: | 16th October 2022 |
Where: | Fethiye |
Distances: | 5k Fun Run |
Further Info: | Facebook Group |
Kaş Yarımadaton | |
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When: | tbc |
Where: | Kaş |
Distances: | Half Marathon, 12k, 6k Marina Run |
Further Info: | Facebook Page |
Run Aydın | |
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When: | tbc |
Where: | Kuşadası |
Distances: | 10k, 5k |
Further Info: | Facebook Page |
Dalyan Caretta Run | |
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When: | tbc |
Where: | Dalyan |
Distances: | Half Marathon, 14k, 5k |
Further Info: | Facebook Page |
October – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs
Eker I Run | |
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When: | 1st-2nd October 2022 |
Where: | Uludağ, Bursa |
Distances: | 2k Kids’ Race, 5k, 15k, 42k |
Further Info: | Official website in English |
Cappadocia Ultra Trail | |
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When: | 15th-16th October 2022 |
Where: | Ürgüp, Cappadocia |
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
Istanbul Maratonu | |
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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 | |
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When: | tbc |
Where: | Bodrum |
Distances: | 60k, 23k 10k, 6k |
Further 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
Gazi Yarı Maratonu | |
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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 | |
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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