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 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 2020 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 takes 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:	First weekend of January
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:	23rd February 2020
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:	7th, 8th February 2020
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:	1st March 2020
Where:	Antalya
Name of Event:	Runatolia
Distances:	Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k
Further Info:	The Runatolia Facebook page
When:	15th March 2020
Where:	Istanbul (Büyükada, Princes Islands)
Name of Event:	Büyükada Koşusu
Distances:	Half Marathon, 10k, 5k
Further Info:	This is the official race website
When:	22nd March 2020
Where:	Antakya
Name of Event:	Hatay Barış Koşusu
Distances:	10k, 4k People’s Fun Run
Further Info:	Official Facebook page
When:	22nd March 2020
Where:	Mersin
Name of Event:	Uluslararası Mersin Maratonu
Distances:	Marathon, 10k, Fun Run
Further Info:	Official website in English

March – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs
When:	14th, 15th March 2020
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:	5th April 2020
Where:	Istanbul
Name of Event:	Istanbul Yarı Maratonu
Distances:	Marathon, 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:	12th April 2020
Where:	Datça
Name of Event:	Run Datça
Distances:	Half Marathon, 10k, 5k
Further Info:	Official Facebook page
When:	12th April 2020
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:	11th April 2020
Where:	Fethiye
Name of Event:	Fethiye Ultra
Distances:	77k, 57k, 27k, 10k
Further Info:	Official website in English
When:	17th, 18th, 19th April 2020
Where:	Iznik
Name of Event:	Iznik Ultra
Distances:	160k, 90k, 55k, 35k, 20k, 5k City Run, Kids’ Run
Further Info:	Official website in English

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 2020
Where:	Avşa Adası (Balıkesir)
Name of Event:	Avşa Yarı Maratonu
Distances:	Half Marathon, 10k, Children’s Race
Further Info:	Official Facebook page
When:	3rd May 2020
Where:	Izmir
Name of Event:	Wings for Life World Run
Distances:	As far as you can get…
Further Info:	This is the official race website
When:	9th May 2020
Where:	Bozcaada (northwest Turkey)
Name of Event:	Bozcaada Yarı Maratonu
Distances:	Half Marathon, 10k
Further Info:	Official race website (no English language option)
When:	31st May 2020
Where:	Bodrum
Name of Event:	Bodrum Global Run
Distances:	10k, 5k
Further Info:	Official website in English

May – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs
When:	16th May 2020
Where:	Kemer, Antalya Province
Name of Event:	Tahtalı Run To Sky
Distances:	100k, 60k, 27k, 30k
Further Info:	Official website, English language
When:	29th, 30th, 31st May 2020
Where:	Lycian coast of the Antalya Province
Name of Event:	Lycian Way Ultra Marathon
Distances:	100k, 57k 37, 20k
Further Info:	Official Lycian Way Ultra Marathon website in English
When:	30th May 2020
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}

No running events as yet…

^{July Running Events}

July – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs
When:	3rd, 4th July 2020
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:	17th, 18th, 19th July 2020
Where:	Bursa
Name of Event:	Uludağ Premium Ultra Trail
Distances:	100k, 66k, 30k, 16k, 6k
Further Info:	Official website in English

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:	8th August 2020
Where:	Denizli
Name of Event:	Kartal Gölü Ultra
Distances:	23k, 43k
Further Info:	Kartal Gölü Ultra Facebook page
When:	(tbc)
Where:	Niğde/Kayseri
Name of Event:	Aladağlar Sky Trail
Distances:	45k, 15k
Further Info:	Official Facebook page
When:	28th,29th, 30th August 2020
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:	20th September 2020
Where:	Eskişehir
Name of Event:	Eskişehir Yarı Maratonu
Distances:	Half Marathon, 10k, Paralympic 10k, 21k
Further Info:	Official website (no English language option)
When:	27th September 2020
Where:	Gallipoli
Name of Event:	Gelibolu Maratonu
Distances:	Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, Family Run
Further Info:	Gelibolu Maratonu website (English)

September – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs
When:	11th, 12th, 13th September 2020
Where:	Balıkesir
Name of Event:	Kyzikos Ultra Maratonu
Distances:	85k, 60k, 45k, 22k, 5k
Further Info:	Official website in English
When:	12th September 2020
Where:	Kaçkar Mountains (Eastern Black Sea)
Name of Event:	Kaçkar Ultra Marathon
Distances:	45k, 15k, 5k
Further Info:	Official Facebook page
When:	25th, 26th, 27th September 2020
Where:	Istanbul (near the Belgrade Forest)
Name of Event:	Istanbul Ultra
Distances:	100k, 60k, 30, 15k
Further Info:	English version of the official website

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:	4th October 2020
Where:	Bodrum
Name of Event:	Bodrum Yarı Maratonu
Distances:	Half Marathon, 10k, 5k
Further Info:	Bodrum Yarı Maratonu Facebook page
When:	4th October 2020
Where:	Fethiye
Name of Event:	Yaşam İçin Yarış (Race For Life)
Distances:	5k Fun Run
Further Info:	Facebook group for Yaşam İçin Yarış
When:	10th October 2020
Where:	Kaş
Name of Event:	Kaş Yarımadaton
Distances:	Half Marathon, 12k, 6k Marina Run
Further Info:	Official Facebook page
When:	19th October (tbc)
Where:	Kuşadası
Name of Event:	Run Aydın
Distances:	10k, 5k
Further Info:	Run Aydın Facebook page
When:	26th October (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:	17th, 18th October 2020
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:	8th November 2020
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 2020 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:	21st December (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 2020
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