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 2023 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: Many 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.
January Running Events
January – Road Races
| Adana Kurtuluş Yarı Maratonu | |
|---|---|
| When: | 8th January 2023 |
| Where: | Adana |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k, People’s Fun Run |
| Further Info: | Alivex |
February Running Events
February – Road Races
| Trabzon Yarı Maratonu | |
|---|---|
| When: | 26th Feb 2023 |
| Where: | Trabzon (Eastern Black Sea) |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k, 4k Fun Run, 1k Children’s Run |
| Further Info: | Website in English |
February – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs
| St. Paul Trail Run | |
|---|---|
| When: | 4th Feb 2023 |
| Where: | Manavgat, Antalya Province |
| Distances: | 53k, 24k, 16k |
| Further Info: | Official website |
Manavgat, in the Antalya Province, is famous for its waterfalls as well as Köprülü Canyon where the event takes place.
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: | 6th March 2023 |
| Where: | Antalya |
| Distances: | Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k |
| Further Info: | Facebook Page |
| Büyükada Koşusu | |
|---|---|
| When: | 19th March 2023 |
| Where: | Istanbul (Büyükada, Princes Islands) |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k, 5k |
| Further Info: | Official race website |
| Alanya Atatürk Yarı Maratonu | |
|---|---|
| When: | 19th March 2023 |
| Where: | Alanya |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 5k Fun Run, 2k Fun Run |
| Further Info: | Facebook Page |
| Hatay Barış Koşusu | |
|---|---|
| When: | 19th March 2023 |
| Where: | Antakya |
| Distances: | 10k, 4k People’s Fun Run |
| Further Info: | Facebook Page |
March – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs
| Efes Ultra Marathon | |
|---|---|
| When: | 18th-19th March 2023 |
| Where: | Selçuk & Şirince |
| Distances: | 120k, 61k, 42k, 23k, 12k, 5k |
| Further Info: | Official website |
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
| Fethiye Yarımada Koşusu | |
|---|---|
| When: | 16th April 2023 |
| Where: | Fethiye |
| Distances: | 10k, 18.3k |
| Further Info: | Official race website (Turkish) |
| Istanbul Yarı Maratonu | |
|---|---|
| When: | 30th April 2023 |
| Where: | Istanbul |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k |
| Further Info: | The Istanbul Half Marathon is an IAAF Gold Label Event. Official website in English. |
April – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs
| Alanya Ultra Trail | |
|---|---|
| When: | Cancelled For 2023 |
| Where: | Alanya |
| Distances: | 73k, 48k, 28k, 17k |
| Further Info: | Website in English |
| Iznik Ultra | |
|---|---|
| When: | 14th-16th April 2023 |
| Where: | Iznik |
| Distances: | 160k, 90k, 55k, 35k, 25k, 14k, 5k City Run, Kids’ Run |
| Further Info: | Official website in English. |
| Farm Olea Backyard Ultra Trail | |
|---|---|
| When: | 22nd April 2023 |
| Where: | Urla |
| Distances: | 6.7k Every Hour |
| Further Info: | Backyard Ultra |
| Şahinyurdu Ultra Extreme | |
|---|---|
| When: | 28th-29th April 2023 |
| Where: | Bursa |
| Distances: | 12k, 16k, 28k, 43k, 83k |
| Further Info: | Official race website (no English language section) |
The Fethiye Ultra obviously takes place in our hometown.
In 2022, the race started in Şehit Fethi Bey Parkı. A great attraction in the town.
The 10k route headed along the harbour and Karagözler, whilst the 25k took runners around the Fethiye peninsula. Brave 50k runners headed up the forest track towards Kayaköy before turning off towards Ovacık and returning to base.
NOTE: The Fethiye Ultra has moved to October for 2023. Not sure what will happen in future years…
And of course, there are lots of things to see and do in Fethiye!
May Running Events
May – Road Races
| Maraton Izmir | |
|---|---|
| When: | 7th May 2023 |
| Where: | Izmir |
| Distances: | Marathon, 10k |
| Further Info: | Official race website |
| Manisa Yarı Maratonu | |
|---|---|
| When: | 14th May 2023 |
| Where: | Manisa |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k, Children’s Run |
| Further Info: | Official Website (English) |
| Giresun Yarı Maratonu | |
|---|---|
| When: | 21st May 2023 |
| Where: | Giresun (Black Sea Region) |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k |
| Further Info: | Official Website (Turkish) |
May – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs
| Tahtalı Run To Sky | |
|---|---|
| When: | 5th-6th May 2023 |
| Where: | Kemer, Antalya Province |
| Distances: | 65k, 27k, 12k |
| Further Info: | Official website, English language |
| Dağyenice Ultra Trail | |
|---|---|
| When: | 20th May 2023 |
| Where: | Bursa |
| Distances: | 100k, 61k, 33k, 15k, 6k |
| Further Info: | Official website. (No English language option) |
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
| Cadde 10k-21k | |
|---|---|
| When: | 11th June 2023 |
| Where: | Kadıköy, Istanbul |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k, Paralimpik, Children’s Run |
| Further Info: | Official Website |
| Ankara Yarı Maratonu | |
|---|---|
| When: | 11th June 2023 |
| Where: | Ankara |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k |
| Further Info: | Official Website |
| Avşa Yarı Maratonu | |
|---|---|
| When: | 11th June 2023 |
| Where: | Avşa Adası (Balıkesir) |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k |
| Further Info: | Facebook Page |
June – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs
| Müşküle Nazim Hikmet Koşusu | |
|---|---|
| When: | tbc |
| 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: | 7th-8th July 2023 |
| 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: | 21st-23rd July 2023 |
| Where: | Bursa |
| 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 – Road Races
| Eskişehir Yarı Maratonu | |
|---|---|
| When: | 12th-13th August 2023 |
| Where: | Eskişehir |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k, Paralympic, Children’s Run |
| Further Info: | Facebook Page |
August – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs
| Runfire Salt Lake Ultra Trail | |
|---|---|
| When: | August 18th-20th |
| Where: | Tuz Gölü, Konya Province |
| Distances: | 100 miles, 80k, 40k, 20k, 10k |
| Further Info: | Official website in English |
September Running Events
September – Road Races
| Bozcaada Yarı Maratonu | |
|---|---|
| When: | 16th September 2023 |
| Where: | Bozcaada (northwest Turkey) |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k |
| Further Info: | Facebook Page |
September – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs
| Kyzikos Ultra Maratonu | |
|---|---|
| When: | 8th-10th September 2023 |
| Where: | Balıkesir |
| Distances: | 85k, 60k, 45k, 22k, 5k |
| Further Info: | Official website in English |
| Kaçkar Ultra Marathon | |
|---|---|
| When: | 9th September 2023 |
| Where: | Kaçkar Mountains (Eastern Black Sea) |
| Distances: | 45k, 15k, 5k |
| Further Info: | Facebook Page |
| Lycian Way Ultra Marathon | |
|---|---|
| When: | 22nd-23rd September 2023 |
| Where: | Lycian coast of the Antalya Province |
| Distances: | 100k, 57k, 37k, 20k |
| Further Info: | Official Lycian Way Ultra Marathon website in English |
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: | tbc |
| Where: | Gallipoli |
| Distances: | Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, Family Run |
| Further Info: | Facebook Page |
| Bodrum Yarı Maratonu | |
|---|---|
| When: | 1st October 2023 |
| Where: | Bodrum |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k, 5k |
| Further Info: | Facebook Page |
| Runkara | |
|---|---|
| When: | 8th October 2023 |
| Where: | Ankara |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 10.4k, 4.2k, Family Run |
| Further Info: | Official race website |
| Kaş Yarımadaton | |
|---|---|
| When: | 21st October 2023 |
| Where: | Kaş |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 12k, 6k Marina Run |
| Further Info: | Facebook Page |
| Kayseri Yarı Maratonu | |
|---|---|
| When: | tbc |
| Where: | Kayseri |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k |
| Further Info: | Official Website (Turkish) |
| Yaşam İçin Yarış (Race For Life) | |
|---|---|
| When: | tbc |
| Where: | Fethiye |
| Distances: | 5k Fun Run |
| Further Info: | Facebook Group |
October – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs
| Eker I Run | |
|---|---|
| When: | tbc |
| Where: | Uludağ, Bursa |
| Distances: | 2k Kids’ Race, 5k, 15k, 42k |
| Further Info: | Official website in English |
| Cappadocia Ultra Trail | |
|---|---|
| When: | 14th-15th October 2023 |
| Where: | Ürgüp, Cappadocia |
| Distances: | 119k, 63k, 38k |
| Further Info: | Official website in English |
| Babadağ UltraTrail | |
|---|---|
| When: | 27th-29th October 2023 |
| Where: | Fethiye |
| Distances: | 60k, 24k, 15k, 14k, 5k |
| Further Info: | Official race website |
| Fethiye Ultra Trail | |
|---|---|
| When: | 28th October 2023 |
| Where: | Fethiye |
| Distances: | 77k, 57k, 27k, 10k |
| 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.
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: | 5th November 2023 |
| 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: |
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
| Uluslararası Mersin Maratonu | |
|---|---|
| When: | 10th December 2023 |
| Where: | Mersin |
| Distances: | Marathon, 10k, Fun Run |
| Further Info: | Website (English) |
| Gazi Yarı Maratonu | |
|---|---|
| When: | tbc |
| Where: | Gaziantep |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 5k People’s Fun Run |
| Further Info: | Official website (Turkish) |
| Gökova Yarı Maratonu | |
|---|---|
| When: | tbc |
| Where: | Gökova |
| Distances: | Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, 2x5k Couples Lap |
| Further Info: | Official race website (No English language option) |
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 |
| Antalya Ultra | |
|---|---|
| When: | 23rd-24th December 2023 |
| Where: | Antalya |
| Distances: | 85k, 57k, 31k, 12k, 5k |
| Further Info: | Official Registration Page |
The Gökova running event was a brand new addition to the running calendar for 2022 and we’re hoping it’s going to be a regular.
Home to the picture postcard pretty town of Akyaka, this is perfect running scenery.
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