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Running Events In Turkey – Marathons, Road Races, Ultras & Trails

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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.

Packed crowd of runners at the Runtalya start line.
Running events are growing in popularity

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 2024 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:7th January 2024
Where:Adana
Distances:Half Marathon, 10k, People’s Fun Run
Further Info:Alivex

February Running Events

February – Road Races

Trabzon Yarı Maratonu
When:25th February 2024
Where:Trabzon (Eastern Black Sea)
Distances:Half Marathon, 10k, 4k Fun Run, 1k Children’s Run
Further Info:Instagram

February – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

St. Paul Trail Run
When:3rd February 2024
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

A view from above of thousands of runners at the start line of the Runtalya event.
It’s a colourful sight at the Runtalya 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 2024
Where:Antalya
Distances:Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, 5k Fun Run
Further Info:Facebook Page
Alanya Atatürk Yarı Maratonu
When:10th March 2024
Where:Alanya
Distances:Half Marathon, 5k Fun Run, 2k Fun Run
Further Info:Facebook Page
Hatay Barış Koşusu
When:tbc
Where:Antakya
Distances:10k, 4k People’s Fun Run
Further Info:Facebook Page

March – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Efes Ultra Marathon
When:8th-10th March 2024
Where:Selçuk & Şirince
Distances:120k, 61k, 42k, 23k, 12k, 5k
Further Info:Official website
Farm Olea Backyard Ultra Trail
When:16th March 2024
Where:Urla
Distances:6.7k Every Hour
Further Info:Backyard Ultra
Ephesus Great Theatre with columns leading along the agora.
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

Maraton Izmir
When:21st April 2024
Where:Izmir
Distances:Marathon, 10k
Further Info:Official race website
Istanbul Yarı Maratonu
When:28th April 2024
Where:Istanbul
Distances:Half Marathon, 10k
Further Info:The Istanbul Half Marathon is an IAAF Gold Label Event.
Official website in English.
Runners taking part in a running event race downhill on a dual carriageway. Viewed from above.
Runners set off in the Istanbul Half Marathon

April – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Iznik Ultra
When:19th-21st April 2024
Where:Iznik
Distances:160k, 90k, 55k, 35k, 25k, 14k, 5k City Run, Kids’ Run
Further Info:Official website in English.

May Running Events

May – Road Races

Manisa Yarı Maratonu
When:tbc
Where:Manisa
Distances:Half Marathon, 10k, Children’s Run
Further Info:Official Website (English)
Çeşme Half Marathon
When:4th May 2024
Where:Çeşme
Distances:Half Marathon, 10k
Further Info:Official Website (English)
Giresun Yarı Maratonu
When:26th May 2024
Where:Giresun (Black Sea Region)
Distances:Half Marathon, 10k
Further Info:Official Website (Turkish)
Cadde 10k-21k
When:26th May 2024
Where:Kadıköy, Istanbul
Distances:Half Marathon, 10k, Paralimpik, Children’s Run
Further Info:Official website

May – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Tahtalı Run To Sky
When:10th-11th May 2024
Where:Kemer, Antalya Province
Distances:65k, 27k, 12k
Further Info:Official website, English language
Dağyenice Ultra Trail
When:24th-25th May 2024
Where:Bursa
Distances:100k, 61k, 33k, 15k, 6k
Further Info:Official website. (No English language option)
A view of the Izmir skyline.
Izmir is a fun, friendly city

June Running Events

June – Road Races

Avşa Yarı Maratonu
When:1st June 2024
Where:Avşa Adası (Balıkesir)
Distances:Half Marathon, 12k, 5k
Further Info:Facebook Page

June – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Kaçkar Ultra Marathon
When:29th June 2024
Where:Kaçkar Mountains (Eastern Black Sea)
Distances:55k, 15k
Further Info:Facebook Page

July Running Events

July – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Sky Erciyes Ultra Trail
When:5th-6th July 2024
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:12th-14th July 2024
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:25th August 2024
Where:Eskişehir
Distances:Half Marathon, 10k, Paralympic, Children’s Run
Further Info:Facebook Page
A collage of images and scenes from around Eskişehir in 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.

August – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Runfire Salt Lake Ultra Trail
When:16th-18th August 2024
Where:Tuz Gölü, Konya Province
Distances:100 miles, 80k, 40k, 20k, 10k
Further Info:Official website in English

September Running Events

September – Road Races

Ayvalık Half Marathon
When:15th September 2024
Where:Ayvalık
Distances:Half Marathon, 10k, 5k
Further Info:Instagram Page
Bozcaada Yarı Maratonu
When:tbc
Where:Bozcaada (northwest Turkey)
Distances:Half Marathon, 10k
Further Info:Facebook Page
Kayseri Yarı Maratonu
When:22nd September 2024
Where:Kayseri
Distances:Half Marathon, 10k
Further Info:Official Website (Turkish)
Gelibolu Maratonu
When:29th September 2024
Where:Gallipoli
Distances:Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, Family Run
Further Info:Facebook Page

September – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Kyzikos Ultra Maratonu
When:21st September 2024
Where:Balıkesir
Distances:85k, 60k, 45k, 22k, 5k
Further Info:Official website (Turkish)
Lycian Way Ultra Marathon
When:Postponed to 2025
Where:Lycian coast of the Antalya Province
Distances:100k, 57k, 37k, 20k
Further Info:Lycian Way Ultra Marathon on Instagram

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 mountains is viewed through trees at Phaselis Theatre.
Climbing to the top of the theatre of Phaselis offers views of Mount Olympos

October Running Events

October – Road Races

Bodrum Yarı Maratonu
When:6th October 2024
Where:Bodrum
Distances:Half Marathon, 10k, 5k
Further Info:Facebook Page
Runkara
When:13th October 2024
Where:Ankara
Distances:Half Marathon, 10.4k, 4.2k, Family Run
Further Info:Instagram Page
Yaşam İçin Yarış (Race For Life)
When:13th October 2024
Where:Fethiye
Distances:5k
Further Info:Facebook Group
Babadağ UltraTrail
When:18th-20th October 2024
Where:Fethiye
Distances:60k, 24k, 15k, 14k, 5k
Further Info:Official race website
Büyükada Koşusu
When:20th October 2024
Where:Istanbul (Büyükada, Princes Islands)
Distances:Half Marathon, 10k, 5k
Further Info:Official race website
Kaş Yarımadaton
When:26th October 2024
Where:Kaş
Distances:Half Marathon, 12k, 6k Marina Run
Further Info:Facebook Page
Ölüdeniz Yarı Maraton
When:27th October 2024
Where:Fethiye
Distances:10k, 21k
Further Info:Official Fethiye SporFest on Instagram (Turkish)
Gökova Yarı Maratonu
When:27th October 2024
Where:Gökova
Distances:Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, 2x5k Couples Lap
Further Info:Official race website

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.

As for Kaş, Barry took part in the Kaş Yarımadaton running event in 2023 and loved it.

Runners at the start line of the Kaş Yarımadaton event.
The Kaş Yarımdaton 12k runners about to be set off by the local mayor

Very hilly and difficult, he said, but great scenery.

And 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.

A group of runners warming up before Race For Life in Fethiye.
The warm up before Yaşam İçin Yarış – Race For Life

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.

The Gökova running event was a brand new addition to the running calendar for 2022 and it looks like it’s going to be a regular.

Home to the picture postcard pretty town of Akyaka, this is perfect running scenery.

October – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Eker I Run
When:6th October 2024
Where:Uludağ, Bursa
Distances:2k Kids’ Race, 5k, 15k, 42k
Further Info:Official website in English
Babadağ UltraTrail
When:18th-20th October 2024
Where:Fethiye
Distances:60k, 24k, 15k, 14k, 5k
Further Info:Official race website
Cappadocia Ultra Trail
When:19th-20th October 2024
Where:Ürgüp, Cappadocia
Distances:119k, 63k, 38k
Further Info:Official website in English

As you might expect, the Babadağ Ultra takes in the scenery of Babadağ – the area’s highest mountain – and most distances begin along the beach at Ölüdeniz.

November Running Events

November – Road Races

Istanbul Maratonu
When:3rd November 2024
Where:Istanbul
Distances:Marathon, 15k, 8k People’s Fun Run
Further Info:Facebook Page

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.

Runners at the Istanbul Marathon start line. The bridge is ahead under blue sky with low cloud.
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.

Ducks and geese swimming in the Azmak river in Akyaka.
Pretty Akyaka is the setting for the Gökova Yarı Maratonu

November – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Sagalassos Sky Ultra
When:6th-11th November 2024
Where:Ağlasun
Distances:42k, 27k, 15k
Further Info:Official race website
Marmaris Ultra Trail
When:15th, 16th, 17th November 2024
Where:Iznik (Müşküle Village)
Distances:25k, 8k
Further Info:Instagram
Bodrun Ultra Marathon
When:tbc
Where:Bodrum
Distances:60k, 23k 10k, 6k
Further Info:Instagram
Sagalassos Antonine Nymphaeum - a long stone working fountain with water in the central area. Arches and columns line the fountain.
Run amongst ancient ruins at the Sagalassos Sky Ultra

If stupendous mountain scenery floats your boat whilst you’re taking part in Ultra events, you can also combine this scenery with Sagalassos ancient ruins at the Sagalassos Sky Ultra.

December Running Events

December – Road Races

Uluslararası Mersin Maratonu
When:tbc
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:Instagram

December – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

Ida Ultra Marathon
When:29th-30th November 1st December 2024
Where:Ida Mountains National Park
Distances:Ida Ultra 114k, Ida Half Ultra 66k, 36k, 15k Village Run
Further Info:Official website (English)
Fethiye Ultra Trail
When:7th December 2024
Where:Fethiye
Distances:50k, 25k, 10k
Further Info:Official website in English.
Antalya Ultra
When:tbc
Where:Antalya
Distances:85k, 57k, 31k, 12k, 5k
Further Info:Official website

The Fethiye Ultra obviously takes place in our hometown.

In 2023, 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.

And of course, there are lots of things to see and do in Fethiye!

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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