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.

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

Maraton Izmir
When:	12th March 2023
Where:	Izmir
Distances:	Marathon, 10k
Further Info:	Official race website

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

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

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.

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

^{May Running Events}

May – Road Races

May – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

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

Ankara Yarı Maratonu
When:	11th June 2023
Where:	Ankara
Distances:	Half Marathon, 10k
Further Info:	Official Website

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

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

^{September Running Events}

September – Road Races

Mezopotamya Yarı Maratonu
When:	tbc
Where:	Mardin
Distances:	Half Marathon, 10k
Further Info:	Official race website (No English language option)

September – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

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

Kayseri Yarı Maratonu
When:	tbc
Where:	Kayseri
Distances:	Half Marathon, 10k
Further Info:	Official Website (Turkish)

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

November – Ultra Marathons & Trail Runs

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)

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

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

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