How much would you like to take your regular runs in parks and beaches to the next level? Maybe the runs you start to do regularly turn into bigger goals and you want to get your name written in one of the running marathons in Turkey.
There are many marathons in Turkey that will help you combine your passion for sports with another interest. Whether you want to get in touch with nature or discover the cultural heritage by running!
Running marathons, which bring together both professional and amateur runners on tracks of different lengths, will give you an unforgettable experience.
Check out what we’ve compiled among Turkey’s most enjoyable running marathons, and sign up for the one you think is right for you!
Running Marathons in Turkey
Istanbul Marathon
If we asked you about the biggest sports organization in Turkey what would you answer?
We guess that the answer of many people would be the Istanbul Marathon. Yes, that’s a correct answer!
Istanbul Marathon, which is among the best 17 running marathons in the world and the best 7 in Europe is the largest sports organization held in Turkey.
In 1973 Tercüman Newspaper put forward an idea: running a marathon on the Bosphorus Bridge. Although many people support the idea, it remains only to cross the bridge by running until 1979.
The work begins when a German amateur athlete raises the issue, and the first marathon takes place on April 1, 1979 with a handful of people coming together. The “World’s only intercontinental marathon” which is called the Asia-Europe Run is thought to be an April 1 joke by many people in the city.
The Asia-Europe Run was renamed the Eurasian Marathon after a while, and was renamed the “Istanbul Marathon” in 2013 to highlight the city’s name and assist in its promotion .
The most important feature that distinguishes the Istanbul Marathon from all other marathon races is that the runners set foot on two continents by “running”. Yes, the Istanbul Marathon is the only marathon in the world to be run between two continents, and with this feature it is among the most interesting running Marathons in Turkey.
The Istanbul Marathon, which is held every year in November is among the running marathons that you should definitely attend once in your life. aren’t we fascinated when we cross the bridge even by car? And imagine running freely! Moreover, on the same track with well-known professional athletes…
One of the most beautiful aspects of the Istanbul Marathon is that while it is impossible to compete with professional athletes on the same track in another sports organization (unless you are a professional, of course), it allows you to experience it.
The Istanbul Marathon, where you will get an unforgettable experience as a part of the tradition that has lasted for years, consists of two tracks, 15 kilometers and 42 kilometers . If you think you can’t run a marathon, remember that you have the option to join the 8km public walk !
Runtalia / Antalya Marathon
Antalya is the apple of everyone’s eye with its natural beauties, history and unique beaches. If you are also interested in running Marathons in Turkey, then March may be the best time of the year for you!
The Antalya Marathon, which is held every year in March, gave its first start on March 18, 2006 with 850 people in order to contribute to winter tourism .
The running marathon, which has been bringing together professional and amateur runners with little running experience for three days under the name “Runtalia” since 2015 is also one of the largest lifestyle sports organizations in Turkey.
For three days, Runatolia also includes fun activities and side events as well as public running, marathon, half marathon and 10 kilometer runs.
Take note of the dates 5-6-7 March 2021 to bring together the unique beauties of Antalya such as the running marathon, Kaleiçi Hadrian’s Gate with sports and run on the world-famous beaches of the city which starts in front of the Glass Pyramid and don’t forget to reserve your transportation ticket to the city!
Lycian Ultra Marathon – Lycian Way
Turkey’s first ultra marathon the Lycian Ultra Marathon, is an international organization held since 2010 .
The running marathon, which consists of 6 stages in total is completed by running a stage every day.
The marathon takes place on the 250-kilometer section of the 509-kilometer-long Historical Lycian Way between Finike and Tekirova .
Get ready to be truly enchanted in the Lycian Ultra Marathon run! The region, which has been home to dozens of civilizations for thousands of years, greets the runners with its lush forest scenery, as well as historical ruins, castles, ancient cities, theaters.
As you will experience a running marathon on the Patara beach, which is the third longest beach in the world, cove and körfez will fascinate you with their exquisite beauty in every step.
The Lycian Ultra Marathon, where you can race in four different categories as 20 km, 37 km, 57 km and 100 km, is held in September .
Ephesus Ultra Marathon – Selcuk, Izmir
“Discover the world cultural heritage by running!” The Efes Ultra Marathon, which draws attention with its slogan, has been held in İzmir’s Selçuk district since 2015 . This marathon, which emerged as a result of the dreams of three friends, takes place in the second week of March every year .
As you can understand from the slogan of the running marathon, the starting point of which is the Ancient City of Ephesus you explore the world cultural heritage by running.
There are 6 different stages in the race, which covers historical and touristic destinations such as Ephesus Virgin Mary’s House and Şirince . These are: 5 km from St. John Run 12 km Artemis Run 23 km Arvalya Run Marathon 42 km Virgin Mary Mountain Marathon 61 km Ephesus-Selçuk Ultra Marathon 120 km Ephesus Ultra Marathon.
If you, too have a passion for “sports, history and cultural heritage” add the Ephesus Ultra Marathon run to your to-do list now! And realize a unique experience where you can bring together your three passions.
Runfire Cappadocia / Cappadocia Ultra Marathon
The most beautiful time of Cappadocia is October, adorned with bright red and golden yellow tree leaves. Running marathon is a good option for those who want to combine nature and culture holidays with sports in the most beautiful times of the city!
The Cappadocia Ultra Marathon, also known as Runfire Kapadokya which takes place every year in October started in 2014 with 176 runners. The runners, who increase exponentially every year, you should try this adventure in that region.
The Cappadocia Ultra Marathon, which takes place in an area of 260 kilometers between Uçhisar and Tuz Gölü consists of three tough tracks 38 km, 63 km and 119 km .
The running marathon, which starts from Ürgüp proceeds by making circular routes in the famous hills and valleys of Cappadocia. Marathon runners are on an accelerated tour that covers the best scenery and roads around Cappadocia .
Cappadocia Ultra Marathon should be added to your list to have a unique experience on every track and to run a marathon in a place on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List by seeing mysterious valleys, underground cities and the colorful balloons !
Iznik Ultra Marathon – Iznik
We say that we experience four seasons in a year in Turkey, but how about experiencing all four seasons in one day? While running a marathon? If you want to have such an experience, it is definitely not impossible! The Iznik Ultra Marathon, which is held every year in April enables this.
What makes the Iznik Ultra Marathon unique is that you can experience all four seasons in one day, from the summer sun to the fragrant spring rain, from the autumn wind to the flaky snowy winter. While running a marathon in nature!
It was organized since 2011 Turkey’s largest trail running festival Iznik Ultra Marathon brings together marathon runners running around Lake Iznik with green and blue.
The marathon run, accompanied by olive trees lasts for three days . You can register for any of the 20 km, 35 km, 55 km, 90 km and 160 km tracks according to your training and strength.