- On 27 and 28 March, international athletes will gather for this race linking the Mediterranean with the Taurus Mountains.
- With its crystal-clear beaches, mountains and historic trails, Alanya is establishing itself as a prime destination for trail running and outdoor sports.
Turkey is hosting an increasing number of international sporting events across various disciplines, attracting athletes and fans from all over the world. In this context, Antalya, in the heart of the Turkish Riviera, stands out as one of the premier destinations for outdoor sports, thanks to its mild climate, beaches with crystal-clear waters, cultural heritage and wide range of water and mountain activities.
Within this region, Alanya is preparing to host a new edition of the Alanya Ultra Trail, which will take place on 27 and 28 March. The race follows spectacular routes connecting the warm Mediterranean with the cool slopes of the Taurus Mountains, offering a unique setting for trail running.
Since its inception in 2017, the Alanya Ultra Trail has established itself as an internationally recognised trail running race and has already brought together more than 700 athletes from 34 countries. Endorsed by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA), the event showcases Antalya’s unique geography, its rich cultural heritage and a lifestyle closely linked to nature.
The 2026 edition, organised under the slogan “Tradition to Trail”, is supported by the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, alongside other partners. Beyond offering a challenging sporting adventure, the Alanya Ultra Trail invites participants to discover Antalya from a different perspective, combining the region’s historical heritage with its contemporary vibrancy and spectacular natural surroundings.
In the footsteps of ancient nomadic trails
The Alanya Ultra Trail takes place along historic routes that were once used as migration routes by the Yörük, a Turkish nomadic people known for their free spirit and remarkable resilience. Inspired by this legacy, runners today tackle demanding courses where it is possible to experience up to four seasons in a single race.
The routes stretch from the snow-capped peaks of the Taurus Mountains to the world-famous Cleopatra Beach, passing through ancient caravan routes, the historic Alanya shipyard, Alanya Castle, mountain plateaus and spectacular natural landscapes.
The competition features five distances: the 68 km Alanya Ultra Trail (AUT), the 42 km Taurus Mountain Trail (TMT), the 27 km Keykubat Mountain Run (KMR), the 18 km Cleopatra Short Trail (CST) and the 5 km Alanya Castle Run (ACR).
In the main event, runners set off from Damlataş Cave and the famous Cleopatra Beach, passing through historic sites such as Tophane, the Kızıl Kule (Red Tower), the shipyard, the Bedesten (covered market) and Alanya Castle. After a short urban section, the race heads into the Taurus Mountains before returning to Cleopatra Beach, where the finish line is located.
The shorter races share the same start before branching off at different points to shorten the route, offering more accessible versions of this trail running experience in the heart of nature.
Alanya, Antalya’s best-kept secret
Situated on the Mediterranean coast, Antalya – considered the tourist capital of Türkiye – enjoys sunshine for much of the year, a rich history and beaches with crystal-clear waters. To the east lies Alanya, a coastal town that combines natural landscapes, historical heritage and a lively nightlife.
Founded as a fortified city by the Seljuks in the 13th century, Alanya is dominated by the impressive Alanya Castle, which is remarkably well-preserved and open to the public. From its rocky hilltop, there are sweeping views of the Mediterranean, whilst winding streets descend from the fortress to the sea, passing traditional houses surrounded by terraced gardens.
Among the city’s main landmarks are the historic shipyard and the Kızıl Kule (Red Tower), an octagonal tower originally built for defensive purposes and now housing an ethnographic museum. This historical heritage is complemented by numerous natural attractions.
Alanya also boasts Blue Flag beaches, such as İncekum Beach and Cleopatra Beach, as well as natural sites including the Sapadere Canyon, the Dim and Damlataş Caves, the Dim River and the Dereköy Plateau.
The experience is rounded off by a diverse culinary scene ranging from street food such as gözleme (stuffed flatbread) to Mediterranean specialities. Fresh seafood, grilled fish or octopus is usually served with mezes, piyaz (white bean salad with tahini) and local white wines, whilst traditional dishes such as çoban kavurma (sautéed meat) reflect the regional cuisine.
In the evening, Alanya’s lively nightlife, with bars and venues featuring live music, keeps the atmosphere buzzing long after sunset and puts the finishing touch to a day that combines nature, heritage and sport.
About the TÜRKİYE TOURISM PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (TGA)
TGA operates to ensure that Türkiye is a recognised brand in national and international tourism, to promote Türkiye’s tangible and intangible, natural, cultural, biological and man-made heritage, and to engage in short-, medium- and long-term communication and marketing activities, with the aim of increasing the contribution of tourism investment to the national economy and improving the quality of service in tourism.
TGA is responsible for carrying out all promotional, marketing and communication activities to help Türkiye achieve its tourism objectives, promote and market existing tourism resources worldwide, and identify, develop and make potential tourism resources available
online, in line with the tourism strategies and policies drawn up by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Source: COMUNICACIÓN IBEROAMERICANA