Every October, Cappadocia in central Anatolia, Turkey, hosts one of the world’s most prestigious trail-running events and unquestionably the crown jewel of Turkey’s trail-running calendar. Salomon Cappadocia Ultratrail. Thanks to Slovak Ultra Trail, I had the honor of participating in this legendary event on the medium trail—62 km with 2050 meters of elevation gain. (For the truly ambitious, the ultra trail features a staggering 119 km and 3730 m+.)
A Buzzing Town and Military-Level Preparation
Even the day before the race, when I went to pick up my race pack, the town of Ürgüp was abuzz with excitement. The entire city seemed to live and breathe the event, with sponsors’ booths, an expansive expo, and a massive stage where top Turkish DJs kept the energy alive well into the night.
The organization was impressively precise, down to every last detail. The registration process, however, was slow-moving. After 45 minutes in line, I reached the counter, presented my passport, and received a box containing a layout of the mandatory gear. Each item had to be placed precisely in its designated spot. Only after completing this “gear Tetris” could I move to the next inspector for a detailed check.
The mandatory gear list was no joke. In addition to a headlamp and spare batteries, participants needed a power bank with at least 6500 mAh, and yes, they even verified the specs. When one organizer asked about my running shoes, I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. “Are we not all wearing them?” I thought. But her laughter made it clear she was just teasing.
Despite the wait, I had to tip my hat to the organizers. Handling nearly 2,000 participants in a single day is no small feat. Interestingly, participants could pre-book a specific registration time online to avoid long queues—but even these “VIPs” seemed stuck in lines just as long as mine.
After picking up my race pack, I wandered briefly through the bustling town square, grabbed a Turkish coffee and a piece of baklava, and headed back to rest. I skipped the pasta party; the lively atmosphere was exhilarating, but I craved a quieter, more rural vibe.
Chilly Start
At 7:00 a.m., the temperature in this desert landscape was a brisk 3°C (37°F). With the sun set to blaze later, I threw on my mandatory jacket and silently thanked myself for packing gloves at the last minute.
The starting corral was divided into 15 zones based on bib numbers. Initially, I had lined up in the back but realized I needed to work my way up to the first zone. Later, I understood the bib numbers were assigned based on the ITRA index, an intelligent move that helped reduce bottlenecks on the narrow trails.
Salomon Cappadocia Race Begins
The pre-race atmosphere was electric, complete with an emotional music countdown. The start felt like something out of the Boston Marathon, with a similar blistering pace. The initial kilometers climbed steadily uphill, and we soon funneled into a single-file line, moving like a procession of disciplined geese.
The sun rose quickly, and the air warmed. I spotted the first iconic hot air balloons drifting silently over the surreal, alien-like landscape. Dozens filled the sky, with some soaring 300 meters above the ground and others gliding just two meters above the terrain.
Into the Valleys
The first checkpoint, Ibrahimpasa (11 km, 350 m+), came and went. After refilling my bottles, I faced a 16 km section with a 500-meter climb. My jacket felt too warm, but I kept it on due to the biting wind. The wide path narrowed into a trail lined with overgrown grass and hidden brambles, making overtaking nearly impossible.
As we entered a valley dotted with ancient homes carved into sandstone cliffs, the sense of history was palpable. The next checkpoint, Uchisar, lay atop a hill at 1,300 m. After shedding my jacket, I refueled with water and admired the sprawling views.
The Red Valley
Checkpoint 3, Göreme, marked the halfway point. From here, a grueling 12 km climb awaited, taking us into the breathtaking Red Valley. The beauty of this region is truly unmatched, especially from above. But first, we had to earn those views, trudging uphill through narrow canyons under the relentless sun.
I started gaining momentum, overtaking runners one by one. Each move felt like a small victory, especially when the runner ahead stepped aside after hearing my heavy breathing inching closer.
The Final Push
The terrain eventually transitioned into a ridgeline with endless undulating “pump tracks” that challenged both body and mind. The rolling rhythm was entertaining at first but quickly became nauseating. This section tested not just physical endurance but also mental grit.
The final checkpoint, Çavuşin, marked the beginning of the most dreaded climb of the course. A stray dog joined me here—a massive Turkish stray with a demeanor as friendly as it was imposing. He became my unexpected companion, following me with unwavering loyalty up the steep incline. His antics—blocking my path or brushing against my legs—added an oddly humorous challenge to this punishing section.
At the summit, we were rewarded with expansive views of Cappadocia’s alien landscape. The final descent into Ürgüp awaited, but even here, the trail threw a curveball—a deceptively gradual uphill section that felt endless. My energy waned, and frustration set in, but I dug deep and pushed on, driven by the thought of the finish line.
Crossing the Finish Line
After 6 hours and 38 minutes, I crossed the finish line in 31st place overall and 8th in my category. Given the caliber of this event, this felt like an incredible achievement.
As I celebrated, my four-legged companion lounged nearby, clearly pleased with himself after 25 kilometers of loyal pacing.
A Race to Remember
Salomon Cappadocia Medium Trail was nothing short of extraordinary. From the flawless organization to the unparalleled landscapes and the camaraderie on the trail, this event ranks among the most memorable experiences of my life. Cappadocia’s unique blend of natural beauty and ancient history makes it a bucket-list destination for any trail runner.
If you’re looking for a race that feels like running on another planet, this is it. Salomon Cappadocia. Just don’t forget to pack your gloves—and maybe a treat for a loyal canine friend. 😊
Foto: Salomon Cappadocia ultra trail, autor
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