The city of Alanya in Turkey will once again host this prestigious event.
Turkey is actively attracting the attention of the international sports community by hosting numerous competitions in various sports, which contributes to the influx of athletes and spectators from around the world.
Every year, Antalya, located on the magnificent Turkish Riviera, welcomes millions of tourists thanks to its picturesque beaches, mild climate, and rich cultural heritage, as well as a wide range of opportunities for active recreation on water and in the mountains.
From March 27 to 28, Alanya will once again host the Alanya Ultra Trail.
The competition routes will stretch from the warm Mediterranean shores to the cool slopes of the Taurus Mountains.
The Alanya Ultra Trail is an international-level competition that has gathered over 700 participants from 34 countries since its inception in 2017.
This event is approved by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) and highlights the unique nature of Antalya, its rich culture, and a lifestyle closely connected to the surrounding nature.
In 2026, the competition will take place under the slogan “Tradition to Trail” and will be organized with the support of the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and other partners. The Alanya Ultra Trail not only inspires participants to explore Antalya but also offers a unique interaction with nature, connecting the region's cultural heritage with its modern traditions.
From Tradition to Trail
The Alanya Ultra Trail runs along historical paths that were once used by nomadic peoples. These routes, filled with the spirit of freedom and resilience, allow modern athletes to experience various climatic conditions in a single race.
The trails stretch from the snowy peaks of the Taurus Mountains to the famous Cleopatra Beach. Participants follow historical caravan routes, passing by ancient shipyards and fortresses, enjoying picturesque highlands and breathtaking natural landscapes.
The main distance of the competition is 68 kilometers (Alanya Ultra Trail - AUT). The program also includes the following distances:
• 42 km Taurus Mountain Trail (TMT)
• 27 km Keykubat Mountain Run (KMR)
• 18 km Cleopatra Short Trail (CST)
• 5 km Alanya Castle Run (ACR)
The start of the AUT route is at the Damlataş Cave and Cleopatra Beach. Runners pass by historical sites such as Tophane, Kızıl Kule (Red Tower), the shipyard, Esat Bastion, and the Bedesten covered market, after which the route heads into the Taurus Mountains and returns to finish at Cleopatra Beach.
Other routes TMT, KMR, CST, and ACR start from the same point but have shorter distances. Participants in TMT turn around at the 24th kilometer, KMR at the 16th, CST at the 9th, while ACR offers a scenic 5-kilometer route for nature lovers.
Alanya - a Hidden Gem of Antalya
Antalya, located on the Mediterranean coast, is the tourist capital of Turkey, famous for its sunny climate, rich history, and clean beaches. To the east of the city lies Alanya - a popular resort that combines natural beauty, historical landmarks, and a vibrant nightlife.
Alanya was founded as a fortress by the Seljuks in the 13th century and is adorned with a magnificent fortress that rises on a cliff and offers stunning views. Narrow streets lead from the fortress to the sea, surrounded by traditional houses among green terraced gardens.
The main attractions of Alanya include the historical shipyard and the octagonal Kızıl Kule (Red Tower), which originally served a defensive purpose and now functions as an ethnographic museum.
The city is also renowned for its natural beauty: Blue Flag beaches such as İncekum and Cleopatra, the Sapadere Canyon, the Dim and Damlataş caves, the Dim River, and the highlands of Dereköy.
Alanya offers a variety of culinary delights - from street food like gözleme to exquisite Mediterranean dishes. Fresh seafood, such as grilled fish and octopus, is served with meze, piyaz salad with tahini, and local white wines.
Traditional dishes, such as çoban kavurma, reflect the richness of the local cuisine. The nightlife in Alanya is lively, with bars, live music, and entertainment venues, making the city vibrant even after sunset.
