Kaçkar by UTMB takes runners into the Kaçkar Mountains of northeastern Turkey, a stunning range rising from the Black Sea coast. The course traverses alpine meadows, glacial lakes and traditional yayla summer pastures in one of the most untouched mountain landscapes in Europe.
The Kaçkar Mountains of Turkey's Black Sea region are one of trail running's best kept secrets. Rising steeply from the subtropical coast, these peaks reach nearly 4,000 meters and harbor glacial lakes, alpine meadows carpeted in wildflowers and ancient yayla summer pastures where local communities have grazed their herds for centuries. Kaçkar by UTMB starts from Ayder Village, a charming highland settlement known for its hot springs and wooden chalets.
The course is a revelation. Runners climb through dense forests of rhododendron and spruce, emerge onto open alpine terrain with panoramic views of the Black Sea coastline below, and navigate rocky ridgelines where mist rolls in from the sea to create an ethereal atmosphere. The terrain is demanding, with steep ascents, technical rocky sections and high passes that require real mountain fitness.
As part of the UTMB World Series, Kaçkar brings international attention to a mountain range that deserves to be far better known. The warmth of Turkish hospitality, the richness of local cuisine and the raw, unspoiled beauty of these mountains create an experience that surprises and captivates everyone who runs here.
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Ayder Village , TUR |
11 Sep - Sep 13, 2026