The city of Alanya will once again host participants of the international trail competition
Turkey is becoming increasingly attractive for international sporting events, drawing the attention of athletes and spectators from around the world.
Antalya, located in the heart of the sunny Turkish Riviera, attracts millions of tourists each year thanks to its magnificent beaches, mild climate, rich culture, and numerous opportunities for water and mountain sports.
From March 27 to 28, Alanya will once again be the arena for the Alanya Ultra Trail.
The routes of this competition are laid out between the warm shores of the Mediterranean Sea and the cool slopes of the Taurus Mountains.
The internationally recognized Alanya Ultra Trail started in 2017 and has since attracted over 700 participants from 34 countries.
The competition is accredited by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA), showcasing the unique nature of Antalya, its rich cultural heritage, and a lifestyle closely connected to the environment.
In 2026, the event will take place under the slogan "Tradition to Trail" and is organized with the support of the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and other partners. Alanya Ultra Trail combines sporting challenges with the opportunity to explore Antalya, offering participants a unique interaction with the nature and culture of the region.
From traditions to the trail
The routes of the Alanya Ultra Trail pass through historical paths once used by nomadic peoples known for their endurance. Modern participants experience the spirit of freedom and resilience, competing on diverse routes where one can experience four different seasons in a single race.
The trails stretch from the snowy peaks of the Taurus Mountains to the famous Cleopatra Beach. Participants will move along ancient caravan routes, past the historical shipyard, Alanya Castle, and picturesque mountain landscapes.
The main distance of the competition is the 68-kilometer route of the Alanya Ultra Trail (AUT), with the following categories also provided:
• 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 set at the Damlataş Cave and the famous Cleopatra Beach. Participants will pass by historical sites such as Tophane, the Red Tower (Kızıl Kule), the shipyard, the Esat Bastion, the Bedesten covered market, and Alanya Castle. After a short section through the city streets, the route goes into the Taurus Mountains, finishing at Cleopatra Beach.
The TMT, KMR, CST, and ACR routes start from the same starting line as the AUT but cover shorter distances. TMT participants turn around at the 24th kilometer, KMR at the 16th kilometer. CST goes up to the 9th kilometer, while ACR will offer a 5-kilometer route for nature lovers.
Alanya - a treasure of Antalya
Antalya, located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, is the tourist capital of Turkey, known for its year-round sunny climate, rich history, and clean beaches. To the east of the city lies Alanya - a picturesque resort destination that combines natural landscapes, historical monuments, and a vibrant nightlife.
Alanya was founded as a fortress by the Seljuks in the 13th century, and its well-preserved fortress on a rocky hill offers stunning panoramic views. Narrow streets descend from the fortress to the sea, passing traditional houses and green terraced gardens.
Among the main attractions of Alanya are the historical shipyard and the octagonal Red Tower (Kızıl Kule), originally built for defense and now serving as an ethnographic museum.
Alanya is also famous for its natural beauty: Blue Flag beaches like İncekum and Cleopatra, the Sapadere Canyon, the Dim and Damlataş caves, the Dim River, and the highlands of Dereköy.
The gastronomic offerings in Alanya are diverse - from street treats like gözleme to exquisite Mediterranean cuisine. Fresh seafood, including grilled fish and octopus, is served with meze, piyaz salad with tahini, and local white wines.
Traditional dishes like çoban kavurma reflect the richness of the local cuisine. The nightlife in Alanya is vibrant, with bars, live music, and entertainment venues creating a festive atmosphere even after sunset.
