Cappadocia Ultra-Trail is a 110km ultra marathon in Ürgüp, Turkey. Distance: 110km. Elevation: 3,500m D+. Difficulty: moderate (Challenge Rating 41/100). DNF rate: 15%. Time limit: 26h. Surface: trail. Established 2016.
Cappadocia Ultra-Trail
Ürgüp, Cappadocia, Turkey
"110km through the fairy chimneys and cave churches of Cappadocia — running through a geological wonderland."
An ultra trail through one of the world's most surreal landscapes — Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, cave churches, and volcanic formations.
The Course
Running through the surreal landscape of Cappadocia — fairy chimneys, ancient cave churches, underground cities, and eroded volcanic formations. The course weaves through valleys, canyons, and the UNESCO World Heritage site's most dramatic scenery.
hilly
loop
9
1,600m
5
Runner Experience
UTMB-standard aid stations with hot food, drinks, medical support, and drop bag access at major checkpoints.
A legendary finish line atmosphere. Cappadocia Ultra-Trail is a bucket-list race with celebrations that match its reputation.
Race Day Weather
12°C
3° – 20°
50%
25%
Autumn in central Anatolia. Cool and dry. Night temperatures drop significantly. Clear skies typical.
Stats & Records
2016
400
17:00:00
9:32:12
Gediminas Grinius (2022)
11:45:33
Azara Garcia (2023)
Entry
€120
March
months
Lore & Trivia
The Cappadocia Ultra Trail runs through one of the most surreal landscapes on earth — the volcanic fairy chimneys, cave churches, and underground cities of central Turkey. The course weaves between towering tuff pillars, through narrow slot canyons, and across the moon-like plateau where early Christians carved entire cities into soft volcanic rock. Hot air balloons float overhead at dawn, adding to the otherworldly atmosphere. Turkish trail running is growing rapidly, and Cappadocia — with its unique terrain and deep history — is its most distinctive showcase.
- ▸ Runners pass through valleys filled with 'fairy chimneys' — natural rock pillars formed by volcanic erosion.
- ▸ The course runs past ancient cave churches with Byzantine frescoes still visible inside.
- ▸ Cappadocia is famous for its hot air balloons — runners at dawn may see dozens floating overhead.
- ▸ The volcanic tuff that forms the landscape was deposited by eruptions millions of years ago.
- ▸ Established in 2016.
Running through fairy chimneys at sunrise, with hot air balloons floating overhead — Cappadocia is a dream course.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Cappadocia Ultra-Trail? +
Cappadocia Ultra-Trail is a 110km (110km) ultra marathon with 3,500m of elevation gain. The course is loop on trail terrain.
How hard is Cappadocia Ultra-Trail? +
Cappadocia Ultra-Trail is rated moderate with a Challenge Rating of 41/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 15%. Runners have 26 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Cappadocia Ultra-Trail? +
Average temperature is 12°C (range 3°C to 20°C) with 50% humidity and a 25% chance of rain. Autumn in central Anatolia. Cool and dry. Night temperatures drop significantly. Clear skies typical.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Cappadocia Ultra-Trail? +
Crew access is allowed. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the course record for Cappadocia Ultra-Trail? +
The men's course record is 9:32:12 set by Gediminas Grinius in 2022. The women's course record is 11:45:33 set by Azara Garcia in 2023.
What is the average finish time for Cappadocia Ultra-Trail? +
The average finish time is 17:00:00. About 400 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 15%.
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