1,300 Runners Take Part in Konya Ultra Trail

The Konya Ultra Trail, organized for the first time by Konya Metropolitan Municipality, brought together hundreds of runners from Türkiye and abroad, offering them the opportunity to experience Konya’s rich natural and cultural heritage.

The event, which attracted a total of 1,300 runners from 13 countries and 52 provinces across Türkiye, took place in Sille, a destination renowned for its historical and natural attractions, and delivered an exciting day of competition.

Held on courses centered around Sille, the event featured five race categories: 74 kilometers, 55 kilometers, 30 kilometers, 16 kilometers, and 5 kilometers. Open to participants of all experience levels, the races drew significant interest.

The Konya Ultra Trail began with staggered starts at 6:00 a.m. for the 74K race, 6:15 a.m. for the 55K, 6:30 a.m. for the 30K, 7:00 a.m. for the 16K, and 9:00 a.m. for the 5K. Passing through Gevale Castle, Ak Monastery, Altınapa Dam, and the natural landscapes surrounding Sille, the routes challenged participants’ physical endurance while offering them the chance to discover Konya’s distinctive geography.

Throughout the competition, runners from across Türkiye and various countries had the opportunity to experience Sille’s historic character and the region’s natural beauty up close.

By promoting the growth of trail running and outdoor sports, the Konya Ultra also made a significant contribution to showcasing Konya’s historical, cultural, and natural assets on both the national and international stage.

Following the event, participants said they greatly enjoyed the sporting events organized in Konya and followed them with interest. They praised the city’s ability to host high-quality competitions and its commitment to athletes, emphasizing that running through Konya’s historic and natural landscapes was a memorable experience. The runners also expressed their appreciation to Konya Metropolitan Municipality for organizing the event.

An awards ceremony was held at the finish area in Sille following the races. Prizes were presented to the top finishers by the city’s sports officials and representatives of Konya Metropolitan Municipality’s sports administration.

What Is Trail Running?

Trail running is an endurance sport held on natural terrain rather than paved roads, taking participants across mountains, forests, trails, and canyons. In addition to physical performance, the discipline tests runners’ navigation skills, endurance, and ability to adapt to changing outdoor conditions.