The city of Alanya in Turkey will once again host this prestigious competition.
Turkey actively hosts international sporting events, attracting the attention of both athletes and spectators from all corners of the globe.
Antalya, located in the heart of the sunny Riviera, welcomes millions of tourists every year thanks to its magnificent beaches, mild climate, cultural richness, and numerous opportunities for water and mountain sports.
From March 27 to 28, Alanya will once again become the arena for the Alanya Ultra Trail.
The competition routes stretch between the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the fresh slopes of the Taurus Mountains.
Alanya Ultra Trail is an internationally recognized trail competition that has gathered over 700 participants from 34 countries since its inception in 2017.
The competition has received approval from the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) and showcases the unique natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Antalya region.
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), as well as the Ministry of Youth and Sports and several partners. Alanya Ultra Trail not only offers an exciting sporting event but also inspires participants to explore Antalya, combining rich heritage with modern realities.
The journey from traditions to trail
The routes of the Alanya Ultra Trail follow historical paths that were once used by nomadic peoples. Modern runners experience the spirit of freedom and resilience on challenging distances, where one can feel four seasons within a single race.
The routes extend from the snowy peaks of the Taurus Mountains to the famous Cleopatra Beach. Participants will pass through ancient caravan roads, past the historical shipyard, Alanya Fortress, and picturesque natural landscapes.
The main distance of the competition is the 68-kilometer route of the Alanya Ultra Trail (AUT). In addition to it, the program includes:
• 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 will take place at the Damlataş Cave and the famous Cleopatra Beach. Participants will pass through historical sites such as Tophane, the Red Tower (Kızıl Kule), the shipyard, the Esat bastion, and the covered market Bedesten, before heading into the Taurus Mountains and returning to the finish at Cleopatra Beach.
The other routes TMT, KMR, CST, and ACR start from the same point as the AUT but are shorter in length. TMT participants return at the 24th kilometer, KMR at the 16th. CST goes up to the 9th kilometer, while ACR offers a scenic 5-kilometer route for nature lovers.
Alanya — a hidden gem of Antalya
Antalya, the tourist capital of Turkey, is famous for its sunshine, rich history, and pristine beaches. Alanya, located to the east, is a popular resort that combines natural beauty, historical landmarks, and a vibrant nightlife.
Founded as a fortified city in the 13th century, Alanya boasts its well-preserved fortress situated on a hill, offering stunning views. Narrow streets lead from the fortress to the sea, passing traditional houses and green gardens.
Key attractions include the historical shipyard and the Red Tower, which was originally a defensive structure and today functions as an ethnographic museum.
Alanya is also known 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.
The gastronomy of Alanya is diverse — from street snacks like gözleme to exquisite Mediterranean dishes. Fresh fish and octopus grilled and served with meze and local wines.
Traditional dishes such as çoban kavurma also represent the regional cuisine. The city's vibrant nightlife with bars and live music makes Alanya attractive even after sunset.
