🏃♀️ Salomon Cappadocia Ultra Trail 2024: My First-Ever Trail Marathon
The Salomon Cappadocia Ultra Trail is more than a race—it's an adventure through one of the world’s most magical landscapes. The route winds through the UNESCO World Heritage valleys and villages of Cappadocia, Turkey, combining natural wonder with physical challenge.
This year, the event was held on October 18–19, 2024. Until recently, I had never run a full marathon or even a trail race, despite being a regular road runner. But thanks to a friend’s enthusiastic push, I found myself signing up—just three months before race day!
Now, with the 38km course behind me and a huge sense of accomplishment in my heart, I’d love to share my experience with you.
🎽 What Is the Salomon Cappadocia Ultra Trail?This world-class trail running event is sponsored by Salomon, the renowned French outdoor brand founded in 1947. Alongside Salomon, other major sponsors like the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, Garmin, and Intersport contribute to making this an unforgettable event.
The race began in 2014 with only a grueling 110km ultra marathon, but due to increasing popularity and demand for more accessible distances, two additional categories were introduced:
- CUT (Cappadocia Medium Trail) – 63km
- CST (Cappadocia Short Trail) – 38km
I participated in the CST 38km category this year—a first for me in trail running.
🛏️ Top Places to Stay in Cappadocia ✅ Must-Do Activities in Cappadocia 🎒 The Kit Pick-Up – A Lesson LearnedIf you’re running next year, don’t forget your mandatory gear! All the required items are listed on the official website, but unfortunately, my friends and I didn’t read the list carefully. We showed up at the kit pick-up station on Friday, only to be told we wouldn’t receive our race kits without the proper equipment.
We had to drive an hour back to our hotel to fetch everything:
- Trail running shoes
- 1L of water
- Whistle
- Emergency blanket
- Elastic collapsible cup
- Bandages
Only after showing all of these were we allowed to collect our race kits. It seems this gear check system was newly implemented this year, as returning runners mentioned it wasn’t so strict in previous editions.
🏞️ The Start: Scenic, Steep, and CrowdedAt 10 AM sharp, we gathered at the starting line in Göreme, where runners could also drop their belongings using official kit bags. Although positions were assigned by bib numbers, the atmosphere was relaxed and many runners freely chose where to start.
The first 1–2km were steep and crowded—so much so that running was nearly impossible. But soon, the path opened onto grassy fields and scenic trails, and I found myself stopping to take in the views: surreal valleys, historic cave homes, and layered rock formations straight out of a painting.
After weaving through small streets and a photogenic stretch past cave hotels, we reached the first checkpoint at 12km—offering water, cola, bananas, and cereal bars.
🧗♀️ The Middle: Wild, Raw, and BeautifulBetween the first and second checkpoints was my favorite section of the trail. The route grew wilder as we ducked through natural caves, crossed logs over muddy ponds, and clambered over rocks large and small. It felt like an outdoor obstacle course designed by Mother Nature herself.
The second checkpoint, around 24km in, provided a welcome break—with cakes, biscuits, bread, and all the usual energy foods. Some runners sat and chatted, while others grabbed a quick bite and kept moving. I chose a middle path—enough time to refuel and mentally prepare for what was ahead.
🥵 The Final Stretch: Pain, Perseverance, and a Shared
The final 14km tested everything—my stamina, mindset, and willpower. Around a small farm with goats and stone houses, the trail plunged back into rugged terrain. I constantly checked my Garmin watch, which seemed frozen in time as the kilometers crept by.
No one talked during this phase. Everyone focused inward. Yet there was an unspoken bond among us—mutual respect, silent encouragement, and a collective will to finish.
I battled the fear of getting lost, tripping on uneven paths, or even encountering wildlife. But eventually, with aching legs and a full heart, I saw the finish line.
🏁 Finish Time: 5 Hours 11 Minutes
Crossing that line was unforgettable. I had never run such a long distance in nature before, and completing my first-ever trail marathon—in Cappadocia, of all places—felt like a personal turning point.
Trail running in a landscape like this is more than a physical challenge. It’s a deep mental journey that helps you discover what you're capable of. I feel stronger, more focused, and endlessly inspired by this experience.
💬 Final ThoughtsWhether you're a seasoned trail runner or a curious beginner like I was, the Salomon Cappadocia Ultra Trail is something truly special. It’s not just about racing—it’s about immersing yourself in nature, pushing your limits, and connecting with people from around the world.
So if you’re thinking about it… just go for it. You might surprise yourself.
Meshiagare—and see you on the trails next year!
