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:

1. CUT (Cappadocia Medium Trail) – 63km
2. CST (Cappadocia Short Trail) – 38km

I participated in the CST 38km category this year—a first for me in trail running.

🎒 The Kit Pick-Up – A Lesson Learned

If 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:

1. Trail running shoes
2. 1L of water
3. Whistle
4. Emergency blanket
5. Elastic collapsible cup
6. 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 Crowded

At 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 Beautiful

Between 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.

Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Founded by the Bithynian King Prusias I Cholus, who reigned from 228 to 185 BC, Bursa has long played an important role in Anatolian civilization. Today, visitors can explore colorful Ottoman tombs, stunning Islamic architecture, and scenic mountains like Uludağ, which becomes a popular ski destination in winter.

Many Istanbul locals take day trips to Bursa, either by car (about 2 hours) or ferry, to enjoy a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. I visited Bursa from Ankara by highway bus, which took about five hours, so I chose to stay one night. In hindsight, that was the perfect decision — I highly recommend staying overnight if your schedule allows.

🚍 How to Get Around Bursa

🚊 Metro and Tram

Surprisingly, the highway bus terminal is quite far from the city center. The easiest way for tourists — especially international visitors like myself — is to take the tram. There's only one line, running in a single direction, from Terminal Station to Kent Meydanı, which is the city center.

1. 🚇 Fare: 1 Lira (credit card accepted directly at the gate)
2. 🕒 Frequency: Every 20 minutes

From Kent Meydanı, you can transfer to the metro lines that run east-west across the city.

🚌 Bus

While buses are a major form of transportation for locals, I found the system quite confusing. There was limited information at the terminal, and even Google Maps didn’t show bus routes clearly. So, I decided to stick with the tram and metro.

📍 Top Places to Visit in Bursa

🕌 Ulu Mosque (Ulu Cami)

Built between 1396 and 1400 by Sultan Yıldırım Bayezid, this grand mosque is one of Bursa’s most iconic landmarks. According to legend, Bayezid wanted to build 20 mosques, but his advisor suggested a more practical approach: build one mosque with 20 domes. The result? A majestic structure with a stunning 18-sided fountain in the center, symbolizing spiritual purity.

🛍️ Bursa Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)

Located next to the Ulu Mosque, the covered market (Kapalı Çarşı) has been a commercial hub since the 14th century. Bursa was historically famous for its silk production, and today you can still find fine silk fabrics, traditional textiles, and elegant accessories. It’s a mix of everyday local shopping and luxurious souvenirs — perfect for browsing or buying something special.

⚰️ Tomb of Osman Gazi

This mausoleum honors Osman Gazi (1258–1326), the founder of the Ottoman Empire. His tomb is surrounded by 16 other sarcophagi belonging to family members. Nearby is the tomb of his son, Orhan Gazi, along with his wife, daughter, and son. Though both tombs were damaged by fire and later destroyed in a 19th-century earthquake, they were faithfully restored and are now open to the public.

🏛️ Sultan’s Mansion Museum

Located in the Yıldırım district, this elegant mansion sits atop a hill about a 20–30 minute walk (uphill!) from the Ulu Mosque area. Originally used by Sultan Abdulmecid Han in 1844 as a hunting lodge and guest residence, it was restored in 2003 and now operates as a museum.

1. 🕒 Opening hours: Guided tours start every hour
2. ☕ Even if you miss the tour, the scenic terrace café makes it worth the visit

🕰️ Tophane Clock Tower

Set in Tophane Park, this 6-story, 33-meter-tall clock tower offers panoramic views of Bursa. Although the clock is no longer functional, the surrounding park is a peaceful place to relax. You’ll find cozy cafés, souvenir shops, and restaurants nearby — perfect for a break after sightseeing.