The Magic of Cappadocia: A Runner's Odyssey Through Otherworldly Landscapes

Country: Slovakia 

Age: 47 yo

Enthicity: Slovak 

Weight: 75kg

Gender: Male

Experience Running: 20+ years

A Race Recap: Salomon Cappadocia Medium Trail 62 km, 2050+m

Translated from Slovak to English by Stories on the Run

One of the most prestigious trail running events in the world—and undoubtedly the most prestigious in Turkey—takes place annually in mid-October in Central Anatolia, in the enchanting and seemingly otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia. Thanks to the Slovak Ultra Trail community, I had the chance to participate in this celebration of running on the medium trail (the ultra-trail covers 119 km with 3730m elevation gain).

Pre-Race Day

The day before the race, when I decided to pick up my race packet, it was clear that this is the biggest event in the region. The entire town of Ürgüp was alive with activity. Alongside the packet pick-up, there was a large expo featuring sponsor brands and a massive stage hosting some of Turkey’s top DJs until late at night. The atmosphere was unlike anything I’ve experienced at other races.

The race organization was meticulous. After a 45-minute wait in line, I reached the registration desk where, upon showing my passport, I received a box containing a layout of how to arrange the mandatory equipment. Only after organizing everything according to the guidelines could participants proceed to the "inspector" for a thorough check. The mandatory gear included a headlamp, spare batteries, and even a power bank with a minimum capacity of 6500 mAh—yes, they checked this too. Despite some grumbling, I accepted the strict requirements.

The start time was 7 AM, already in daylight, with a 12.5-hour time limit, meaning we’d only spend about two hours in the dark at most. When an organizer asked about my running shoes, I gave her a puzzled look, but she just laughed.

Race Day Morning

At 7 AM in the desert, it was 3°C (37°F), but the sun was expected to blaze later in the day. I layered up with a jacket from my mandatory gear and silently thanked myself for packing gloves. I started with the "blue bibs" group, who were tackling a course twice as long as mine. The starting corral was divided into 15 zones based on bib numbers, which, as I later realized, were assigned based on ITRA indexes—a smart move to avoid congestion on the narrow trails.

The Start

The start was accompanied by emotional music and energy akin to the Boston Marathon. The opening kilometers were uphill, and soon the runners formed a single-file line along a narrow path. Though I was further back, I didn’t worry—the race had just begun.

Within minutes, we emerged into the sunlight and were greeted by the iconic sight of hot air balloons gliding silently over the surreal Cappadocian landscape. It was breathtaking. The live view, with up to 50 balloons floating above us, was far more impressive than any photograph.

The First Checkpoints

The route initially followed a wide path, making the terrain easy to navigate. However, the morning frost still lingered in the valleys. The first checkpoint, İbrahimpaşa (11 km, 350m+), arrived quickly, and I prepared for the next 16 km segment, which included a 500m climb.

After this checkpoint, the trail narrowed, lined with dense vegetation and hidden obstacles that made overtaking nearly impossible. While I didn’t mind this on the uphill, I found the slow pace frustrating on the downhill sections. I managed to overtake a couple of runners but realized it wasn’t worth the effort on such technical terrain.

Through History and Nature

Passing through valleys filled with ancient sandstone dwellings carved into cliffs, I felt the deep history of this place. The second checkpoint, Uçhisar, located at 1300m above sea level, offered classic aid station supplies: water, cola, chocolate, bananas, nuts, and chips. Carrying my own nutrition, I quickly refilled my bottles and continued.

Shortly after, the course funneled through tunnels, dry riverbeds, and sandstone towers. The technical terrain was challenging but exhilarating. At one point, a wrong turn led me and a few others astray, and we had to backtrack. Despite this detour, the adventure was unforgettable.

Checkpoint 3: Göreme

At Göreme, the midpoint of the race, the landscape transitioned to Red Valley—the most stunning part of Cappadocia. The trail climbed steeply through a sun-drenched canyon where the heat radiated off the sand, making it feel much hotter than the actual 20°C (68°F). As I found my rhythm, I started overtaking runners, fueled by the breathtaking views.

The Final Stretch

After the Cavuşin checkpoint, the steepest climb of the course loomed ahead. To my surprise, a stray dog decided to join me for this section, following me closely. Though his playful antics—sitting directly in my path—slowed me down, his company was oddly comforting.

At the summit, the trail leveled out, offering panoramic views. The final descent into Ürgüp was a mix of technical paths and vineyards, with my energy waning. I misjudged the elevation profile and was caught off guard by the rolling terrain, which pushed me to my limits.

The Finish Line

I crossed the finish line in 6:38, placing 31st overall and 8th in my category—a result I was proud of given the competition and the challenges. And as for the stray dog? He stayed with me until the end, a loyal companion through the latter half of the race.

Final Thoughts

The Salomon Cappadocia Medium Trail was one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life. From the impeccable organization to the awe-inspiring UNESCO landscape, this event is a must for any trail runner seeking adventure on another planet.