Capaddocia Ultra Trail

Marie and I had been looking forward to this moment for a long time. Our trip to Turkey promised an adventure in Cappadocia, one of the most beautiful places on Earth, where we would both run a trail race. For Marie, it was her longest race to date—38k with 1100m of elevation gain. I was excited to tackle a challenging 64k with 2000m of elevation gain, eager to experience landscapes reminiscent of the Moroccan desert.


This trip also meant a rare opportunity to spend five days without the kids, followed by a few extra days in Istanbul to relax, indulge in delicious food, and catch up on sleep.


We woke up at 5am to head to the start line, ready for a 7am kickoff. The sunrise was breathtaking, with hot air balloons drifting overhead, revealing the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia. The variety and intensity of the scenery were astonishing, filled with vibrant colors and unique formations reminiscent of the American Western parks, but concentrated within a 30km range.


It was, without a doubt, the most beautiful race I have ever run. The weather was perfect, and the organization was top-notch. I was immensely proud of Marie, who not only finished her first long trail race but also fell in love with the sport. This experience means we will definitely be doing it again.




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