6th International Kayseri Half Marathon

Kayseri will bring runners to the heart of Central Anatolia on September 20, 2026, as the 6th International Kayseri Half Marathon takes place with 21K Half Marathon and 10K distances. Starting from Cumhuriyet Square, the event will gather athletes in one of Türkiye’s most historic and commercially dynamic cities, where sport meets a deep urban memory shaped by ancient trade routes, Seljuk heritage, and the presence of Mount Erciyes.

The race will offer a strong city-running experience for both half marathon athletes and 10K runners. With Cumhuriyet Square serving as the main hub, the event will place participants directly inside Kayseri’s central rhythm. This will be a race weekend for athletes looking for a structured road-running challenge but also for visitors who want to discover a city that carries thousands of years of Anatolian history.

Kayseri’s story goes far beyond race day. Visitors can explore traces of ancient Kültepe, Seljuk-era monuments, historic bazaars, mosques, museums, and the wider landscape shaped by Mount Erciyes. And then comes the food. Kayseri is one of Türkiye’s strongest culinary cities, famous for pastırma (Kayseri-style cured beef charcuterie), sucuk (Turkish-spiced cured sausage), yağlama (Anatolian layered meat flatbread), Kayseri mantı (Kayseri-style tiny dumplings), and the local dessert nevzine. The city’s mantı tradition even comes with its own legend: tiny dumplings so delicate that dozens can fit into a single spoon. Even if you are not running, you will still want to be here—because Kayseri turns a race weekend into a Central Anatolian experience of history, endurance, Erciyes views, and serious local flavor.