Kar Spor İda Ultra 2026
Long before trail running existed, Mount Ida was already a place of legends. Known as Kaz Dağları in Türkiye, the mountain holds a special place in Greek mythology, with stories of Zeus, Hera, Aphrodite, and the ancient world of Troy woven into its history. On November 27–29, 2026, Kar Spor İda Ultra will bring a very different kind of challenge to these storied slopes, inviting runners into a landscape of dense forests, ancient villages, olive groves, and sweeping views of the Gulf of Edremit.
The event will offer six distances, each named after a figure from mythology or the mountain itself. The flagship 105K İda Ultra, with approximately 4,113 meters of elevation gain, will demand exceptional endurance as runners navigate steep climbs, technical terrain, and changing mountain conditions over a course with a 22-hour time limit. The 66K Hades Run, featuring 2,450 meters of climbing, will deliver another formidable challenge, while the 44K Zeus Run, with 1,560 meters of elevation gain, will test strength and pacing across the mountain landscape. The 30K Poseidon Run, climbing 995 meters, will offer a demanding shorter-distance adventure.
The 15K Afrodit Run, featuring 640 meters of elevation gain, will begin in Yeşilyurt Village and take runners through a landscape of historic settlements and olive groves. The 8.5K Hera Run, with approximately 200 meters of climbing, will connect Güre and Çamlıbel on a mix of paved roads and trails, offering a more accessible introduction to the region. The five longer races will take place on November 28, while the Hera Run will follow on November 29.
Few trail-running destinations will offer such a distinctive combination of mythology and nature. The forests of Kaz Dağları, home to the region's endemic fir trees, will provide a dramatic mountain backdrop. Below, the Gulf of Edremit will stretch toward the Aegean, while centuries-old villages and olive-growing traditions will reveal a quieter side of western Türkiye. Cool late-autumn air, wooded hillsides, and changing coastal views will give the race its unmistakable character.
The adventure will continue beyond the trails. Visitors can wander through the stone streets of Yeşilyurt and Adatepe, explore the coastal towns of Altınoluk and Küçükkuyu, or unwind in Güre's thermal springs after a day outdoors. The region's culinary heritage will offer another reason to linger, with locally produced olive oil, Aegean herbs, village breakfasts, fresh seafood, and traditional dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients. Runners will also have the opportunity to make every kilometer count through Run for Good (İyilik Peşinde Koş), a charity-running initiative by Step by Step (Adım Adım) that helps athletes raise funds for nonprofit organizations across Türkiye.
The gods may belong to mythology, but the challenge of Mount Ida will be very real. And when the racing ends, the mountain will still have plenty to offer: quiet villages, ancient stories, olive-covered hills, and the Aegean stretching toward the horizon.