Kaçkar by UTMB Puts Rize on the Sports Tourism Map

Kaçkar by UTMB: Turkey's Trail Running Breakthrough

The Kaçkar by UTMB trail race has become a defining moment for Turkish adventure sports. Held in the Kaçkar Mountains above Rize on the Black Sea coast, the event is part of the UTMB World Series, the global circuit that culminates in the legendary Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in Chamonix. For Turkey, hosting a UTMB-branded race signals that its highlands can compete with the world's most respected trail running destinations.

The race typically takes place in late summer, when the high meadows are green and the passes are clear of snow. In 2026, the event is expected to return to the Kaçkar range in late August or early September, with exact dates announced on the official UTMB World Series calendar. Distances usually range from a short vertical or discovery race to a demanding ultra of roughly 100 kilometres, with thousands of metres of elevation gain.

What makes Kaçkar special is the terrain itself. Runners climb from misty tea-growing valleys into a landscape of granite peaks, glacial lakes and summer pastures known locally as yayla. The highest points of the course reach well above 3,000 metres, offering views that stretch toward the Black Sea and, on clear days, to the Georgian border.

Why Rize Is Becoming a Sports Tourism Destination

Rize has long been known for its tea. It is Turkey's tea capital, and the terraced green hills above the city are planted with tea bushes that supply the whole country. But the Kaçkar by UTMB race is adding a new layer to the region's identity: a destination for endurance athletes.

The economic effect is visible. Hotels in Rize, Çamlıhemşin and Ayder fill up around race weekend. Local guides offer training camps on the same trails, and small businesses cater to runners looking for carb-friendly Black Sea dishes such as kuymak, a hot cornmeal and cheese dish, and hamsi, the Black Sea anchovy.

The Turkish government and local municipalities have invested in trail signage, mountain safety and transport links, recognising that sports tourism brings visitors outside the classic Istanbul–Cappadocia–Antalya circuit. For Rize, this means a longer season and a more diverse visitor profile.

"Trail running is one of the fastest-growing segments of global tourism, and Türkiye is now firmly on the map," say organisers of the Kaçkar event, pointing to the international field that travels to the Black Sea each year.

Race Dates, Registration and Spectating

Registration for Kaçkar by UTMB opens through the official UTMB World Series website, usually several months before race weekend. Places in the longer distances can sell out, so runners are advised to enter early and to check qualifying requirements, as some UTMB races ask for previous trail experience or ITRA points.

The race weekend typically includes a sports expo, mandatory gear checks and a pre-race briefing in the Rize area. Spectators are welcome at the start and finish areas and at selected aid stations, though access to high mountain checkpoints is limited. The most accessible viewing points are in the valleys around Çamlıhemşin and Ayder, where shuttle services and local roads make it easy to cheer on runners.

For those who want to run but are not ready for the ultra distance, shorter courses offer a taste of the Kaçkar without the full commitment. Many participants combine the race with a few days of hiking, paragliding or rafting on the Fırtına River, one of Turkey's top white-water routes.

Extending Your Trip: Black Sea Highlands and Tea Gardens

The Kaçkar experience rewards anyone who stays a little longer. From Rize, roads climb into the mountains through villages where tea is picked by hand and dried in small family factories. Guided visits to a tea garden and a tasting session are among the most authentic cultural experiences in the Black Sea region.

Further up, the yayla settlements offer cool summer air and simple guesthouses. The Ayder plateau, with its waterfalls and hot springs, is a popular base. Hikers can walk to glacial lakes such as Lake Karagöl, or attempt the classic Kaçkar summit route with a local guide.

The region's cuisine is a highlight in itself. Beyond kuymak and hamsi, visitors should try muhlama, Black Sea cornbread, and fresh trout from mountain streams. Meals are often served with strong tea in small tulip-shaped glasses, a ritual that slows the pace after a long day on the trails.

How to Get There and What to Plan

Most international runners fly to Trabzon or Rize–Artvin Airport and then transfer by road to the race area. Trabzon has the widest flight connections, including direct services from Istanbul and several European cities. From Trabzon, the drive along the coast to Rize takes around one and a half hours, and continues inland to Çamlıhemşin.

Because race weekend coincides with the busiest part of the highland season, booking accommodation early is essential. Runners should also prepare for changeable weather: hot, humid conditions in the valleys and cold, windy, possibly rainy weather at altitude. A waterproof jacket, warm layer and sufficient water are standard requirements.

Travel insurance that covers mountain sports is strongly recommended. Mobile phone coverage is good in towns but patchy on remote trails, so a local guide or a well-marked route is advisable outside the race itself.

Türkiye's Growing Reputation in Adventure Sports

The Kaçkar by UTMB is part of a broader trend. Türkiye already hosts major events in sailing, cycling, paragliding and open-water swimming, and its mountains, canyons and coastlines are attracting a new generation of outdoor travellers. The UTMB connection gives the country a recognised quality mark in trail running.

For Rize, the benefits go beyond race weekend. Training camps, guided treks and adventure festivals are spreading across the Kaçkar range, creating year-round opportunities for local communities. Tea farmers, guesthouse owners and guides are finding new income streams linked to the trails.

For travellers, this means a destination that combines serious sport with genuine culture and hospitality. Whether you come to race, to spectate or simply to hike through tea gardens and alpine lakes, the Kaçkar Mountains offer one of the most rewarding adventure experiences in Türkiye.