The İznik Ultra Marathon is Turkey's largest trail running festival.
Organized by Macera Akademisi - MCR Racesetter every year since 2011 (excluding 2020) with the support of local institutions and structures. The idea is simple: to run around İznik Lake and return with the power of the muscles, attracting 1,200 athletes from 26 countries to the races.
The three-day festival includes 160, 90, 75, 50 and 25 km trail races, 14 km Çamdibi semi-trail, 5 km Historical City Run and Kid's Run. Along with the spectators, 2,500 sports fans come to Bursa and Iznik, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and has a history of 2,500 years. Guests run with the cheers and support of the 21 villages and neighborhoods around the lake.
Novice try to push their limits on the 14 km and 25 km trails, while the 47 km and 160 km ultra-marathon routes witness more experienced and stronger athletes pushing their limits. Every year, the athletes raise their goals and start preparing for the next level as soon as they leave Iznik. In some years like 2019, the race day on Turkey's most challenging course can be extremely difficult. In such years one in every four starters become finisher. Be prepared for unpredictable weather, a perfect training for high mountain races in the summer.
The organization, which has been brought to life by the efforts, time, and dedication of dozens of volunteers, is a significant socio-economic event that local people in İznik and Orhangazi districts eagerly await throughout the year, as well as athletes. Additionally, İznik Ultra works with the Tohum Autism Foundation for autism awareness and social volunteering activities with İznik schools, providing them with both financial and moral support. Every April, İznik Ultra welcomes trail runners from around the world in this historic geography and unique nature, inviting them to İznik, the capital of civilizations, to fulfill their dreams and discover their limits and strengths
Get ready for the next meeting and run in your dreams at İznik Ultra.