Cappadocia Ultra Trail - Race Report
If you're a trail runner with a thirst for adventure, look no further than the Cappadocia Ultra Trail. This gruelling 119km race winds through the hills and valleys of Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Central Anatolia, Turkey. It's a race that offers more than just a physical challenge; it's a journey through time and nature, making it a top choice for both seasoned travellers and avid runners.
The Journey to Cappadocia
My decision to enter the Cappadocia Ultra Trail was driven by several factors, including its proximity to Dubai, matching time zones, and the allure of its unique setting. Getting to Cappadocia involved a four-hour flight to Istanbul, a connecting flight to Nevşehir, and a brief 40-minute bus ride to our accommodation. We opted for the Fresco Suits, a lodging just two minutes away from the race's starting point, offering an authentic experience with its cave rooms.
Dealing with Varied Temperatures
Cappadocia's climate presented its own set of challenges. Mornings and evenings featured single-digit Celsius temperatures, while the middle of the day could reach a toasty 25 degrees Celsius or more. This was a stark contrast to the scorching Dubai summer, where 30-degree temperatures and high humidity were the norm.
The significant difference in temperatures and altitudes added an extra layer of complexity to our training. We often heard about the importance of heat acclimation in Dubai for the daytime heat in Cappadocia. The region's altitude, at around 1000m above sea level, exposed us to higher UV levels, reminding us of previous ski trips where sunburned lips were a common sight.
Due to the heat, our long training runs in Dubai were shorter than ideal, with the longest duration of about four hours.
Exploring Cappadocia
Upon arriving in Cappadocia on Wednesday and Thursday, our group of four had the chance to explore this stunning region. Friday's agenda included an early morning run, collecting our race packs, and immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the race village.
Race Day Chronicles
Race day began with a 6 am wake-up call, ensuring all gear was in place. After a quick breakfast, I dropped off our bags, which contained fresh clothes and additional nutrition, in preparation for the 7 am start. The race got underway smoothly, officially commencing at 7 am.
The race immediately led me into a challenging climb through the town, covering 11km with a 350m ascent - the first checkpoint on the journey to a total of ten checkpoints. Starting as part of the second group gave me a strategic advantage, avoiding traffic bottlenecks that had plagued previous years' participants. Throughout the race, I encountered no such issues, even on narrower course sections.
As the day warmed up, I maintained a steady pace, reaching the 27km mark in 2 hours and 46 minutes, with an average pace of 6:30 per kilometre. My goal was to keep my heart rate below 160 bpm, even as shorter-distance runners raced past me. I remained focused on running my own race, avoiding the temptation to push too hard and risk unwanted heart rate spikes.
Around the 30km mark, I began to feel the expected soreness in my legs. However, the soreness did not worsen, allowing me to continue. The breathtaking views along the way provided ample distraction, making the journey even more memorable.
The Transformation of the Race
The 63km mark brought a dramatic change to the race. The course profile and scenery underwent a significant shift, making it feel like an entirely new adventure. Approaching the 76km mark, it was time to prepare for the night shift, knowing a challenging 400m elevation gain and 13km of hilly terrain awaited. My teammate, Oznur met me, and together, we ensured I were equipped with headlamps and extra Cola to keep me going.
As the temperature dropped, gloves were donned for warmth. At the 85km checkpoint, a revitalising soup and Red Bull provided the necessary energy. The ridges were windy and pitch dark, making every climb a challenge. The sight of headlamps above revealing the ascent that lay ahead was a sight to remember which provided various emotions. The sandy terrain, coupled with relentless winds, made each climb more challenging.
The Final Push and Finish Line
I owe my trekking poles a significant debt of gratitude, as they proved invaluable during the latter half of the race. Overtaking other runners, I made sure to grab a Red Bull at every stop.
Just after the 100km checkpoint, my headlamp unexpectedly died while I was on the side of a hill. Thanks to the mandatory requirements of the race, I had my portable charger, which had been charging my phone. However, as I checked, I noticed only one bar of battery remaining and worried if it would be sufficient to recharge my headlamp for the final 20km.
This was my first time using this particular headlamp, and I had made some mistakes, such as running it at maximum brightness, which drained the battery. As I attempted to charge it, it became clear that I couldn't use it while recharging. Thankfully, I had a fully charged iPhone, which I attached to the front of my vest, albeit with limited visibility.
As the race continued and the terrain became more technical, I had to use my head torch and thankfully the charge was enough to get me through.
The race concluded after 18 hours and 30 minutes, leaving me wired from caffeine and unable to sleep. In fact, I felt ready to tackle another 50km!
In retrospect, I realized that better nutrition at the beginning of the race could have made a difference. Training in Dubai for a race in Cappadocia posed unique challenges, given the significant differences in climate and terrain.
For those interested in following my upcoming races and adventures, stay tuned on my Instagram @Matt__JohnM. Although the Cappadocia Ultra Trail marked the end of the trail racing year of 2023, I'm gearing up for 2024 the GOAT Ultra in January, with plans to conquer the Istria UTMB and Snowdonia UTMB.
By Matthew May