Runtalya, the international Antalya marathon, was organised on March 5th on the coastline of Antalya, the Turkish Riviera’s tourism capital. Thousands of professional athletes and amateur runners from all around the world participated in the race. Being the season’s starting race, Runtalya hosted athletes from more than 47 countries. While Üzeyir Söylemez won the marathon race in men with a time of 2 hours 23 minutes 35 seconds, Natalia Gyurten took the lead with 03.03.26 in women’s.
This year Runtalya hosted four stages (2K, 10K, 21K and 42K) simultaneously, and all races started in the city centre of Antalya. Following a route through Antalya’s most scenic and must-visit travel hotspots, the 42K marathon runners passed through the iconic landmarks of Antalya, such as Antalya Kaleçi, Hadrian Gate, Düden Waterfalls and the famous Lara beaches. Apart from professional athletes, amateur runners competed in the race, being cheered by tens of thousands of Antalya locals and international visitors visiting the city during the first week of March. The Runtalya organisation also included a “baby run”, a “high-heels run”, and a “1 step 1 life run” where children, beginner-level women runners and locals of all ages were encouraged to be involved in a sportive lifestyle.
Runtalya has been organised in Antalya since 2006. The Runtalya Marathon is an excellent race with attributes including being the season’s first race, which targets to bring both amateur runners with minimal competitive experience and professional runners together. In addition to its sporting attributes, Runtalya is one of the biggest lifestyle marathons and a three-day sporting event in Antalya.