With its stunning landscapes and varied terrain, from rugged mountain peaks to coastal trails, Türkiye has long been a magnet for trekking and outdoor enthusiasts. Its diverse geography also provides an exceptional setting for high-profile sporting events, particularly ultra-trails that blend extreme physical challenges with deep immersion in nature. From the Black Sea to the Turkish Riviera, from Marmara to Cappadocia, world-class ultra-trails take place across Türkiye throughout the year. This appeal also aligns with one of the emerging travel trends of 2026, as travellers increasingly plan trips around outdoor activities and sporting events, with trekking and fitness-focused travel gaining momentum.
Each race offers a different way to experience Türkiye’s landscapes, and the Runfire Salt Lake Ultra Trail stands out as one of the country’s most extraordinary examples. Taking place on the breathtaking white surface of Tuz Gölü (Lake Salt) in Eskil, Aksaray, between 21 and 23 August 2026, the race combines extreme physical challenge with an otherworldly natural setting. Supported by the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), the 2026 edition will welcome 750 athletes from 13 countries, further strengthening its international profile, along with hundreds of visitors to the vast salt flats of Lake Salt, which looks like an empty planet in which many visitors can perceive some oasis on the horizon.
An Unforgettable Journey Across the Endless White of Lake Salt
Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Salt, the Runfire Salt Lake Ultra Trail promises an unforgettable experience with 7 distinct categories tailored for athletes of all levels. The event features 10K, 10K Team Races, 15K Day & Night, 20K, 40K, 80K, and 100-Mile (160 KM) categories. With such a diverse lineup, Runfire appeals to both short-distance runners and seasoned ultra-marathon enthusiasts.The Runfire Salt Lake Ultra Trail originated as the toughest stage of Runfire Cappadocia, which debuted in 2012 as Türkiye’s second multi-stage ultra-marathon following the Lycian Way Ultra Marathon. Since 2016, this legendary section has evolved into a standalone, single-stage ultra-marathon held across the white expanse of Lake Tuz. Runfire goes beyond offering a race of physical endurance; it turns into an immersive experience with a vibrant campsite, live stage performances, music, and a diverse array of activities.
Environmental and Social Sustainability
Located at the intersection of Ankara, Aksaray, and Konya in Central Anatolia, Lake Tuz is Türkiye’s second-largest lake. Despite its vast size, it is remarkably shallow, with an average depth of less than 50 centimetres and a maximum depth of around one metre. As summer progresses, evaporation causes the water to recede, exposing a striking salt layer that can reach around 30 cm in thickness.Beyond its vast scale and dazzling scenery, Lake Salt serves as a vital sanctuary for migratory wildlife. Designated as a Special Environmental Protection Area, it is recognised for its exceptional biodiversity and importance as a habitat for migratory and breeding waterbirds. The lake is also one of Türkiye’s most important flamingo breeding grounds, hosting thousands of nesting flamingos each year. UNESCO has included the Lake Tuz Special Environmental Protection Area on its World Heritage Tentative List in recognition of its outstanding natural and ecological value.Taking place in an ecosystem as delicate as Lake Tuz, the Runfire Salt Lake Ultra Trail places environmental awareness at the heart of every stage. Guided by core principles of sustainability, the organising team works tirelessly to preserve this extraordinary landscape.
Events Details:
Date: 21–23 August 2026
Location: Salt Lake (Eskil), Aksaray, Türkiye
100 Mile Race Start: 21 August 2026
Festival and Other Races: 22 August 2026
Award Ceremonies: 22–23 August 2026
Registration Deadline: 17 August 2026
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