International Kilikya Ultra Marathon

Mersin will bring a coastline-and-history kind of running day to the calendar on May 9, 2026, as the International Kilikya Ultra Marathon takes place in Kızkalesi—the iconic seaside setting crowned by Maiden’s Castle rising from the water. With 10K, 33K, and 53K distances, the event will offer everything from a fast scenic race to a true endurance test—each one wrapped in Mediterranean light and the unmistakable atmosphere of Türkiye’s ancient Cilicia region.

This is where sports tourism writes itself: run with the sea breeze in your face, finish steps from the shoreline, then stay for the destination—swim breaks, coastal cafés, and sunset views with a castle in the frame. Even if you’re not racing, you’ll still want to be here—because Kızkalesi turns race day into a seaside festival, and the scenery makes every cheer feel like part of the story.