Golden Heights of Endurance

Uludağ Becomes the Beating Heart of Trail Running at 2025 Premium Ultra Trail
Under the crisp summer skies of Türkiye’s legendary Uludağ, 2,650 athletes from 20 countries laced up for more than just a race—they stepped into a living postcard of endurance, heritage, and environmental awareness.

For three days in July, the alpine trails of Uludağ—once known as the Mysian Olympus—echoed with footsteps and stories from across the globe. Six categories, ranging from the grueling 100K ultra to the fast-paced 6K city loop, offered not just challenges, but memories to last a lifetime.

From the technical ridgelines to the pine-scented descents, runners navigated not only altitude and terrain, but also their own physical limits. "It’s not just about time,” said a participant from Spain. “It’s about belonging to something bigger than yourself.”

One unforgettable image: Turkish runner Umut Kurum, donning full firefighting gear to raise awareness about wildfires, reminding everyone that these trails are sacred—and fragile.

This year’s theme, “Run for Nature,” wasn’t just a slogan. It was embedded into every element of the event—from zero-waste race kits to reforestation efforts funded by registration fees. Each mile became a message: sport can—and must—protect the natural world it relies on.

The 2025 edition also marked a new milestone for women in ultra sports. With record female participation and standout performances in every category, the event spotlighted Türkiye’s growing role in promoting gender equity through sport.

Beyond the finish lines, Uludağ itself became a destination. Athletes and their families explored its cable cars, historic lodges, and local flavors—turning the race weekend into a vibrant celebration of mountain tourism. The trails may have tested their bodies, but the scenery fed their spirits.

As the sun set over the peaks and medals were awarded under a canopy of stars, one thing was clear: Uludağ isn’t just a race venue—it’s a pilgrimage for those who run not only to win, but to connect.

Photo source: https://uludagultra.com/