The Antalya Ultra Marathon was organized for the second time this year. The athletes experienced the excitement of racing from Konyaaltı Beach to the Taurus Mountains.
Konyaaltı Municipality 2nd Antalya Ultra Marathon was held with breathtaking struggles. On the first day, Saturday, December 24, at 04.30, 57 and 85 kilometres of tracks were started, and at 08:00, the 31-kilometre track was started. The long stages started with intense participation. The marathon started from Konyaaltı Beach and ended in Geyikbayırı and Saklıkent respectively. The 85-kilometre track was also completed in Geyikbayırı. Compared to last year, the marathon was attended more intensely this year. The marathon was attended by 1500 athletes from 35 countries.
Big Marathon Challenging Tracks
Sergey Sokolov was the winner of the general classification in the 85-kilometre track of the Antalya Ultra Marathon organized by Konyaaltı Municipality and participated in the competition from Russia. He stated that he liked the track and wanted to participate again next year. Stating that the track is balanced, Sokolov said, “Obviously, I have been thinking about whether to participate in these races for three years. I decided to participate in the Antalya Ultra Marathon and I loved it. It was a very unusual race. I am thinking of training to join again next year. It was a balanced race in terms of tracks. The easy and difficult parts were intertwined.
The Second Day Ended with Races and an Award Ceremony
The second day of the Antalya Ultra Marathon witnessed fierce competition. On the first day of the marathon, the challenging tracks starting in front of the municipality and extending to the snowy mountains gave way to 5k, 12k, children's run and paw run tracks on the second day. The excitement of the children and families who crossed the start line in the first run of the day drew attention. The short track of the little ones started in front of Konyaaltı Municipality. It ended in front of the municipality again. Reaching the finish line with applause, the children produced colourful images.
After the children, 5k, 12k and dog run started. Igor Sharapov from Russia completed the 5k in 16 minutes and Miklos Rares İmre from Romania took the first place, completing the 12k in 37 minutes. Konyaaltı Mayor Semih Esen, along with Antalya Deputy Çetin Osman Budak and District Gendarmerie Commander First Lieutenant Coşan Pet, presented their awards to the top athletes.
They Run With Their Dogs
Müge Yörükoğlu participated in the marathon with her dog named Gece, said that she liked the event very much and that she will participate again next year. Emine Köken attended the event with her dog, stating that it was the first time she participated in such an event and she enjoyed it very much. Stating that it was a very nice Sunday morning for them, Köken said, “Everyone should attend such events with their animal friends. I recommend it to everyone," she said.
