Spring is definitely the best season to visit Ephesus, one of the world's most magnificent and well-preserved ancient ruins. With flowers abloom, the upcoming ultra-marathon through the ancient city will make this journey more memorable.

Located in the Selçuk district in the coastal İzmir city, Ephesus will gather professional and amateur runners this month for the ultra-marathon that will take place in three categories: 55k, 20k and 10k on March 18.

Initiated by Unlimited Academy and the Selçuk Municipality, the marathon will offer a route to discover the ancient city's notable areas and spaces like the Temple of Artemis, Arvalya Tumulus, Pamucak Beach, the House of the Virgin Mary, the Library of Celsus and the Cave of the Seven Sleepers. In the longest category, runners will also be passing through small villages like Çamlık and Şirince.

For the 10k marathon, the race will start in front of the Ephesus ancient city's eastern gate and finish at Pamucak Beach. Participants will run 20 km for the second category which will kick off at the same point and end at the House of the Virgin Mary. For the longest route, runners will cover 55 km to reach the Pamucak Beach.

The ultra-marathon will designate an exclusive event for children who have been invited to run 500 meters in the ancient city.

The ancient city of Ephesus boasts a number of impressive sites in its own right. A very accessible area, accommodation is available with guest houses throughout various sites within the area. Ephesus is geared toward tourism and there are many expats running the operations in the town.