More than 2,000 trail runners from more than 60 countries are expected to descend on Türkiye’s northeastern Black Sea province of Rize this week for the second edition of Kaçkar by UTMB, putting the region’s mountains, culture and sports tourism ambitions on an international stage.
The Sept. 11-13 event is Türkiye’s first and only UTMB World Series race and will bring competitors from six continents to the rugged Kaçkar Mountains.
Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak said the event represents far more than a major endurance race, describing it as an opportunity to introduce Rize’s natural and cultural attractions to a global audience.
"Kaçkar by UTMB is not just a sporting event,” Bak said. "It is also an important opportunity to introduce Rize’s unique natural and cultural riches to the world.”
Bak, whose family roots are in Rize’s Pazar district, said athletes, teams and visitors will have an opportunity to experience some of the region’s best-known destinations, including Ayder Plateau, Zil Kale, Fırtına Valley and the highlands of Pokut, Sal and Huser.
The minister also pointed to the event’s expected economic impact, saying increased reservations for accommodation and other tourism services are already being recorded ahead of the races.
"We expect significant economic activity across many sectors, especially accommodation, transportation, food and tourism,” Bak said. "We are very pleased to show Rize’s sports tourism potential to the world.”
A global trail-running stage
Kaçkar by UTMB is part of the UTMB World Series, an international circuit of trail-running events held in major mountain and outdoor destinations around the world. The series provides a pathway for runners seeking places in the prestigious UTMB Mont-Blanc finals in Chamonix, France.
Depending on the race category, competitors can earn Running Stones, which provide entries into the lottery for the finals, while their performances also contribute to their UTMB Index. Top performers in selected categories can secure direct qualification.
For Rize, hosting a UTMB World Series event provides an opportunity to connect the province with a global community of endurance athletes while promoting its mountain environment as a destination for adventure tourism.
The inaugural Kaçkar by UTMB was held in September 2025 in the Çamlıhemşin district, with Ayder Plateau serving as the main hub. The first edition attracted roughly 1,600 to 1,900 participants from dozens of countries, although severe weather and safety concerns at higher elevations forced the cancellation of the longest race.
The 2026 edition is expected to be larger, with organizers projecting more than 2,000 runners representing over 60 countries.
The event is being held under the auspices of the Youth and Sports Ministry and coordinated by the Rize Governorship, with support from sponsors including Turkcell, Turkish Airlines and TOGG.
Racing through the Kaçkars
The races take competitors through one of Türkiye’s most dramatic mountain environments, combining steep climbs, forests, valleys, alpine meadows and high-altitude terrain.
The flagship Kaçkar 100K features roughly 76 to 82 kilometers of running and about 5,600 meters of elevation gain, taking competitors across high passes, technical trails and remote sections of the Kaçkar range.
The Kaçkar 50K covers roughly 43 to 44 kilometers with about 3,000 meters of climbing, while the Kaçkar 20K provides a shorter but still demanding route through the region’s forests, valleys and highlands. A shorter Ayder 4K community or discovery race has also been included in event programming.
Ayder Plateau, located at about 1,350 meters, serves as the heart of the event. The highland is known for its traditional wooden architecture, thermal springs and waterfalls and provides access to some of the region’s higher mountain settlements.
Beyond the race routes, visitors can explore the Fırtına Valley, where the Fırtına River cuts through steep gorges beneath historic stone bridges. The valley is also known for rafting and other outdoor activities.
Zil Kale, a medieval fortress dramatically positioned above the valley, offers one of the region’s most recognizable historical landmarks. Higher up, Pokut and Sal plateaus are known for traditional wooden houses and sweeping views, while Huser is particularly popular for its panoramic sunsets and views above the clouds.
Together, the Kaçkar Mountains and surrounding highlands offer a combination of alpine landscapes, glacial features, endemic plant life and traditional Hemşin highland culture that organizers hope will appeal to visitors beyond the racing community.
Tourism ambitions beyond tea
Rize has long been identified with tea production, but officials increasingly want the province to be recognized for its wider tourism potential.
The arrival of thousands of international runners, support staff, media members and spectators is expected to generate activity across hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, guides, retailers and other tourism businesses.
Rize Governor İhsan Selim Baydaş has also highlighted the event’s potential to strengthen sports tourism across the province and the wider Eastern Black Sea region.
The presence of Rize-Artvin Airport provides an additional gateway for visitors traveling to the region, while the event’s annual return could help establish the Kaçkar Mountains as a more recognizable destination on the international adventure-tourism map.
Bak said Rize’s appeal extends well beyond its reputation as Türkiye’s tea capital.
"Rize is not only the capital of tea,” he said. "With its nature, culture and sports tourism potential, it is one of Türkiye’s most special cities. We will bring the world together in the Kaçkar Mountains.”