Run or ride around Istanbul's forest in 'Longest Night'

With this year's winter solstice on Dec. 21, "Longest Night - Run or Ride," an event perfect for celebrating long winter nights by doing sports, will be held for the fourth time on Dec. 24 at Taşdelen Forest in Istanbul.

Two racing events, running and cycling, will be organized simultaneously. The races comprises five different categories including the 8K Run, 20K Run, Ultra Marathon 45K, Bicycle 30K and Bicycle 45K.

Organized by "Uzunetap" and SET Adventures, the races will kick off on Dec. 24 evening. Each category will have its different start, finish and racecourse times.

A small music fest as well as workshops will entertain runners and cyclists prior to the races.

The 8K Run, 20K Run, Bicycle 30K and Bicycle 45K check points will provide adequate water and snacks (biscuits) for the participants while Ultra-Marathon 45K athletes will get access to food (soup, fruit and chips) as well as water at one check point.

Participants were expected to arrive at the start point between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. in order to complete the registration, equipment check and final preparations.

There will be prizes for the winners in each women's and men's single events and the runner-ups will receive cups at the award-giving ceremony, they will also win the rights to participate in Uzunetap's 2017 events and receive special discounts.