The traditional Salomon Cappadocia Ultra Trail race, held in Turkey's enchanting and world-renowned Cappadocia region, has stood out as one of the country's most remarkable sporting events for the past 12 years. This prestigious race, which brings together over 2,000 participants annually, takes place amidst Cappadocia's unique and captivating natural landscape, generating significant interest from both sports and tourism perspectives.
The event, highly valued on the international stage, has now been honored with a prestigious award. Within the framework of the "Excellence Awards for Sustainable Sports Tourism," organized by the United Nations tourism body and the International Automobile Federation (FIA), the race was declared the winner in the "Community Impact in Sports Tourism" category.
The "Excellence Awards for Sustainable Sports Tourism," held for the first time internationally with the support of the FIA, highlights initiatives that combine sustainability, innovative approaches, and community participation in the field of sports tourism. Based on the jury's evaluation, the Salomon Cappadocia Ultra Trail distinguished itself by achieving the highest score in its category.
The race was recognized for its commitment to sustainability, its tangible contributions to local development, its sensitive approach to the environment, and its role in strengthening the destination's brand through sports tourism. These indicators demonstrate that the event is not just a sporting competition but also a strategic tourism tool.
Organized with the support of the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) and by Argeus Travel & Events, this prestigious race holds a special place in the country's trail-running calendar. The success achieved in the newly established UN Tourism Organization awards further solidifies Turkey's position as a leading destination in sustainable sports tourism.
The awards ceremony for the "Excellence Awards for Sustainable Sports Tourism" became a landmark event, taking place within one of the most influential platforms in the global sports tourism sector. The ceremony was held on March 19th in Madrid, the capital of Spain, as part of the extensive program of the ABB Formula E FIA World Championship 2026 CUPRA Raval Madrid E-Prix race.
During the event, pioneering projects and successful practices that contribute to the development of sustainable tourism through the integration of sports and tourism were honored. Furthermore, the ceremony served as an important platform for state institutions and industry leaders to exchange experiences and build new collaborations in the sector.
The Salomon Cappadocia Ultra Trail continues to bring together athletes from various countries around the world each year in the unique natural setting of Cappadocia. This region, known for the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its extraordinary rock formations, will host the race for the 13th time in 2026.
The event, leveraging the unifying power of sports, attracts not only participants but also trail running enthusiasts and numerous spectators to the region. The dynamism created by the race contributes significantly to the increase in tourism flow in Cappadocia and to the broader international recognition of the region.
Through the annual races, this organization, which increases interest in both Turkey and Cappadocia, stands out as one of the international leaders in sustainable sports tourism. The award from the UN Tourism Organization further strengthens this position.
It is expected that the international visibility of the race will increase through the global communication networks of the UN Tourism Organization and FIA. This will create additional opportunities for expanding the event's reach and for conveying Turkey's tourism potential to a wider audience.
Turkey, with its natural diversity, offers a rich landscape ranging from turquoise sea coasts to golden sandy beaches, from dense forests to valleys nestled within majestic mountains. This varied geography creates ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities such as hiking in landscapes bearing traces of ancient civilizations, cycling tours on diverse terrains, skiing on snowy peaks, golf amidst pine forests, adrenaline-filled activities like rafting and canyoning in deep canyons, paragliding and rock climbing, as well as surfing and diving in clear waters – all these make Turkey a unique destination in this field.