KAÇKAR 100K
Discover the unique and untouched Kaçkar Mountains
Race Category
Running Stones
Finals Access
Distance
82 KM
Elevation Gain
5600 M+
Start Date
Saturday 12th September 2026
Race Start
Ayder Village - 04:00
Max Allowed Race Time
24 Hours
KAÇKAR 100K
A 100K that feels like a 100M.
The Kaçkar Mountains will test not only your legs but your spirit. With 82 km of distance and 5,600 m of elevation gain, this course demands everything - endurance, focus, and respect for the mountains.
You’ll climb high ridgelines, cross remote valleys, and pass through 12 mountain villages, each revealing a different side of Kaçkar’s wild heart. Between emerald forests, roaring rivers, and endless ascents above the clouds, the line between challenge and survival begins to blur.
Those who stand at the start of Kaçkar 100K should know: this is not a typical 100K. It feels far longer, far harder, a true mountain ultra that pushes even experienced trail runners to their limits.
If you are questioning whether you’re ready, maybe Kaçkar 50K is where your Kaçkar journey should begin.
LET'S DISCOVER KAÇKAR 100K
Hazindak
A wild section of primary forest — steep, narrow, raw, and full of river crossings. Fallen trees, deep moss, and a true “into the wild” feeling.
Altitude: 1932 m
Stage Distance: 8.5 km Stage Ascent: 1044 m Stage Descent: 453 m
Total Distance: 8.5 km Total Ascent: 1044 m Total Descent: 453 m
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Samistal
A remote stone-house plateau overlooking endless ridgelines. Historic shepherd trails and grassy slopes guide runners toward the high pass.
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Yukarı Kavrun
A wide mountain basin marking the entrance toward Mezovit. Open, airy, and framed by the Kaçkar giants — a deep breath before the serious climbs begin.
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Mezovit/Öküzyatağı
A remote alpine meadow known as the “bed of bulls,” surrounded by raw high mountains. Kaçkar Glacier appears on the right as runners follow the river upward into isolation.
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Mezovit Pass
A demanding rocky scramble to 3200m — thin air, sharp peaks, and mesmerizing views of lakes and Kaçkar’s dramatic north face.
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Lakes Area
Two large alpine lakes sitting between Serdal and Ceymakcur passes. Technical, rocky, and endlessly beautiful — a true high-mountain environment.
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Yukarı Çeymakçur
Ancient rock-laid paths run along the river, leading once again into a steep, technical climb toward Palakcur.
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Palakçur
A tiny mountain village facing the great peak of Sele — peaceful but followed by a steep grassy climb that wakes up the legs.
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Palakçur Pass/Avusor Lake
A long traverse at 2700m where the valley opens wide. Meadows, river crossings, and a final steep push reveal the bright turquoise Avusor Lake — a true gem of the Kaçkars.
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Avusor/Life Base
A lively mountain settlement backed by towering peaks. Runners refuel here before tackling the high passes beyond.
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Dadala Pansion
A vast alpine plateau with sweeping views of Altınparmak Mountain. The route crosses the Dadala Pass at nearly 2900m before plunging into a wide, runnable valley.
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Koçdüzü
Technical but runable trail down from Dadala Pansion towards the pass to Koçdüzü. Nice views of the Altiparmak in the back. Well runable but technical downhill to the village of Koçdüzü near the lake.
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Huser
High above the clouds, this balcony ridge blends runnable terrain with jaw-dropping panoramas and the iconic giant swings floating over the valleys.
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Huser Trail
A steep descent through deep, untouched woods that hits you fast — raw, quiet, and beautifully wild.
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Ayder
A lively mountain village surrounded by steam, springs, and forested slopes — the perfect mix of buzz and wilderness to start and finish your Kaçkar journey.
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| EQUIPMENT / COURSE | 100K | |
|---|---|---|
Clothing and Footwear:
|
| | |
| 1 | Closed trail running shoes with tread outsole | X |
| 2 | Running backpack (or for 20K - running belt) with mandatory equipment | X |
| 3 | Fully functioning headlamp and external batteries | 2 |
| 4 | Cap, bandana or buff | X |
| 5 | Waterproof jacket with hood | X |
| 6 | Warm second layer (fleece, down or insulation jacket) | X |
| 7 | Long-legged trousers or race leggings or a combination of leggings and long socks to cover the legs completely | X |
| 8 | Sunglasses | X |
| 9 | Trail Running Crampons/Snowchains | X |
| 10 | Warm and water-proof gloves *regular cotton gloves + a surgery glove over it to make it waterproof | X |
Equipment:
|
| | |
| 11 | Health report or athlete licence | X |
| 12 | ID - Passport / ID card | X |
| 13 | GPS Tracker (Included in the registration fee) | X |
| 14 | Smartphone with international roaming and LiveTrail app downloaded (switched on and airplane mode turned off) | X |
| 15 | Reusable cup (150 ml minimum) for drink | X |
| 16 | Reusable plate or bowl and cutlery (Bring Your Own Utensils - BYOU) | X |
| 17 | Capacity to fluids | 1.5L |
Emergency:
|
| | |
| 18 | Survival blanket (min 1.4m x 2m) | X |
| 19 | Whistle | X |
| 20 | Elastic Tape and Bandage (min 100x6cm) | X |
| 21 | Food reserve (800 kcal) | X |
X: Mandatory equipment (must be carried at all times
O: Non-mandatory equipment
SEPTEMBER 11, 2026
| 10:00-20:00 | Kit Distribution |
| 10:00-20:00 | Kaçkar Village - EXPO |
| 15:00-16:00 | Race Briefing (main stage) |
| 16:00-17:00 | Opening Ceremony & Elite Athlete Presentation |
SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
| 04:00 | START - Kaçkar 100K |
| 06:00-07:00 | Kit Distribution - Kaçkar 50K |
| 08:00, 08:30 | WAVE START - Kaçkar 50K |
| 07:30-9:00 | Kit Distribution - Kaçkar 20K |
| 06:00-19:00 | Kaçkar Village - EXPO |
| 10:00, 10:30 | WAVE START - Kaçkar 20K |
| 16:30 | Cut Off - Kaçkar 20K |
| 21:00 | Cut Off - Kaçkar 50K |
| 04:00 (Sunday) | Cut Off - Kaçkar 100K |
SEPTEMBER 13, 2026
| 09:00-13:00 | Kaçkar Village - EXPO |
| 10:00-12:00 | Award Ceremony | 12:00-13:00 | Closing Ceremony |