Cappadocia Race Report - Great to get back in the winner's circle

Bucket List location checked off

Racing Cappadocia

Turkey has been on my bucket list for years—a country with ancient history, stunning landscapes, and a unique culture that I’d always wanted to experience. When the opportunity to race the Salomon Cappadocia 38 km came up, I knew I had to grab it. It wasn't just about checking off a destination, though. The race itself was perfect for where I’m at in my season—coming off Western States and CCC, now focusing on getting some speed back into my legs. Add in the fact I was travelling and racing alongside my adidas Terrex teammates, and this trip had all the right ingredients for something special.

Being there with friends, staying and travelling together, it just adds to the whole experience. Sure, there were some commitments like content shoots and a Q&A session with trail runners from Istanbul (super enthusiastic crowd by the way), but that’s part of it and is quite fun in its own way. 

Plus, we got to be tourists! We visited the Old City, saw the Blue Mosque, and wandered around the Grand Bazaar. Istanbul was awesome but seriously hectic. Trying to get in some runs while dodging cars and people? Let’s just say it was good training for mental focus!

Once we arrived in Cappadocia, things slowed down. It was a relief to be in the quieter, more peaceful part of the country where we could focus on tapering and relaxing. The landscape there is unreal—otherworldly even—and it was a perfect setting to recharge before race day. I felt like I was in a good place both physically and mentally, and the course recces confirmed it: this was going to be a fun race.

Race Day: Finding My Flow

From the moment we started, I felt comfortable. The early kilometers flew by, and running with my teammates gave me that extra lift. There’s something about sharing a race with people who’ve been with you through the highs and lows—it makes the effort feel easier, even when you’re pushing. I felt good but knew the key was to not get too excited early on, managing energy so I could stay strong through the whole race.

The Cappadocia landscape was every bit as inspiring as I imagined, which helped keep me focused. The group stayed together until about 11km when Dani Osanz and I pushed ahead. I wasn’t holding back, but I was staying controlled, making sure I kept that balance of effort just right. It was all about pacing. (Remember last week’s article on running by feel? This becomes super important in races)

Exploring Cappadocia: A Runner’s Dream

This place lived up to every expectation and more. Running through Cappadocia, with its crazy rock formations and ancient cave dwellings, felt surreal. Each section of the trail was a new experience. I’ve wanted to visit Turkey for so long, and to finally see it while racing was beyond anything I could have imagined.

The course was a perfect mix—fast, runnable sections paired with technical terrain that demanded full focus. We climbed steep hills, dropped down rocky paths, and worked our way through valleys and even small caves. It was a challenging, but rewarding course—one where you had to stay dialled in the whole time.

This course was made for the adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra shoes I was wearing. Lightweight, great grip—exactly what I needed for the variety of terrain. Whether I was cruising the smoother sections or working through the technical descents, the shoes felt perfect underfoot, giving me both the stability and responsiveness to keep pushing forward without worrying about slipping or losing energy.

Post-Western States and CCC, the focus of my training has shifted back to building speed, and this race was a perfect opportunity to test where I’m at. I felt strong from the start, but the challenge was maintaining that effort throughout—especially on a course as varied as this. It wasn’t just about going fast; it was about staying smart, pacing myself, and making sure I didn’t blow up in the later stages.

Running with my teammates definitely helped. Their energy kept me going when the effort ramped up, and being surrounded by that shared focus made the race feel even more special. It was one of those days where I felt like I was in control and everything was clicking.

Looking Back

Racing through Cappadocia was an unforgettable experience—one of those moments where a bucket-list destination, the thrill of competition, and the joy of trail running all came together. It was really nice to have my high expectations of Tukey actually align with a great experience.

More than that, though, this race marked a key point in my training as I transition back to focusing on speed. It was a great test of pacing and energy management. Cappadocia will definitely be a place I remember—not just for the race, but for the overall experience of exploring a place I’ve always wanted to see through the lens of trail running.

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