Train Program

PROGRAM

Friday, November 7, 2025

12:00 – 20:00
Distribution of race kits at the designated registration area
Adana Train Station Square

18:00
Pasta Party
Adana Train Station Square

Saturday, November 8, 2025

05:00 – 08:00
Late race kit distribution for Varda Ultra Trail, Train, and Bridge
Adana Train Station Square

06:00
Bus departure for Varda Ultra Trail participants to Yerköprü Start Point
Adana Train Station Square

07:30
Varda Ultra Trail Start
Yerköprü

08:00
Train participants depart by train to Belemedik Start Point
Adana Train Station Square

08:30
Bus departure for Bridge participants
Adana Train Station Square

10:30
Train Start
Belemedik Square

10:30
Bridge Start
Yerköprü

11:45
Estimated arrival time of the first Bridge finisher
Varda Bridge Square

12:45
Estimated arrival time of the first Train finisher
Varda Bridge Square

13:45
Estimated arrival time of the first Varda Ultra Trail finisher
Varda Bridge Square

13:30
Bridge Cut-Off Time
Varda Bridge Square

16:30
Train Cut-Off Time
Varda Bridge Square

18:30
Varda Ultra Trail Cut-Off Time
Varda Bridge Square

Sunday, November 9, 2025

11:00
Varda Ultra Trail, Train, and Bridge Award Ceremony
Adana Train Station Square

GENERAL INFORMATION AND RULES

Train – General Information

The Train race will start from Belemedik Square, located within the borders of Adana's Pozantı district. Belemedik is known as one of the most strategic points of the Baghdad-Hejaz Railway, which was planned to be completed by the Germans during World War I. This is a 26 km mountain trail race with an elevation gain of +1925 m. Participants will experience an unforgettable run through the Çakıt Valley, situated between Belemedik Nature National Park and the historic Varda Bridge – a century-old structure built during World War I that still actively connects countries and cultures today. The race will finish at Varda Bridge Square.

The race will start on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. from Belemedik Square. Runners will have a total of 6 hours to complete the course. Participation is based on the principle of partial self-sufficiency.

Participation Requirements

  • Open to all athletes aged 18 and above.

  • Athletes may participate with a medical report issued within the last 6 months stating "no health restrictions for running" (obtained from a private hospital, state hospital, or health center) or with a valid athlete license issued by an authorized federation (Athletics, Triathlon, Cycling, or Mountaineering Federations) with an active visa.

  • Licenses issued by the respective federations of each country will be accepted.

Registration

a) Registration Method

  • Only registered runners are allowed to participate in the race.

  • Kayıtlar www.vardaultratrail.com adresinden yapılır.

  • The last registration date is **October 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

  • The maximum number of participants is 500.

  • Registration will close early if this limit is reached.

  • Registrations are non-transferable, and substitutions are not allowed.

b) Registration Fee

  • 1.200 TL

  • Payment is made via Visa/MasterCard.

  • The fee includes:

    • Race bib number

    • Timing services

    • Running t-shirt

    • Food and beverage support at aid stations

    • Finisher medal

    • Information desk

    • Transfers to the start and from the finish line

c) Registration Cancellation and Refund

  • Cancellations made by October 31, 2025 will be refunded (within one month).

  • No refunds will be issued after this date.

  • In case of force majeure leading to event cancellation, fees will be refunded within 45 days.

  • Participants may request their race kit (shipping costs paid by the recipient).

  • Cancellations must be submitted in writing to info@vardaultratrail.com .

Race Kit Collection

  • November 7, 2025 (Friday): 12:00 – 20:00

  • November 8, 2025 (Saturday): 05:00 – 08:00
    Adana Train Station Square

Race Start

  • Participants must be present at the start area by 10:00 AM on November 8, 2025.

  • Drop Bag Delivery:

    • Until 20:00 on November 7

    • Until 07:45 on November 8

Race Course Information

Total distance: 26 km with +1,925 m elevation gain.
Route: Belemedik – Taşdurmaz – Av Kontrol Evi – Kuşçular – Çakıt Valley – Kıralan – Bolacalı – Varda Bridge.

  • The course mainly consists of trails and forest paths, with 3 km of asphalt.

  • The route is marked with signs. Shortcutting is prohibited.

Checkpoints and Time Limits

CP Total Distance (KM) Distance to Next Aid Station (KM) Time Limit (Hours)
START Belemedik – 10 –
CP1 Av Köşkü 10 8 02:00
CP2 Hacıkırı 18 8 03:30
FINISH Varda 26.66 – 06:00

  • Only participants are provided with food and beverages at aid stations.

  • No littering is allowed.

  • Support is only permitted in the vicinity of aid stations.

  • Participants who withdraw or get injured must call the emergency number and report their status.

Transfer

  • Outbound: 08:00 – Adana Train Station → Belemedik Square

  • Return: Varda Bridge → Adana Train Station: 13:30, 14:30, 16:00, 17:30, 19:30

Environmental Awareness

  • Trash must be carried until the nearest checkpoint; littering results in disqualification.

  • No plastic cups will be provided; bring your own container.

Safety and Health

  • The organization may make changes depending on weather conditions.

  • The medical team may request you to stop if they assess a risk to your health.

Mandatory Equipment

  • At least 1-liter water container

  • Race bib number

  • Mobile phone

  • Emergency blanket

  • Whistle

  • Rain jacket

  • Beanie or buff

  • Backpack or waist pack

  • Cup

  • Timing chip

Recommended: energy gels/bars, elastic bandage, long-sleeve clothing, gloves, gaiters, trekking poles, trail running shoes.

Leaving trekking poles behind results in a 30-minute time penalty.

Disqualification and Time Penalties

  • Missing a checkpoint, shortcutting, receiving unauthorized assistance, refusing medical checks, or running without mandatory gear will result in disqualification.

  • Leaving trekking poles: 30 minutes penalty

  • Leaving marked course: 1 hour penalty

  • Unsportsmanlike behavior: 1 hour penalty

  • Repeated outside assistance: Disqualification

Results and Awards

  • Results will be published on www.vardaultratrail.com.

  • Kategoriler: Erkek/Kadın Genel, 40-, 40+, 50+, 60+.

  • There is no monetary prize; all finishers receive a medal.

  • Plaques are awarded to Male and Female Overall Winners.

  • Award Ceremony: November 9, 2025, Sunday at 11:00 AM – Adana Train Station Square.

Use of Visual Material

  • Participants are considered to have given consent for their photos and videos to be used for promotional purposes.

Waiver

  • Participants are deemed to have accepted all rules upon registration.

  • The organization is not liable for any accidents or damages that may occur.