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Varda Ultra Trail Programme

PROGRAMME

Friday, 6 November 2026

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, 7 November 2026

05:00 – 08:00
Late race kit distribution for Varda Ultra Trail, Belemedik Trail and Bridge Trail
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
Bus departure time for Belemedik Trail competitors to the Belemedik Start point
Adana Train Station Square

08:30
Bus departure time for the Bridge Trail
Adana Train Station Square

10:30
Belemedik Trail start
Belemedik Square

10:30
Bridge Trail start
Yerköprü

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

12:45
Approximate arrival time of the first Belemedik Trail finisher
Varda Bridge Square

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

13:30
Bridge Trail cut-off time
Varda Bridge Square

16:30
Belemedik Trail cut-off time
Varda Bridge Square

17:00
Awards ceremony for Belemedik Trail and Bridge Trail
Varda Bridge Square

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

18:30
Awards ceremony for Varda Ultra Trail Trail
Varda Bridge Square

GENERAL INFORMATION AND RULES

Varda Ultra Trail General Information

An unforgettable race experience where you will run through history, exploring the Taurus Mountains and Çakıt Valley from end to end.
The race will start at 07:30 on Saturday, 7 November 2026, from the entrance of Yerköprü Restaurant. It is a 59 km mountain trail race with an elevation gain of +2,869 m.

On this course, you will traverse the Taurus Mountains surrounded by breathtaking nature. After the 31st kilometer, you will enter Belemedik Nature Park and run along the Çakıt Valley, finishing at the historic Varda Bridge.

The total time allowed for competitors is 13 hours. Competitors take part in the race based on partial qualification criteria.

Participation Requirements

  • Open to all athletes aged 18 and above.
  • Athletes may participate with either a medical report issued within the last 6 months stating that there is no impediment to running, or a valid athlete's licence issued by a valid federation affiliated with the Athletics, Triathlon, Cycling or Mountaineering Federations of the Republic of Türkiye, bearing a valid visa.
  • Health reports provided in languages other than Turkish will not be accepted.

Registration

a) Registration Method

  • Only registered runners are allowed to participate in the race.
  • Registration will take place via the website www.kosu.taf.org.tr.
  • The registration deadline is 25 October 2026 at 23:59.
  • The deadline for route changes is 25 October 2026 at 23:59.
  • Switching to a course that has reached its participant limit is not allowed.
  • The maximum number of participants is limited to 150.
  • Each registration is personal and non-transferable.
  • Substituting another runner in place of a registered participant is not permitted.

b) Registration Fee

  • 1,900 TL

  • Included in the fee:

    • 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 25 October 2026 will be refunded (within 1 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

  • Friday, 6 November 2026: 12:00 – 20:00

  • Saturday, 7 November 2026: 05:00 – 08:00
    Adana Train Station Square

Race Start

  • Participants must be at the start area at 07:00 on 7 November 2026.

  • The race starts at 07:30.

  • Drop Bag Delivery:

    • Until 20:00 on 6 November 2026

    • By 05:30 on 7 November 2026

Race Course Information

  • A total of 59 km with 2,869 m of ascent.
    Route: Kapıkaya Canyon, Yerköprü, Karakılıç, Ekecik, Belemedik, Taşdurmaz, Av Control House, Kuşçular, Çakıt Valley, Kıralan, Bolacalı, Varda Bridge.
  • 4 km of asphalt, the rest consists of trails and forest roads. Cutting the course leads to disqualification.
  • Participants are required to have experience running on such terrain.
  • The race route will be marked with reflective tape and other indicators visible even at night.
  • Leaving the marked route or taking shortcuts will result in disqualification.

Checkpoints and Time Limits

  • There are 5 checkpoints along the Varda Ultra Trail route.
    At this checkpoint, time will be recorded, and various levels of food and beverage support will be provided.
  • Each checkpoint has specific time limits as listed below.
  • Participants arriving after the cutoff time will not be allowed to continue the race.
  • CP Total Distance (KM) Next CP (KM) Time Limit (Hours)
    START – Yerköprü – 9 –
    CP1 Karakılıç 9 6.5 01:30
    CP2 Ekecik 15.5 15.5 –
    CP3 Belemedik 31 10 05:00
    CP4 Hunting Lodge 41 10 –
    CP5 Hacıkırı 51 6 09:30
    FINISH Varda 57 – 13:00
  • Participants must ensure they carry sufficient food and drink supplies when leaving each checkpoint to last them until the next one.
  • At the checkpoints, assistance from third parties is allowed only in designated areas specified by the organizers.
  • Receiving support outside of these designated checkpoints is strictly prohibited; proven violations will result in disqualification.
  • All waste must be disposed of in the provided trash bins.
  • Participants who withdraw from the race or are unable to continue due to the time limit will be transported to the finish area by shuttle services. When leaving each checkpoint, participants must have enough food and drink to last them until the next checkpoint.

Transfer

  • Departure: 06:00 – Adana Train Station → Yerköprü Start

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

Mandatory Equipment

  • Water container with a capacity of at least 1 litre
  • Bib number visibly attached to the body
  • Mobile phone (with the organization and emergency numbers saved)
  • Emergency blanket
  • Elastic bandage
  • Whistle
  • Rain jacket
  • Headlamp + spare batteries
  • Cup
  • Timing chip (provided by the organization)

Recommended Additional Equipment:

  • Energy gels/bars,
  • Trail running shoes.
  • Baton

Participants running with poles must keep them with them throughout the race. Otherwise, a 30-minute time penalty will be applied.

Disqualification and Time Penalties

Disqualification rules:

  • Failing to pass through a checkpoint
  • Using shortcuts or vehicles
  • Receiving assistance outside of designated aid stations
  • Leaving a participant in need of help unattended
  • Damaging nature or littering
  • Refusing a medical check
  • Failing to comply with organizer decisions
  • Not carrying mandatory equipment

Time penalties:

  • Leaving poles on the course: 30 minutes
  • Leaving the marked course / shortcutting more than 300 meters: 1 hour
  • Disrespectful behavior towards other participants: 1 hour
  • Receiving outside assistance (first offense: 30 minutes penalty, repeated offense: disqualification)
  • Appeals must be submitted to info@vardaultratrail.com with evidence such as photos or videos.

Results

Partial and final results will be published on www.vardaultratrail.com.

Overall rankings will be determined according to the following categories (overall winners are generally not ranked within their age category):

Male/Female Overall

Male/Female 40-

Male/Female 40+

Male/Female 50+

Male/Female 60+

Awards

  • Varda Ultra Trail does not offer monetary prizes.
  • All participants who complete the race will receive a finisher's medal.
  • The award ceremony will be held on Saturday 7 November 2026 at 18:30 in Varda Bridge Square.

Use of Visual Material

  • Participants are deemed to have granted permission for their photos and videos to be used for promotional purposes.

Waiver

  • Participants are deemed to have accepted the rules upon registration.
  • The organization cannot be held responsible for any accidents or damages that may occur.