The famous region of “fairy chimneys” has once again captured the attention of the global sports community. The legendary Salomon Cappadocia Ultra-Trail has won a triumphant victory at the first-ever UN Tourism Awards for Sustainable Sports Tourism. The award ceremony, held in Madrid, officially granted the Turkish project the status of a benchmark in the category “Impact on Local Communities”.
This success is not merely a sporting achievement, but the result of a long-term strategy for the harmonious development of the region. Every year, the Ultra-Trail brings together more than 2,000 professional athletes and running enthusiasts from all continents. The route, which runs through Göreme National Park and unique landscapes inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, turns the competition into a captivating journey through the centuries.
The jury of the award, organized with the support of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), particularly highlighted the organizers’ environmental responsibility and the tangible contribution to the regional economy. The project has proven that mass sports can be environmentally friendly and beneficial for local residents.
The event, which will be held for the 13th time this year, is organized with the active support of the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA). Thanks to such initiatives, the country is successfully transforming its tourism image. Today, Türkiye is not only about “all-inclusive” resorts and golden beaches, but also a global hub for active tourism all year round.
Cappadocia offers visitors a unique mix of activities:
- Horseback riding through the “land of beautiful horses”;
- Hiking trails along the bottoms of canyons and mystical valleys;
- Cultural immersion into the secrets of cave temples and ancient pottery workshops.
The victory on the international stage under the auspices of the UN and FIA opens a new chapter in the region’s history. It is expected that this high-level recognition will significantly increase the flow of foreign visitors to Anatolia who wish to combine the thrill of modern competitions with the magic of ancient history. ///nCa, 7 April 2026 (in cooperation with the Embassy of Türkiye to Turkmenistan)