Last Cappadocia race pics

Last pictures from the race, as downloaded on the website.
So sad it's over, what an amazing adventure.
If nothing else, there's not many races where you cross the finish line with stray dogs as an escort.

Salomon Cappadocia Ultra-Trail 119k 2018, race stats

The Ultra race had 272 starters according to the website, 24 of whom were female. 71 did not complete, leaving 201 finishers with 20 females amongst them.
We finished at 22.43: I seriously could not have gone any faster. That left us with race positions 168/169: I'm very pleased with this. I'll take that happily.

Salomon Cappadocia Ultra-Trail 119k

This is a race that has everything. Running through Cappadocia is like running through an enchanted vista. Incredible rock formations (known as fairy castles), caves, tunnels, mountains and plateaus, with riverbeds thrown in just when you thought things were going too well. It certainly tests you as a runner, right up to the finish line. Superbly organised. Ten checkpoints. The race is a true challenge in a beautiful, awe inspiring, environment.

I can safely say it is in my top three of favourite races. Encourage anyone to attempt one of these races? I would positively urge anyone interested in trail running events to go for this.

Salomon Cappadocia Ultra-Trail 119k, 2018

Well, the 119k race proved to be every bit of the challenge that was anticipated. Approximately 3700 metres accumulative elevation, with a tight 24 hour time limit. A very runnable first half, if your energy levels allowed. Different race lengths participating at this stage added extra impetus. To my mind, the race began at the 60 k checkpoint, both emotionally and physically : tough to keep going, and the mountain stages truly started then.
The weather was extremely good to us, with no thunderstorms as were rumbling in the background : it could have been a truly different race for us, indeed.
Checkpoints were well stocked, frequent, and staffed by willing volunteers.

The race certainly had the feel of an adventure into exploring. Running through this fascinating area was an incredible unforgettable experience. It would have been remiss not to pause and absorb the surroundings frequently. Awesome racing.

What a race

So, finished the race in a very happy 22.42. What an incredible, awesome, beautiful, stunning, interesting, exhilarating place to run.
Pics to come

Ready as we'll ever be

Registered, nearly finished packing running vest, : time to rest and eat

Cappadocia balloon ride

What an amazing start to the trip, a balloon ride with a basket full of runners!

Exciting, beautiful Urgup

Arrived in Kayseri!!

Finally arrived in Kayseri after about 24 hours travelling, plane diversions, storms, and many cups of coffee. On our way to Urgup, where running things await!

Turkey here we come, all being well!

So according to the Facebook Page of the cappadocia race organisers, quite a few runners hoping to travel to Turkey next week. It looks like approximately 325 people going for the Ultra. Oh my.

Running is getting faster......

... Well, for some people anyway. Liked this snippet published in the Guardian newspaper, showing the decrease in completion times of the full marathon. Incomprehensible. These times are equal to the time taken by many people to run a half, and it is still considered fast. We will surely be seeing a sub two hour marathon record soon. Insane.