The annual Salomon Cappadocia Ultra Trail, held in Türkiye’s captivating and world-famous Cappadocia region, has been one of the country’s most remarkable sporting events for the past 12 years. This leading sports event, which attracts more than 2,000 participants each year to race across Cappadocia’s stunning terrain, has been named the winner in the “Community Impact in Sports Tourism” category of the “Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism”, organised by UN Tourism and Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
The inaugural edition of the UN Tourism Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism, powered by FIA, celebrates outstanding initiatives that integrate sustainability, innovation, and community engagement in sports tourism. Following the jury’s evaluation, the Salomon Cappadocia Ultra-Trail achieved the highest score in its category, standing out for its strong commitment to sustainability, tangible contributions to local development, environmental sensitivity, and its role in strengthening destination branding through sports tourism.
Supported by the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) and organised by Argeus Travel & Events, the Salomon Cappadocia Ultra-Trail holds a special place on the country’s trail-running calendar. With the event’s recognition at UN Tourism’s newly launched awards, Türkiye further strengthens its position as a leading destination in sustainable sports tourism.
Celebrating Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism
The prize-giving ceremony of the UN Tourism Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism was held as a landmark event within one of the most prestigious global sports tourism frameworks. The ceremony took place on March 19 in Spain’s capital, Madrid, as part of a broader programme of activities during the ABB Formula E FIA World Championship 2026 CUPRA Raval Madrid E-Prix. While best practices and cutting-edge projects that leveraged sports and tourism for sustainable tourism development were recognised, the event also provided an excellent opportunity for exchange and networking among authorities and industry leaders.
A Global Sports Gathering in Cappadocia
The Salomon Cappadocia Ultra-Trail continues to bring together athletes from around the world in the stunning geography of Cappadocia—home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Göreme Open Air Museum and its remarkable rock formations—and will be held for the 13th time this year. Leveraging the unifying power of sport, the event also draws a significant number of visitors and spectators to the region, captivated by the excitement of trail running.
Boosting interest in both Türkiye and Cappadocia through its annual races, the organisation stands out as an international leader in sustainable sports tourism, further strengthened by the award it received from UN Tourism. With increased global visibility through UN Tourism and FIA networks and channels, the race is set to amplify both its own impact and that of Türkiye.
Türkiye & Cappadocia: Year-Round Outdoor Adventures
As a land of great contrasts, from turquoise waters and golden sands to verdant forests and valleys in the shadow of majestic mountains, Türkiye offers ideal conditions for outdoor enthusiasts of every kind. Whether it’s walking amidst breathtaking landscapes shaped by ancient civilisations, cycling across varied terrains, skiing on snow-capped peaks, golfing among pine forests, canyoning and rafting in deep gorges, paragliding and rock climbing for an adrenaline rush, or surfing and diving in crystalline waters, Türkiye truly has it all.
Türkiye’s fairytale region, Cappadocia, on the other hand, offers an equally spectacular array of outdoor experiences beyond its world-famous fairy chimneys and dramatic landscapes. Visitors can explore hidden valleys on horseback, hike through volcanic formations, and discover centuries-old cave dwellings and churches carved into the rocks, or immerse themselves in a traditional pottery workshop, helping to preserve a centuries-old craft. With its unique combination of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural heritage, Cappadocia offers unforgettable experiences for every type of outdoor enthusiast year-round.