Kaçkar by UTMBAyder, Rize🇹🇷
Completed
About Kaçkar by UTMB 2026
Kaçkar by UTMB 2026 was a trail race held from Fri, Sep 11, 2026 to Sun, Sep 13, 2026 in Ayder, Rize; the start is at 04:00.
The 2026 edition is over; registration is closed. The next edition is added to the calendar automatically once the organiser announces a date.
Kaçkar by UTMB takes you from the village of Ayder Plateau across the wild and challenging peaks of the Kaçkar Mountains. It is a tribute to the passion for running and nature. Choose your course and discover Kaçkar in one of three ways.
Courses
| Course | Distance | Elevation Gain | Km-effort | Fee | Course file |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82K | 82 km | 5600 m D+ | 138 | 155 € | GPX |
| 44K | 44 km | 3000 m D+ | 74 | 115 € | GPX |
| 20K | 20 km | 1400 m D+ | 34 | 65 € | GPX |
| 4K | 4 km | 230 m D+ | 6 | 25 € | GPX |
There are 4 courses: 82K (5600 m D+); 44K (3000 m D+); 20K (1400 m D+); 4K (230 m D+).
Course map and elevation profile
What the weather was on race day
- On race day the temperature ran 13°C to 19°C, and the day stayed dry, peak wind 6 km/h (calm).
- These figures come from the measurement archive after the race, not from a forecast.
- Sunrise 05:51, sunset 18:31. You start in the dark, so a headtorch is not optional.
The race is over. These figures come from the Open-Meteo measurement archive for that day, not from a forecast.
Race briefing
82K course81 km · 6068 m gain · 47% uphill · 10 aid stations
- Steep climb (10%+)
- Climb (3-10%)
- Flat
- Descent
- Steep descent (12%+)
The published GPX measures 81 km with 6068 m of climbing, 75 m per km. The course sits between 1183 m and 3238 m of altitude. 60% of the gain sits in the first half.
- 0-8.6 km · Start → Hazindak: 1273 m up / 608 m down; the stretch climbs.
- 8.6-14 km · Hazindak → Samistal: 633 m up / 86 m down; the stretch climbs.
- 14-23 km · Samistal → Yukarı Kavrun: 370 m up / 617 m down; the stretch descends.
- 23-36 km · Yukarı Kavrun → Yukarı Ceymakçur: 994 m up / 1134 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 36-38 km · Yukarı Ceymakçur → Aşağı Ceymakçur: 105 m up / 152 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 38-41 km · Aşağı Ceymakçur → Palakçur: 323 m up / 166 m down; the stretch climbs.
- 41-49 km · Palakçur → Avusor: 801 m up / 497 m down; the stretch climbs.
- 49-61 km · Avusor → Koçdüzü: 757 m up / 754 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 61-67 km · Koçdüzü → Aşağı Kaçkar: 127 m up / 718 m down; the stretch descends.
- 67-76 km · Aşağı Kaçkar → Huser: 674 m up / 353 m down; the stretch climbs.
- 76-81 km · Huser → Finish: 9 m up / 978 m down; the stretch descends.
The first 5 km are rolling but heavy: 645 m up and 418 m down. This is not a warm-up; hike early when the effort rises and keep the descents controlled enough to settle your breathing and stride.
The backbone of the course runs from km 4 to km 16: net 1637 m over 12 km at 13% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 45% on the GPX trace, 1998 m of climbing in total with 361 m given back. It tops out at 2822 m. Heaviest kilometres: km 5 400 m, km 6 309 m, km 9 192 m, km 16 177 m. Running is off the table only in the steepest roughly 250 m core; hike that part with short steps and run again once the grade eases.
The climb between km 22 and km 28: 952 m over 6.3 km at 15% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 43% on the GPX trace. It tops out at 3213 m. Kilometre by kilometre: km 23 69 m, km 24 70 m, km 25 126 m, km 26 214 m, km 27 161 m, km 28 208 m. By the time you start it, about 37% of the day's climbing is behind you. Running is not on the menu at this grade; settle into a hike from the bottom and load the poles, short steps.
The late climb from km 68 to km 75: 580 m over 6.1 km at 10% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 15%. It tops out at 2430 m. Heaviest kilometres: km 70 116 m, km 73 114 m, km 72 106 m, km 71 102 m. By the time you start it, about 89% of the day's climbing is behind you. At this point in the day most runners walk this gradient. Settle into a hiking rhythm and let the metres come.
The longest descent starts at km 50 and loses 496 m by km 59 at 5% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 24%. Its length can load the quads, so begin under control and build rhythm only when the ground and visibility allow it. The drop at km 74 averages 37% on the GPX trace over its steepest roughly 250 m section; shorten the stride, stay balanced and set speed to the ground instead of braking continuously.
The last 6 km drop 1064 m. If anything is left in your legs, spend it here.
You reach the climb after Hazindak with about 608 m of descent already in your quads; treat its first half as recovery effort.
The leg from Yukarı Kavrun to Yukarı Ceymakçur is long and unsupported: 13 km and 994 m of climbing with no aid in between, so leave Yukarı Kavrun with full capacity.
A steep pitch starts within about 1.3 km of Yukarı Ceymakçur; keep the stop short and do not enter it on cooled-down legs.
You reach the climb after Aşağı Kaçkar with about 718 m of descent already in your quads; treat its first half as recovery effort.
A steep pitch starts within about 1.7 km of Aşağı Kaçkar; keep the stop short and do not enter it on cooled-down legs.
km 0-8.5 · Hazindak climb: steep, narrow forestOrganiser
The climb to Hazindak runs on steep, narrow forest trail with stream crossings and fallen trees. Expect single-file moving and wet ground.
km 26-28 · Mezovit pass: rocky crossing at 3,200 mOrganiser
The Mezovit pass is a rocky, demanding crossing at roughly 3,200 m; the highest point of the course sits in this section.
km 38-41 · Stone-paved road and steep climb to PalakçurOrganiser
After Yukarı Ceymakçur comes stone-paved road, then a technical, steep climb up to Palakçur.
km 41-42 · Steep grassy climb after PalakçurOrganiser
Leaving Palakçur there is a steep grassy climb; soft ground but a hard gradient.
km 42-49 · Long high traverse to AvusorOrganiser
From the Palakçur pass toward Avusor Lake runs a long high traverse over meadows and stream crossings, ending with a steep push to Avusor.
km 49-61 · Runnable but technical descent toward KoçdüzüOrganiser
The descent from Avusor toward Koçdüzü is runnable but technical; build speed without letting your feet run loose.
km 76-83 · Steep forest descent from Huser to the finishOrganiser
From Huser to the finish runs a steep forest descent; on tired legs, stride control decides this section.
- The organiser lists 82 km; the published GPX measures 80.8 km. The organiser lists 5600 m of climbing; the published GPX measures 6068 m. The technical course notes use the published GPX measurement.
- This course reaches 3238 m. A separate forecast for the high-point coordinate gives 3°C to 14°C, wind up to 5 km/h (calm). It is a daily forecast for that coordinate, so arrival time can still change what you encounter.
- Start 04:00, sunrise 05:52: the first 1 hour 52 minutes are run in the dark. The headtorch goes on your head at the start, not in your pack.
- Sunset is 18:30 and the finish cut-off is 04:00. A runner using the full time allowance spends the final 9 hours 30 minutes in darkness.
- Get the headtorch out before sunset and keep spare batteries or a power bank dry and immediately accessible. A spare buried at the bottom of the pack is not an emergency spare.
- Check reflective course markers regularly in the dark. If the markings disappear, stop moving forward, return to the last marker and confirm the route against the GPX or organiser app.
- Poles are strongly recommended for this profile. The course averages 75 m of gain per km and the longest climb averaging over 5% runs 12 km; if you have trained with them and the organiser allows them, use them on the climbs and stow them on runnable ground.
- The climbing is stacked into the first half. Start easy; even with less climbing later, the descents and accumulated fatigue still have to be managed.
- 23% of the course is steep descent. Increase your cadence instead of braking, or your quads go early.
- Arrive early for the altitude. The course tops out at 3238 m, and coming up from sea level on race morning costs you more than any training block gains. Get to the area a few days ahead and let your body adjust.
- The altitude is not a single summit: about 73 km of the course sits above 1800 m, 38 km above 2400 m, 1.9 km above 3000 m. The longest unbroken stretch up high is 73 km and the high zone spans roughly km 6 to km 78. About 86% of the total climbing happens in that thin air, so recalibrate your effort to the altitude, not the gradient alone.
Course-profile notes are generated from GPX grade data; terrain, rules, aid stations and weather are added only when separately sourced.
Aid stations
Key decision points
Hazindakkm 8.6
- Collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds.
- A heavy leg is next: 5.3 km with 634 m of climbing.
- Cut-off: 3h after the start.
Yukarı Kavrunkm 23
- Collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds.
- Crew access is allowed here.
- A heavy leg is next: 13 km with 1011 m of climbing.
- The longest unsupported stretch starts here: 13 km. Leave with full capacity.
- Cut-off: 6h after the start.
Palakçurkm 41
- No supplies, timing only.
- A heavy leg is next: 8.3 km with 712 m of climbing.
- A 36% pitch starts about 0.5 km after the station; do not enter it cooled down.
Avusorkm 49
- Collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds.
- Your drop bag waits here; work off your prepared list.
- Crew access is allowed here.
- A heavy leg is next: 12 km with 643 m of climbing.
- Cut-off: 14h after the start.
Koçdüzükm 61
- Collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds.
- A heavy leg is next: 6.1 km with 291 m of climbing.
- Cut-off: 18h after the start.
- The longest stretch between official aid stations runs from Yukarı Kavrun (km 23) to Yukarı Ceymakçur (km 36): 13 km, with 1011 m of climbing in between. Top up at Yukarı Kavrun and size what you carry to the expected duration and your own drinking rate.
- Drinks only, no food, at Samistal (km 14) and Aşağı Kaçkar (km 67). Loosen the flask caps on approach; with no queue, refill and leave in 20-30 seconds. Carry the food you will need from the previous station.
- Aşağı Ceymakçur (km 38) is a timing point only, with nothing on the table. Load up as you leave Yukarı Ceymakçur.
- Food is available at Hazindak (km 9) and Yukarı Kavrun (km 23) and 4 more. Decide what you need before reaching the table; without a planned special task, collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds. Finish eating on the next calm, suitable section.
- Drop bag at Avusor (km 49). Write down the equipment and food you expect to replace before the race so the decision is already made when you arrive.
- Crew support is permitted only at Yukarı Kavrun (km 23), Avusor (km 49), and Ayder (km 83). This is not the same as a drop bag: plan equipment and food hand-offs around these stations, then verify wristband, bag and transport rules with the organiser.
- The last aid station is Huser (km 76), leaving 6 km to the finish. After that you are on what you carry.
- The heaviest leg runs from Ayder (km 0) to Hazindak (km 9): 9 km with 1050 m of climbing. Treat it as the slowest part of your day and get your food out before it.
- Medical support is available at Ayder (km 0), Hazindak (km 9), Samistal (km 14), Yukarı Kavrun (km 23), Yukarı Ceymakçur (km 36), Avusor (km 49), Koçdüzü (km 61), Aşağı Kaçkar (km 67), Huser (km 76), and Ayder (km 83). If something is wrong with your feet or your stomach, deal with it there rather than pushing on.
- About 0.5 km after Palakçur (km 41), a roughly 250 m section averaging 36% begins. Nothing is served at this point, so arrive already stocked from the previous aid station, then enter the climb at a controlled effort.
- The overall cut-off is 24h, including all checkpoint stops. Build the plan around the official leg budgets below, not a flat-course average pace.
- Relative to distance and climbing, the tightest official time budget runs from Hazindak (km 9) to Yukarı Kavrun (km 23): the official time budget is 3h for 14 km and 1003 m of climbing. Station stops come out of that same budget, so do not enter the leg already behind schedule.
Official cut-off ladder
| Leg | Distance | D+ | Official time budget | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start → Hazindak | 8.6 km | 1273 m | 3h | start + 3h |
| Hazindak → Yukarı Kavrunpasses Samistal, which has no time limit | 14 km | 1003 m | 3h | start + 6h |
| Yukarı Kavrun → Yukarı Ceymakçur | 13 km | 994 m | 4h | start + 10h |
| Yukarı Ceymakçur → Avusorpasses Aşağı Ceymakçur, Palakçur, which has no time limit | 13 km | 1228 m | 4h | start + 14h |
| Avusor → Koçdüzü | 12 km | 757 m | 4h | start + 18h |
| Koçdüzü → Huserpasses Aşağı Kaçkar, which has no time limit | 15 km | 800 m | 4h 30m | start + 22h 30m |
| Huser → Ayder | 6.9 km | 9 m | 1h 30m | start + 24h |
Budgets are derived from the cut-off times published by the organiser; they are not a personal finish estimate.
| Station | Km | From previous | Supplies | Medical | Crew | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AyderDrop bag | 0 | — | — | Yes | No | — |
| Hazindak | 8.6 | 8.6 | Food | Yes | No | Saturday 07:00 |
| Samistal | 14 | 5.2 | Drinks | Yes | No | — |
| Yukarı Kavrun | 23 | 8.9 | Food | Yes | Yes | Saturday 10:00 |
| Yukarı Ceymakçur | 36 | 13 | Food | Yes | No | Saturday 14:00 |
| Aşağı Ceymakçur | 38 | 2 | None | No | No | — |
| Palakçur | 41 | 2.7 | None | — | — | — |
| AvusorDrop bag | 49 | 8.2 | Food | Yes | Yes | Saturday 18:00 |
| Koçdüzü | 61 | 12 | Food | Yes | No | Saturday 22:00 |
| Aşağı Kaçkar | 67 | 6.1 | Drinks | Yes | No | — |
| Huser | 76 | 9.1 | Food | Yes | No | Sunday 02:30 |
| AyderDrop bag | 83 | 6.8 | Hot food | Yes | Yes | Sunday 04:00 |
Aid station details come from the list published by the organiser; confirm them at the official source before race day.
44K course44 km · 3315 m gain · 45% uphill · 7 aid stations
- Steep climb (10%+)
- Climb (3-10%)
- Flat
- Descent
- Steep descent (12%+)
The published GPX measures 44 km with 3315 m of climbing, 76 m per km. The course sits between 1183 m and 2920 m of altitude. 67% of the gain sits in the first half.
- 0-8.6 km · Start → Hazindak: 1273 m up / 608 m down; the stretch climbs.
- 8.6-14 km · Hazindak → Samistal: 640 m up / 86 m down; the stretch climbs.
- 14-23 km · Samistal → Yukarı Kavrun: 401 m up / 614 m down; the stretch descends.
- 23-31 km · Yukarı Kavrun → Yukarı Ceymakçur: 612 m up / 782 m down; the stretch descends.
- 31-33 km · Yukarı Ceymakçur → Aşağı Çeymakçur: 75 m up / 156 m down; gently rolling.
- 33-35 km · Aşağı Çeymakçur → Palakçur: 181 m up / 215 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 35-40 km · Palakçur → Galer: 18 m up / 491 m down; the stretch descends.
- 40-44 km · Galer → Finish: 114 m up / 362 m down; the stretch descends.
The first 3.5 km climb 174 m and then drop 319 m. Do not attack the opening climb in the crowd, and do not brake your way down the drop behind it.
The backbone of the course runs from km 4 to km 16: net 1637 m over 12 km at 13% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 45% on the GPX trace, 1998 m of climbing in total with 361 m given back. It tops out at 2822 m. Heaviest kilometres: km 5 400 m, km 6 309 m, km 9 192 m, km 16 177 m. Running is off the table only in the steepest roughly 250 m core; hike that part with short steps and run again once the grade eases.
The climb between km 22 and km 26: 660 m over 3.7 km at 18% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 28%. It tops out at 2917 m. Kilometre by kilometre: km 23 125 m, km 24 156 m, km 25 203 m, km 26 178 m. Running is not on the menu at this grade; settle into a hike from the bottom and load the poles, short steps.
The longest descent starts at km 34 and loses 874 m by km 44 at 9% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 14%. Its length can load the quads, so begin under control and build rhythm only when the ground and visibility allow it. The drop at km 26 averages 27% over its steepest roughly 250 m section; shorten the stride, stay balanced and set speed to the ground instead of braking continuously.
The last 5.3 km drop 380 m. If anything is left in your legs, spend it here.
You reach the climb after Hazindak with about 608 m of descent already in your quads; treat its first half as recovery effort.
A steep pitch starts within about 1.4 km of Yukarı Ceymakçur; keep the stop short and do not enter it on cooled-down legs.
- The organiser lists 3000 m of climbing; the published GPX measures 3315 m. The technical course notes use the published GPX measurement.
- This course reaches 2920 m. A separate forecast for the high-point coordinate gives 4°C to 14°C, wind up to 6 km/h (calm). It is a daily forecast for that coordinate, so arrival time can still change what you encounter.
- Sunset is 18:31 and the finish cut-off is 21:00. A runner using the full time allowance spends the final 2 hours 29 minutes in darkness.
- Get the headtorch out before sunset and keep spare batteries or a power bank dry and immediately accessible. A spare buried at the bottom of the pack is not an emergency spare.
- Check reflective course markers regularly in the dark. If the markings disappear, stop moving forward, return to the last marker and confirm the route against the GPX or organiser app.
- Poles are strongly recommended for this profile. The course averages 76 m of gain per km and the longest climb averaging over 5% runs 12 km; if you have trained with them and the organiser allows them, use them on the climbs and stow them on runnable ground.
- The climbing is stacked into the first half. Start easy; even with less climbing later, the descents and accumulated fatigue still have to be managed.
- Arrive early for the altitude. The course tops out at 2920 m, and coming up from sea level on race morning costs you more than any training block gains. Get to the area a few days ahead and let your body adjust.
- The altitude is not a single summit: about 32 km of the course sits above 1800 m, 14 km above 2400 m. The longest unbroken stretch up high is 32 km and the high zone spans roughly km 6 to km 38. About 71% of the total climbing happens in that thin air, so recalibrate your effort to the altitude, not the gradient alone.
Course-profile notes are generated from GPX grade data; terrain, rules, aid stations and weather are added only when separately sourced.
Aid stations
Key decision points
Hazindakkm 8.6
- Collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds.
- A heavy leg is next: 5.5 km with 643 m of climbing.
- Cut-off: 3h 30m after the start.
Samistalkm 14
- Drinks only; arrive carrying your own food.
- A heavy leg is next: 8.7 km with 282 m of climbing.
- A 36% pitch starts about 1.5 km after the station; do not enter it cooled down.
Yukarı Kavrunkm 23
- Collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds.
- Crew access is allowed here.
- A heavy leg is next: 7.7 km with 682 m of climbing.
- Cut-off: 7h after the start.
- The longest gap between official aid stations is 9 km, with 282 m of climbing in between, from Samistal (km 14) to Yukarı Kavrun (km 23). Split your fluid accordingly.
- Drinks only, no food, at Samistal (km 14). Loosen the flask caps on approach; with no queue, refill and leave in 20-30 seconds. Carry the food you will need from the previous station.
- Aşağı Çeymakçur (km 33) is a timing point only, with nothing on the table. Load up as you leave Yukarı Ceymakçur.
- Food is available at Hazindak (km 9) and Yukarı Kavrun (km 23) and 2 more. Decide what you need before reaching the table; without a planned special task, collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds. Finish eating on the next calm, suitable section.
- Crew support is permitted only at Yukarı Kavrun (km 23) and Galer (km 40). This is not the same as a drop bag: plan equipment and food hand-offs around these stations, then verify wristband, bag and transport rules with the organiser.
- The heaviest leg runs from Ayder (km 0) to Hazindak (km 9): 9 km with 1069 m of climbing. Treat it as the slowest part of your day and get your food out before it.
- Medical support is available at Ayder (km 0), Hazindak (km 9), Samistal (km 14), Yukarı Kavrun (km 23), Yukarı Ceymakçur (km 31), Galer (km 40), and Ayder (km 45). If something is wrong with your feet or your stomach, deal with it there rather than pushing on.
- About 2 km after Samistal (km 14), a roughly 250 m section averaging 36% begins. Only drinks are served here, so fill the bottles and carry your own food in, then enter the climb at a controlled effort.
- The overall cut-off is 13h, including all checkpoint stops. Build the plan around the official leg budgets below, not a flat-course average pace.
- Relative to distance and climbing, the tightest official time budget runs from Hazindak (km 9) to Yukarı Kavrun (km 23): the official time budget is 3h 30m for 14 km and 1041 m of climbing. Station stops come out of that same budget, so do not enter the leg already behind schedule.
Official cut-off ladder
| Leg | Distance | D+ | Official time budget | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start → Hazindak | 8.6 km | 1273 m | 3h 30m | start + 3h 30m |
| Hazindak → Yukarı Kavrunpasses Samistal, which has no time limit | 14 km | 1041 m | 3h 30m | start + 7h |
| Yukarı Kavrun → Yukarı Ceymakçur | 7.7 km | 612 m | 2h 30m | start + 9h 30m |
| Yukarı Ceymakçur → Ayderpasses Aşağı Çeymakçur, Palakçur, Galer, which has no time limit | 14 km | 388 m | 3h 30m | start + 13h |
Budgets are derived from the cut-off times published by the organiser; they are not a personal finish estimate.
| Station | Km | From previous | Supplies | Medical | Crew | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayder | 0 | — | — | Yes | No | Saturday 08:45 |
| Hazindak | 8.6 | 8.6 | Food | Yes | No | Saturday 11:30 |
| Samistal | 14 | 5.5 | Drinks | Yes | No | — |
| Yukarı Kavrun | 23 | 8.7 | Food | Yes | Yes | Saturday 15:00 |
| Yukarı Ceymakçur | 31 | 7.7 | Food | Yes | No | Saturday 17:30 |
| Aşağı Çeymakçur | 33 | 2 | None | No | No | — |
| Palakçur | 35 | 2.8 | None | — | — | — |
| Galer | 40 | 4.7 | Food | Yes | Yes | — |
| Ayder | 45 | 4.8 | Hot food | Yes | No | Saturday 21:00 |
Aid station details come from the list published by the organiser; confirm them at the official source before race day.
20K course20 km · 1994 m gain · 45% uphill · 2 aid stations
- Steep climb (10%+)
- Climb (3-10%)
- Descent
- Steep descent (12%+)
The published GPX measures 20 km with 1994 m of climbing, 100 m per km. The course sits between 1336 m and 2423 m of altitude. 65% of the gain sits in the first half.
- 0-6.5 km · Start → Huser: 1174 m up / 127 m down; the stretch climbs.
- 6.5-15 km · Huser → Peryatak: 661 m up / 1074 m down; the stretch descends.
- 15-20 km · Peryatak → Finish: 159 m up / 794 m down; the stretch descends.
The race climbs from the gun: 234 m over the first 1.6 km. Do not chase the crowd, the two minutes you win here get taken back with interest.
The backbone of the course runs from km 0 to km 6: 1083 m over 5.9 km at 18% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 45% on the GPX trace. It tops out at 2419 m. Kilometre by kilometre: km 1 138 m, km 2 218 m, km 3 382 m, km 4 202 m, km 5 129 m, km 6 101 m. Running is not on the menu at this grade; settle into a hike from the bottom and load the poles, short steps.
The longest descent starts at km 12 and loses 888 m by km 20 at 11% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 23%. Its length can load the quads, so begin under control and build rhythm only when the ground and visibility allow it. The drop at km 6 averages 17% over its steepest roughly 250 m section; shorten the stride, stay balanced and set speed to the ground instead of braking continuously.
The last 2.4 km drop 293 m. If anything is left in your legs, spend it here.
- The organiser lists 1400 m of climbing; the published GPX measures 1994 m. The technical course notes use the published GPX measurement.
- This course reaches 2423 m. A separate forecast for the high-point coordinate gives 8°C to 16°C, wind up to 8 km/h (calm). It is a daily forecast for that coordinate, so arrival time can still change what you encounter.
- Even at cut-off pace you finish 2 hours 1 minute before sunset. This one is run entirely in daylight.
- Poles are strongly recommended for this profile. The course averages 100 m of gain per km and the longest climb averaging over 5% runs 5.9 km; if you have trained with them and the organiser allows them, use them on the climbs and stow them on runnable ground.
- The climbing is stacked into the first half. Start easy; even with less climbing later, the descents and accumulated fatigue still have to be managed.
- 24% of the course is steep descent. Increase your cadence instead of braking, or your quads go early.
- Arrive early for the altitude. The course tops out at 2423 m, and coming up from sea level on race morning costs you more than any training block gains. Get to the area a few days ahead and let your body adjust.
- The altitude is not a single summit: about 13 km of the course sits above 1800 m. The longest unbroken stretch up high is 14 km and the high zone spans roughly km 2 to km 16. About 67% of the total climbing happens in that thin air, so recalibrate your effort to the altitude, not the gradient alone.
Course-profile notes are generated from GPX grade data; terrain, rules, aid stations and weather are added only when separately sourced.
Aid stations
- The longest gap between official aid stations is 8 km, with 201 m of climbing in between, from Huser (km 7) to Peryatak (km 15). Split your fluid accordingly.
- Food is available at Huser (km 7) and Peryatak (km 15). Decide what you need before reaching the table; without a planned special task, collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds. Finish eating on the next calm, suitable section.
- The last aid station is Peryatak (km 15), leaving 5 km to the finish. After that you are on what you carry.
- The heaviest leg runs from Ayder (km 0) to Huser (km 7): 7 km with 1079 m of climbing. Treat it as the slowest part of your day and get your food out before it.
- Medical support is available at Ayder (km 0), Huser (km 7), Peryatak (km 15), and Ayder (km 21). If something is wrong with your feet or your stomach, deal with it there rather than pushing on.
- The overall cut-off is 6h 30m, including all checkpoint stops. Build the plan around the official leg budgets below, not a flat-course average pace.
- Relative to distance and climbing, the tightest official time budget runs from Huser (km 7) to Ayder (km 21): the official time budget is 3h for 14 km and 820 m of climbing. Station stops come out of that same budget, so do not enter the leg already behind schedule.
| Station | Km | From previous | Supplies | Medical | Crew | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayder | 0 | — | — | Yes | No | Saturday 10:45 |
| Huser | 6.5 | 6.5 | Food | Yes | No | Saturday 13:30 |
| Peryatak | 15 | 8.1 | Food | Yes | No | — |
| Ayder | 21 | 6.2 | Hot food | Yes | No | Saturday 16:30 |
Aid station details come from the list published by the organiser; confirm them at the official source before race day.
4K course4 km · 284 m gain · 78% uphill
- Steep climb (10%+)
- Climb (3-10%)
- Steep descent (12%+)
The published GPX measures 3.8 km with 284 m of climbing, 75 m per km. The course sits between 1258 m and 1460 m of altitude.
- Sunset is 18:31, 7 hours 31 minutes after the gun. If your target time is longer than that, carry a headtorch whether or not the rules demand one.
- 22% of the course is steep descent. Increase your cadence instead of braking, or your quads go early.
- The route passes the start area 2 times, but the loops differ; the later section is ground you have not seen.
Course-profile notes are generated from GPX grade data; terrain, rules, aid stations and weather are added only when separately sourced.
Aid stations
- The heaviest leg runs from Ayder - Start (km 0) to Ayder - Finish (km 4): 4 km with 285 m of climbing. Treat it as the slowest part of your day and get your food out before it.
- Medical support is available at Ayder - Start (km 0) and Ayder - Finish (km 4). If something is wrong with your feet or your stomach, deal with it there rather than pushing on.
| Station | Km | From previous | Supplies | Medical | Crew |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayder - StartDrop bag | 0 | — | — | Yes | No |
| Ayder - FinishDrop bag | 3.8 | 3.8 | Food | Yes | No |
Aid station details come from the list published by the organiser; confirm them at the official source before race day.
Calculators for this race
Registration
- StandardThu, Dec 4, 2025 - Mon, Aug 31, 202625 €Entries closed
Data sources: UTMB World Series, official site (kackar.utmb.world) · Last checked:
Organising this race? See how to correct details and complete this page
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Frequently asked questions
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What is Kaçkar by UTMB?
Kaçkar by UTMB takes you from the village of Ayder Plateau across the wild and challenging peaks of the Kaçkar Mountains. It is a tribute to the passion for running and nature. Choose your course and discover Kaçkar in one of three ways.
When is Kaçkar by UTMB 2026?
Kaçkar by UTMB takes place on Fri, Sep 11, 2026 - Sun, Sep 13, 2026. Start time: 04:00.
Where does Kaçkar by UTMB take place?
Kaçkar by UTMB takes place in Ayder, Rize.
What are the courses and distances of Kaçkar by UTMB 2026?
Kaçkar by UTMB offers 4 courses: 82K (82 km, 5600 m D+); 44K (44 km, 3000 m D+); 20K (20 km, 1400 m D+); 4K (4 km, 230 m D+).
How hard is Kaçkar by UTMB 2026?
Difficulty is measured in km-effort: distance plus ascent divided by 100. The 82K course covers 82 km with 5600 m of climbing, which is 138 km-effort and falls in ITRA category L. All courses: 82K 138 km-effort (L), 44K 74 km-effort (S), 20K 34 km-effort (XS), 4K 6 km-effort (XXS).
Is registration for Kaçkar by UTMB 2026 open?
The 2026 edition has taken place; registration is closed. Follow the official site and Yarış Radarı for the next edition: https://yarisradari.com/en/yaris/kackar-by-utmb
Where are the Kaçkar by UTMB 2026 results?
The Kaçkar by UTMB 2026 result list is published by the organiser at: https://kackar.utmb.world/runners/results
Where are the Kaçkar by UTMB photos?
Kaçkar by UTMB photos are in the organiser's gallery: https://kackar.utmb.world/get-excited/photos. The gallery may also cover earlier editions.
What is the official website of Kaçkar by UTMB?
Official website: https://kackar.utmb.world/
Is a medical certificate required for Kaçkar by UTMB?
The organiser's note on medical certificates: See the organiser's official page for the exact wording.
Is the Kaçkar by UTMB 2026 course a loop or an out and back?
The 82K course is a single loop with a shared start and finish; measured from the GPX file it runs 80.8 km. The 44K course is a single loop with a shared start and finish; measured from the GPX file it runs 43.8 km. The 20K course is a single loop with a shared start and finish; measured from the GPX file it runs 20 km.
Where is the hardest climb at Kaçkar by UTMB 2026?
The biggest climb on the 82K course runs from km 4 to km 16: 12.3 km for 1637 m at 13% average; its steepest roughly 250 m section averages 45%. It tops out at 2822 m.
How high does Kaçkar by UTMB 2026 go?
The 82K course runs between 1183 m and 3238 m with 6068 m of total climbing. Coming from sea level, arriving a few days early to acclimatise makes a real difference.
Do you need poles at Kaçkar by UTMB 2026?
The 82K course averages 75 m of gain per km with a longest climb of 12.3 km, so poles help noticeably.
Do you need a headtorch at Kaçkar by UTMB 2026?
82K: Start 04:00, sunrise 05:51: the first 1 hour 51 minutes are run in the dark. The headtorch goes on your head at the start, not in your pack. Sunset is 18:31 and the finish cut-off is 04:00. A runner using the full time allowance spends the final 9 hours 29 minutes in darkness. Get the headtorch out before sunset and keep spare batteries or a power bank dry and immediately accessible. A spare buried at the bottom of the pack is not an emergency spare. Check reflective course markers regularly in the dark. If the markings disappear, stop moving forward, return to the last marker and confirm the route against the GPX or organiser app.
What was the weather like at Kaçkar by UTMB 2026?
On race day the temperature ran 13°C to 19°C, and the day stayed dry, peak wind 6 km/h. These figures come from the measurement archive.
Where are the aid stations at Kaçkar by UTMB 2026?
The 82K course has 10 stations; the first at km 9 and the last at km 76. The longest gap between them is 13 km, between Yukarı Kavrun and Yukarı Ceymakçur.
What is served at the Kaçkar by UTMB 2026 aid stations?
For the 82K course: Drinks only: Samistal (14. km), Aşağı Kaçkar (67. km). No supplies at all: Aşağı Ceymakçur (38. km), Palakçur (41. km).
Is there a drop bag at Kaçkar by UTMB 2026?
Yes. On the 82K course the drop bag point is Avusor (km 49).
What are the cut-off times for the 82K at Kaçkar by UTMB 2026?
On the 82K course at Kaçkar by UTMB 2026 the finish cut-off is Sunday 04:00. Intermediate cut-offs: Hazindak (km 9) Saturday 07:00, Yukarı Kavrun (km 23) Saturday 10:00, Yukarı Ceymakçur (km 36) Saturday 14:00, Avusor (km 49) Saturday 18:00, Koçdüzü (km 61) Saturday 22:00, Huser (km 76) Sunday 02:30.
What are the cut-off times for the 44K at Kaçkar by UTMB 2026?
On the 44K course at Kaçkar by UTMB 2026 the finish cut-off is Saturday 21:00. Intermediate cut-offs: Hazindak (km 9) Saturday 11:30, Yukarı Kavrun (km 23) Saturday 15:00, Yukarı Ceymakçur (km 31) Saturday 17:30.
What are the cut-off times for the 20K at Kaçkar by UTMB 2026?
On the 20K course at Kaçkar by UTMB 2026 the finish cut-off is Saturday 16:30. Intermediate cut-offs: Huser (km 7) Saturday 13:30.
What time does Kaçkar by UTMB 2026 start?
Known start times: 82K 04:00, 44K 08:00, 20K 10:00, 4K 11:00, local time. Confirm against the organiser's schedule in race week.
What is the time limit at Kaçkar by UTMB 2026?
The finish time limit is 82K Sunday 04:00, 44K Saturday 21:00, 20K Saturday 16:30. Intermediate stations carry their own cut-offs; the full list is in the checkpoint table on this page.
Is there a GPX file for Kaçkar by UTMB 2026?
Yes. The GPX files for the 82K, 44K, 20K, 4K courses can be downloaded from the course section on this page, next to the route and grade profile.
Which Kaçkar by UTMB course should you choose?
The shortest option is 4K (4 km, 230 m D+) and the longest is 82K (82 km, 5600 m D+). With little trail experience the 4K is the safer start; the 82K demands an all-day effort and cut-off management.
What are the gradients like at Kaçkar by UTMB 2026?
The 82K course averages 75 m of climbing per km, with 6068 m of total ascent and 6066 m of descent. The steepest kilometre averages 39%.
How runnable is the Kaçkar by UTMB 2026 course?
This is not a running course in the classic sense: at 75 m of gain per km it demands long hiking blocks, and walking the steep climbs is part of the strategy.
Where is the steepest part of Kaçkar by UTMB 2026?
The steepest kilometre of the 82K course averages 39% and sits inside the climb between km 4 and km 16.
How many climbs does Kaçkar by UTMB 2026 have?
The 82K course has 8 distinct climbs. The biggest: km 4-16 (1637 m at 13%); km 22-28 (952 m at 15%); km 37-43 (683 m at 11%).
Is there a long climb at Kaçkar by UTMB 2026?
Yes. The longest climb runs 12.3 km from km 4, gaining 1637 m at 13% average, topping out at 2822 m.
What are the descents like at Kaçkar by UTMB 2026?
There is 6066 m of descent in total. The longest drop runs 9.1 km between km 50 and km 59, losing 496 m. About 23% of the course is steep downhill, so the legs need descent training too.
Are there flat sections at Kaçkar by UTMB 2026?
Barely: only about 10% of the course is near flat, so the grade keeps changing.
Is the hard part of Kaçkar by UTMB 2026 early or late?
60% of the climbing sits in the first half; the day is hard early and flows later.
What is the elevation range at Kaçkar by UTMB 2026?
The lowest point of the 82K course sits at 1183 m and the highest at 3238 m, a range of 2055 m. Conditions change noticeably between the two, so plan clothing in layers.
Where does Kaçkar by UTMB 2026 reach its high point?
The course tops out at 3238 m, reached around km 28.
Are poles mandatory at Kaçkar by UTMB 2026?
The organiser has not announced a pole requirement. Based on the profile poles help noticeably.
Do you need to carry water at Kaçkar by UTMB 2026?
Yes: the longest stretch without aid on the 82K course is 13 km, so carrying backup water is essential.
When is Kaçkar by UTMB 2027?
The date for Kaçkar by UTMB 2027 has not been announced yet. It will appear on this page once the organiser confirms it: https://yarisradari.com/en/yaris/kackar-by-utmb
Will Kaçkar by UTMB 2026 take place?
Kaçkar by UTMB status: Completed.