Kocaeli Ultra TrailKartepe Kuzuyayla Mevki, Kocaeli🇹🇷
Completed
About Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026
Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026 was a trail race held on Sat, Aug 29, 2026 in Kartepe Kuzuyayla Mevki, Kocaeli; the start is at 07:00.
The 2026 edition is over; registration is closed. The next edition is added to the calendar automatically once the organiser announces a date.
Run in the natural surroundings of the Samanlı Mountains, Kocaeli Ultra Trail features two courses: the 15.3 km KUT15K with 550 meters of elevation gain, and the 48 km KUT50K with 1583 meters of elevation gain, designed in reference to Kocaeli's license plate code. The routes, which pass through forest roads, trails, and single track sections, start from Kuzuyayla; the event is held alongside a festival program and concerts.
Courses
| Course | Distance | Elevation Gain | Km-effort | ITRA | Fee | Course file |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50K | 50 km | 1583 m D+ | 66 | 2 | 1,000 ₺ | ZIP |
| 15K | 15 km | 550 m D+ | 21 | 1,000 ₺ | ZIP |
There are 2 courses: 50K (1583 m D+, 2 ITRA); 15K (550 m D+).
Course map and elevation profile
What the weather was on race day
- On race day the temperature ran 10°C to 17°C, with 10 mm of rain through the day, peak wind 13 km/h (a light breeze).
- These figures come from the measurement archive after the race, not from a forecast.
- Sunrise 06:23, sunset 19:37.
The race is over. These figures come from the Open-Meteo measurement archive for that day, not from a forecast.
Race briefing
50K course48 km · 1665 m gain · 39% uphill
- Steep climb (10%+)
- Climb (3-10%)
- Flat
- Descent
- Steep descent (12%+)
The published GPX measures 48 km with 1665 m of climbing, 35 m per km. The course sits between 282 m and 1476 m of altitude. 23% of the gain sits in the first half.
- 0-3 km: 16 m up / 111 m down; close to flat.
- 3-24 km: 371 m up / 1372 m down; the stretch descends.
- 24-45 km: 1250 m up / 80 m down; the stretch climbs.
- 45-48 km: 32 m up / 110 m down; gently rolling.
The race climbs from the gun: 116 m over the first 3.8 km. Do not chase the crowd, the two minutes you win here get taken back with interest.
The steepest wall stands between km 3 and km 4: 182 m over 1.3 km at 14% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 24%. This is hiking terrain, not running terrain. Walk it with intent and keep your heart rate off the ceiling.
The backbone of the course runs from km 24 to km 45: 1170 m over 21 km at 6% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 17%. Heaviest kilometres: km 33 127 m, km 44 99 m, km 32 93 m, km 43 93 m. Trying to run this costs far more than it saves. Shorten the stride, lean on the poles, keep moving.
The longest descent starts at km 0 and loses 1101 m by km 24 at 5% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 26%. Its length can load the quads, so begin under control and build rhythm only when the ground and visibility allow it.
The last 5.7 km climb 288 m and then drop 110 m. Walk the climb, take the descent back, and hold the sprint until the drop is done.
- The organiser lists 50 km; the published GPX measures 47.6 km. The technical course notes use the published GPX measurement.
- Sunset is 19:37, 12 hours 37 minutes after the gun. If your target time is longer than that, carry a headtorch whether or not the rules demand one.
- Poles are strongly recommended for this profile. The course averages 35 m of gain per km and the longest climb averaging over 5% runs 21 km; if you have trained with them and the organiser allows them, use them on the climbs and stow them on runnable ground.
- Most of the climbing waits in the second half. Feeling good early is a trap here.
- 13% of the course is steep descent. Increase your cadence instead of braking, or your quads go early.
Course-profile notes are generated from GPX grade data; terrain, rules, aid stations and weather are added only when separately sourced.
15K course15 km · 512 m gain · 36% uphill
- Steep climb (10%+)
- Climb (3-10%)
- Flat
- Descent
- Steep descent (12%+)
The published GPX measures 15 km with 512 m of climbing, 34 m per km. The course sits between 1210 m and 1600 m of altitude. 60% of the gain sits in the first half.
The first 1.5 km drop 72 m. Fresh legs make it feel free, but you climb every metre of it back.
The backbone of the course runs from km 5 to km 10: 388 m over 5.8 km at 7% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 20%. Kilometre by kilometre: km 6 105 m, km 7 63 m, km 8 34 m, km 10 105 m. This is hiking terrain, not running terrain. Walk it with intent and keep your heart rate off the ceiling.
The longest descent starts at km 11 and loses 247 m by km 15 at 6% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 9%. 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 3 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 km drop 67 m. If anything is left in your legs, spend it here.
- Consider bringing poles. The course averages 34 m of gain per km and the longest climb averaging over 5% runs 5.8 km; if you have trained with them and the organiser allows them, use them on the climbs and stow them on runnable ground.
Course-profile notes are generated from GPX grade data; terrain, rules, aid stations and weather are added only when separately sourced.
Calculators for this race
Registration
- StandardTue, Aug 4, 2026 - Fri, Aug 28, 20261,000 ₺Entries closed
Data sources: TAF private road races, TAF Portal, official site (kocaeliultra.com) · Last checked:
Organising this race? See how to correct details and complete this page
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Frequently asked questions
(33)
What is Kocaeli Ultra Trail?
Run in the natural surroundings of the Samanlı Mountains, Kocaeli Ultra Trail features two courses: the 15.3 km KUT15K with 550 meters of elevation gain, and the 48 km KUT50K with 1583 meters of elevation gain, designed in reference to Kocaeli's license plate code. The routes, which pass through forest roads, trails, and single track sections, start from Kuzuyayla; the event is held alongside a festival program and concerts.
When is Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026?
Kocaeli Ultra Trail takes place on Sat, Aug 29, 2026. Start time: 07:00.
Where does Kocaeli Ultra Trail take place?
Kocaeli Ultra Trail takes place in Kartepe Kuzuyayla Mevki, Kocaeli.
What are the courses and distances of Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026?
Kocaeli Ultra Trail offers 2 courses: 50K (50 km, 1583 m D+, 2 ITRA); 15K (15 km, 550 m D+).
How hard is Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026?
Difficulty is measured in km-effort: distance plus ascent divided by 100. The 50K course covers 50 km with 1583 m of climbing, which is 66 km-effort and falls in ITRA category S. All courses: 50K 66 km-effort (S), 15K 21 km-effort (XXS).
Is registration for Kocaeli Ultra Trail 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/kocaeli-ultra-trail
Where are the Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026 results?
The Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026 result list is published by the organiser at: https://www.kocaeliultra.com/15k-yarismaci-listesi-sonuclar/
Where are the Kocaeli Ultra Trail photos?
Kocaeli Ultra Trail photos are in the organiser's gallery: https://www.kocaeliultra.com/foto-galeri/. The gallery may also cover earlier editions.
What is the official website of Kocaeli Ultra Trail?
Official website: https://www.kocaeliultra.com/
Is a medical certificate required for Kocaeli Ultra Trail?
Yes, a medical certificate is required. See the organiser's official page for the exact wording.
Is the Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026 course a loop or an out and back?
The 50K course is a single loop with a shared start and finish; measured from the GPX file it runs 47.6 km. The 15K course is a single loop with a shared start and finish; measured from the GPX file it runs 15.2 km.
Where is the hardest climb at Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026?
The biggest climb on the 50K course runs from km 24 to km 45: 20.7 km for 1170 m at 6% average; its steepest roughly 250 m section averages 17%. It tops out at 1459 m.
How high does Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026 go?
The 50K course runs between 282 m and 1476 m with 1665 m of total climbing.
Do you need poles at Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026?
The 50K course averages 35 m of gain per km with a longest climb of 20.7 km, so poles help noticeably.
Do you need a headtorch at Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026?
50K: Sunset is 19:37, 12 hours 37 minutes after the gun. If your target time is longer than that, carry a headtorch whether or not the rules demand one.
What was the weather like at Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026?
On race day the temperature ran 10°C to 17°C, with 10 mm of rain, peak wind 13 km/h. These figures come from the measurement archive.
What time does Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026 start?
Known start times: 50K 07:00, local time. Confirm against the organiser's schedule in race week.
Is there a GPX file for Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026?
Yes. The GPX files for the 50K, 15K courses can be downloaded from the course section on this page, next to the route and grade profile.
Which Kocaeli Ultra Trail course should you choose?
The shortest option is 15K (15 km, 550 m D+) and the longest is 50K (50 km, 1583 m D+). With little trail experience the 15K is the safer start; the 50K demands an all-day effort and cut-off management.
What are the gradients like at Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026?
The 50K course averages 35 m of climbing per km, with 1665 m of total ascent and 1673 m of descent. The steepest kilometre averages 16%.
How runnable is the Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026 course?
Expect a mix of running and power hiking: 35 m of gain per km; hiking the long climbs is normal, and the longest climb runs 20.7 km.
Where is the steepest part of Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026?
The steepest kilometre of the 50K course averages 16% and sits inside the climb between km 3 and km 4.
How many climbs does Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026 have?
The 50K course has 3 distinct climbs. The biggest: km 24-45 (1170 m at 6%); km 3-4 (182 m at 14%); km 13-15 (86 m at 4%).
Is there a long climb at Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026?
Yes. The longest climb runs 20.7 km from km 24, gaining 1170 m at 6% average, topping out at 1459 m.
What are the descents like at Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026?
There is 1673 m of descent in total. The longest drop runs 23.9 km between km 0 and km 24, losing 1101 m. About 13% of the course is steep downhill, so the legs need descent training too.
Are there flat sections at Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026?
Partly: about 23% of the course is near flat, the rest climbs or descends.
Is the hard part of Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026 early or late?
77% of the climbing sits in the second half; the hardest sections arrive on tired legs.
What is the elevation range at Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026?
The lowest point of the 50K course sits at 282 m and the highest at 1476 m, a range of 1194 m. Conditions change noticeably between the two, so plan clothing in layers.
Where does Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026 reach its high point?
The course tops out at 1476 m, reached around km 4.
Are poles mandatory at Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026?
The organiser has not announced a pole requirement. Based on the profile poles help noticeably.
How many ITRA points does Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026 give?
ITRA points: 50K 2 ITRA. These points count towards entry requirements for UTMB style races.
When is Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2027?
The date for Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2027 has not been announced yet. It will appear on this page once the organiser confirms it: https://yarisradari.com/en/yaris/kocaeli-ultra-trail
Will Kocaeli Ultra Trail 2026 take place?
Kocaeli Ultra Trail status: Completed.