Turkey · Nevşehir Province
Distance
118 km
Date
Entry fee
€150
€ / km
€1.27
Salomon Cappadocia Ultra-Trail: Running the UNESCO Volcanic Plateau, Measured
Salomon Cappadocia Ultra-Trail® (CUT) is a 118.1 km trail race held in October in Nevşehir Province, central Turkey. The course covers 118.1 km with 3,824 m of gain (32.4 m/km) across volcanic tuff plateaus, canyon rims, and the trails of Göreme National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The course is a figure-8 from Ürgüp, with a life base at km 62. Loop 1 (daytime) passes through Uçhisar, Göreme, and Çavuşin — Cappadocia's most iconic terrain. Loop 2 is predominantly run at night: more technical, more remote, and including 2 km through a shallow stream. The 7.9% average uphill gradient and 24.8% flat terrain make this a rolling, grindy effort — the majority of climbing falls in the 2–10% gradient band, with no single dominant mountain. Volcanic tuff soil resists turning to mud even after rain, a genuine differentiator from European mountain races.
Entry costs €1.27/km; the nearest airport is Nevşehir Kapadokya (NAV), 52 minutes by road. Entry is fully refundable until October 1, 2026.
Founded in 2016 (CUT distance), the race draws 25+ nationalities and is a UTMB 100M Series qualifier (Running Stones). It suits experienced trail runners who want serious UTMB 100M points, volcanic terrain unlike anything in Europe, and a course that runs partly through a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Elevation and Terrain
Total Meters
3,824m
D+/KM
32.4m/km
For context, the Tor des Géants 330 loop has 73 D+/km.
Avg Uphill Gradient
7.9%
Avg Downhill Gradient
-8.1%
Uphill gradient distribution
| 2–5% | 18.5 km | |
|---|---|---|
| 5–10% | 15.3 km | |
| 10–15% | 6.3 km | |
| 15–20% | 3.1 km | |
| 20%+ | 1.7 km |
Route Profile
AnalysedTerrain breakdown
| 38.0% | Uphill |
|---|---|
| 24.8% | Flat |
| 37.2% | Downhill |
Terrain
Salomon Cappadocia Ultra-Trail® – 118.1 km 118km Top Climbs
Top Climbs
| 1 | 4.4 km · 365 m gain starts km 78 · avg 8.2% · max 53.2% |
|---|---|
| 2 | 7.4 km · 313 m gain starts km 6 · avg 4.2% · max 18.3% |
| 3 | 4.8 km · 284 m gain starts km 46 · avg 5.9% · max 44.7% |
Top descents
| 1 | 7.3 km · 362 m drop starts km 14 · avg -4.9% · max -47.3% |
|---|---|
| 2 | 4.9 km · 348 m drop starts km 105 · avg -7.1% · max -35.9% |
| 3 | 3.3 km · 294 m drop starts km 83 · avg -9.0% · max -26.3% |
Loop 2 in the Dark: What the Salomon Cappadocia Ultra-Trail 118km Actually Tests
How hard is the Salomon Cappadocia Ultra-Trail 118km?
▼
Moderate by 100M standards. At 32.4m/km, 24.8% flat, and 7.86% average uphill gradient, the gradient profile is rolling rather than Alpine. The real challenges are the temperature swing (0°C at the 07:00 start, potentially 22°C midday, cold again overnight in Loop 2), the 24-hour time limit, and the technical terrain of Loop 2 in darkness.
Is the Cappadocia Ultra-Trail a UTMB qualifier?
Is the Cappadocia Ultra-Trail a UTMB qualifier?▼
Yes. The CUT 118.1km is a UTMB 100M Series qualifier (Running Stones category). ITRA points are also granted.
How much does it cost to enter the Salomon Cappadocia Ultra-Trail?
How much does it cost to enter the Salomon Cappadocia Ultra-Trail?▼
€1.27 per kilometre. Current entry (May–August 2026) is €155, rising to €165 from August 5, 2026. Entry is fully refundable if cancelled before October 1, 2026 — an uncommon policy in trail running.
When does the 2026 Salomon Cappadocia 118.1 km Ultra-Trail take place?
When does the 2026 Salomon Cappadocia 118.1 km Ultra-Trail take place?▼
The CUT starts at 07:00 on October 17, 2026, from Ürgüp city centre. The 24-hour time limit closes the race at 07:00 on October 18.
Nevşehir or Kayseri: Two Airport Options for the Cappadocia Ultra-Trail
Which airport should I fly into for the Cappadocia Ultra-Trail?
▼
Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) is the closest, approximately 52 minutes from Ürgüp. Kayseri Erkilet (ASR) is a larger hub at 60–90 minutes. Both have connecting flights from Istanbul and major European cities.
Salomon Cappadocia Ultra-Trail® – 118.1 km 118km GPX
Getting to Salomon Cappadocia Ultra-Trail® – 118.1 km
Nearest airport
Nevşehir Kapadokya (NAV) / Kayseri (ASR)
Notes
Start: ~35–60 min (NAV) or ~60–90 min (ASR) to Ürgüp/Göreme area / Public transport: shuttles and buses available; car optional / Accommodation: very strong in Ürgüp/Göreme; book early (October)
