This course is considered ADVANCED due to its high total elevation gain, long and steep climbs, varied terrain (forest roads, singletrack trails, rocky fire roads), and extended distance in the second half of the race. The technical difficulty arises not only from the terrain, but also from decision-making, balance, and pace management under fatigue.
With a maximum altitude of 1,200 meters, the course remains within a range that does not affect athletes in terms of altitude adaptation.
This course is suitable for runners with prior experience in medium to long-distance trail races with significant elevation gain.
The race will start at 06.00 on 21st of November from Balçova Therapy Forest enterance.
| CHECKPOINT | DISTANCE (INTER) | DISTANCE | ELEVATION GAIN (INTER) | ELEVATION GAIN | ELEVATION LOSS (INTER) | ELEVATION LOSS | MIN TIME | TIME LIMIT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| START | 0 km | 0 km | 0 m | 0 m | 0 m | 0 m | 0 | 06:15 |
| CP1 | 5,5 km | 5,5 km | 760 m | 760 m | 149 m | 149 m | 2:30 | 08:30 |
| CP2 | 10,2 km | 15,7 km | 587 m | 1347 m | 304 m | 453 m | 2:30 | 11:00 |
| CP3 | 13,1 km | 28,8 km | 223 m | 1570 m | 647 m | 1100 m | 2 | 13:00 |
| CP4 | 14 km | 43 km | 310 m | 1880 m | 670 m | 1770 m | 2:30 | 15:30 |
| CP5 | 7,7 km | 50,7 km | 740 m | 2620 m | 96 m | 1866 m | 2:30 | 18:00 |
| CP6 | 9 km | 59,7 km | 70 m | 2690 m | 597 m | 2463 m | 1:30 | 19:30 |
| CP7 | 7 km | 66,5 km | 314 m | 3004 m | 105 m | 2568 m | 1:30 | 21:00 |
| FINISH | 7 km | 73,5 km | 40 m | 3044 m | 489 m | 3057 m | 1 | 22:00 |
Mandatory Equipment
- A suitable backpack/vest to carry all mandatory equipment
- Bib number placed visibly on the front of the body
- Timing chip (provided by the organization)
- Mobile phone (emergency numbers must be saved, and the phone must be reachable before, during, and after the race)
- Reusable cup (minimum capacity 15 cl)
- Water bottle, flask, or hydration bladder with a minimum capacity of 1 liter (plastic disposable bottles are not allowed)
- Headlamp with spare batteries (200 lumens or more is recommended)
- Emergency blanket (minimum size 1.40 x 2.00 m)
- Whistle
- Elastic bandage (minimum size 100 cm x 6 cm), plaster(at least 5)
- Food reserve
- Waterproof, breathable jacket with hood, resistant to bad weather conditions (minimum 10,000 Schmerber)
- Cap, buff, or beanie
- Identification (ID)
Suggested Equipment
- Power bank
- Long-sleeve upper layer
- Sunglasses
- GPS watch
- Poles
- Vaseline or similar anti-chafing creams
- Some cash
- Gloves
- Knife or scissors to cut the elastic bandage
- Suitable trail running shoes
Course Details
The Path of Patience 74K starts in Balçova Therapy Forest. Within the first 5.5 kilometers, runners gain approximately 800 meters of elevation. This opening section features a steep and continuous climb, making pacing and effort management critical.
After the initial ascent, the course enters Balçova’s narrow and flowing singletrack trails. This section is both technical and enjoyable, allowing runners to briefly recover, regain rhythm, and breathe in the forest’s rich oxygen.
Following the singletracks, the route reaches Yarıkpınar Creek. From here, the course turns toward Kavacık Village. The climb after the creek is non-technical but steady and pleasant.
With approximately 1700 meters of total elevation gain, runners arrive at Kavacık Village, a historic settlement well known for its vineyards. This marks a turning point in the race.
Leaving Kavacık behind, the route turns toward the summit of Çatalkaya. After a long and solitary run through dense forest, runners encounter steep and rocky fire roads. This section challenges patience and mental resilience as much as physical strength.
Upon reaching the Çatalkaya summit, the İzmir Bay unfolds beneath your feet. By this point, runners will have accumulated more than 2500 meters of elevation gain.
After the summit, the course descends and the final 21–22 kilometer patience section begins. While this part includes little additional climbing, the distance must be covered on fatigued legs. This section is as much a psychological test as it is a physical one.
Terrain distribution:
- 75% forest roads
- 20% forest singletrack
- 2% rocky fire roads
- 3% asphalt
Dirt roads, rocky trails, forest ground, and leaf-covered sections define the natural character of the course. From start to finish, the route remains deep within dense forest terrain.
For participation:
A medical certificate valid as of 21 November 2026 and issued within the last 6 months or a valid federation athlete license is required.
Participants aged 65 and over, regardless of the course, may take part in the race only with a medical certificate obtained from a cardiologist, including an ECG (electrocardiogram) report.
THE RULES AND CONDITIONS STATED IN THE GENERAL RACE REGULATIONS ARE VALID.
ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE DEEMED TO HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND ACCEPTED THESE RULES.