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.
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 08.00 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 | 08:15 |
| CP1 | 5,5 km | 5,5 km | 760 m | 760 m | 149 m | 149 m | 2 | 10:00 |
| CP2 | 9 km | 14,5 km | 500 m | 1260 m | 310 m | 459 m | 2 | 12:00 |
| CP3 | 7,5 km | 22 km | 243 m | 1503 m | 256 m | 715 m | 2:30 | 14:30 |
| CP4 | 9 km | 31 km | 70 m | 1573 m | 597 m | 1321 m | 2 | 16:30 |
| CP5 | 7 km | 38 km | 314 m | 1887 m | 105 m | 1417 m | 1:30 | 18:00 |
| FINISH | 7 km | 45 km | 40 m | 1927 m | 489 m | 1906 m | 1 | 19:00 |
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 Ascent 45K starts at the entrance of 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 critical.
After the initial climb, the course enters the Balçova Therapy Forest Ecotourism Path. This environmentally protected section offers a 5–6 kilometer sustained yet enjoyable climb. The terrain is runnable, but the ascent is consistent and demanding.
Leaving the Ecotourism path, the course turns toward the Çatalkaya Summit. The route continues to gain elevation through forest paths and fire roads.
At approximately kilometer 23, runners reach the Çatalkaya Summit with around 1600 meters of total elevation gain. From this point, İzmir Bay opens beneath your feet.
After the summit, the course descends and the final 21–22 kilometer patience section begins. Although there is little additional climbing, this long section must be covered on fatigued legs. It tests mental endurance as much as physical strength.
Terrain distribution:
- 78% forest roads
- 20% forest singletrack
- 2% rocky fire roads
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. No asphalt.
THE RULES AND CONDITIONS STATED IN THE GENERAL RACE REGULATIONS ARE VALID.
ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE DEEMED TO HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND ACCEPTED THESE RULES.