MDS 120 Cappadocia 2026 – Stage 1

Stage 1 of the 3rd Edition of MDS Cappadocia delivered everything that makes this race so special.

After several days of heavy rain, participants were greeted by blue skies, sunshine and rising temperatures as they gathered on the start line at 08:00 to experience the magic of one of Turkey’s most extraordinary landscapes.

The opening stage covered 25km with 747m of elevation gain and two checkpoints. While the weather had improved dramatically, the recent rain left sections of the course muddy and demanding, adding another layer of challenge to an already testing route.

The undulating course wound through the heart of Cappadocia, taking runners across open plateaus, along flowing single-track trails and beneath dramatic mountain vistas before passing through the iconic Rose Valley and arriving at the bivouac.

Throughout the day, competitors were immersed in a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth, where ancient rock formations, vast horizons and centuries of history create an unforgettable backdrop for adventure.

All 400 participants were tested by the terrain, with an impressive 64% of the field made up of women. The diversity of the event was equally remarkable, with the youngest competitor aged 19 and the oldest 74, showcasing the universal appeal of the MDS spirit.

At the front of the race, Sergio Turull, winner of the MDS Ultra 100km in January, stamped his authority on the competition, dominating Stage 1 to claim victory in 2:24:45.

In the women’s race, Maryon Pennec delivered a commanding performance, crossing the finish line in 2:57:35, more than eight minutes ahead of her nearest rival.

Tomorrow, the challenge continues with Stage 2, where competitors will choose between 19.2km, 38.7km or 55.2km routes. By the end of the event, participants will have completed total race distances of 70km, 100km or 120km respectively.