MDS 120 Cappadocia 2026 – Stage 3

Balloons, Heat and Triumph: MDS Cappadocia 2026 Concludes in Spectacular Style

The final stage of MDS 120 Cappadocia delivered everything that makes this race so special: breathtaking scenery, challenging terrain, soaring temperatures, and the emotional reward of crossing the finish line after days of adventure through one of Turkey’s most remarkable landscapes.

Stage 3 saw all remaining participants tackle 25km with 732m of elevation gain, a fitting finale to a race that has tested endurance, resilience and determination from start to finish.

The day began with a moment that few runners will ever forget. As dawn broke over the bivouac, the Cappadocian sky filled with dozens of hot-air balloons. Floating silently above the camp, some drifted remarkably close to the runners, creating an unforgettable atmosphere before the start. It was a scene that perfectly captured the magic of Cappadocia, where natural beauty and human adventure combine in extraordinary ways.

While the early morning offered relatively cool running conditions, relief was short-lived. As the sun climbed higher, temperatures quickly rose and another hot day unfolded across the rugged Turkish landscape. The opening kilometres featured an early mountain pass that immediately challenged tired legs before runners descended into a series of valleys, where flowing trails offered opportunities to find rhythm despite the growing heat.

With two checkpoints providing vital support along the route, competitors pushed onward through a course that showcased the very best of Cappadocia’s unique terrain. The final kilometres delivered one last gift: the spectacular Love Valley. Surrounded by the region’s famous rock formations and dramatic scenery, runners experienced a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable journey.

At the front of the race, Sergio Turull produced a powerful performance to claim the men’s stage victory in 2:13:41, while Maryon Pennec continued her exceptional race with another commanding win, crossing the line in 2:52:31.

Selim Deterpigny emerged victorious in the men’s MDS 120 competition with a cumulative time of 11:21:21, while Maryon Pennec claimed the women’s title in 13:15:53 after three days of consistent and impressive running.

In the MDS 100 category, Julie Lafaille topped the women’s podium in 11:50:30, while Patrick Paraire secured victory in the men’s race with a time of 11:20:05.

The MDS 70 category saw Ana Turull take the women’s title in 8:33:42, while Fatih Topçu claimed victory in the men’s competition with a time of 7:54:29.

Yet beyond the podium places and finishing times, MDS Cappadocia is about something deeper. It is about overcoming moments of doubt during long climbs, managing the relentless heat, sharing experiences with fellow runners, and discovering what is possible when mind and body work together toward a common goal.

Over three unforgettable stages, competitors crossed mountain passes, navigated valleys sculpted by time, and ran through one of the world’s most iconic landscapes. They experienced highs and lows, moments of struggle and moments of exhilaration. Every finisher earned not only a medal but also memories that will last a lifetime.

As runners crossed the final finish line and received their hard-earned medals, there was a shared sense of achievement throughout the bivouac. The challenge was complete. The journey through Cappadocia’s extraordinary terrain had come to an end.

The balloons may have drifted away, but the memories of MDS Cappadocia 2026 will remain, etched as deeply as the valleys and rock formations that made this race such a spectacular adventure.