MDS 120 Cappadocia 2026 – Stage 3

Posted on June 19, 2026 by talkultra

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.

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MDS 120 Cappadocia 2026 – Stage 2

Posted on June 17, 2026 by talkultra

Stage 2 Delivers Heat, Balloons and Cappadocia’s Finest Trails at the Third Edition of MDS Cappadocia

Stage 2 of the third edition of MDS 120 Cappadocia delivered everything that makes this race so special: breathtaking scenery, challenging terrain, soaring temperatures, and the unforgettable spectacle of hot air balloons drifting across the dawn sky.

Today was the stage where runners chose their challenge, with distances of 19.2km, 38.7km or 55.2km on offer. For those tackling the longest route, it was a full and immersive journey through some of Cappadocia’s most spectacular landscapes, passing through the Zemi Valley, Balkan Valley, Gomeda Valley, Rose Valley and finally the Meskendir Valley.

The day began with one of Cappadocia’s most iconic sights. As runners gathered for the early 05:30 start, hundreds of hot air balloons filled the sky, creating a magical backdrop as competitors set off into the cool morning air.

That relief was short-lived.

As the sun climbed higher, temperatures rose rapidly, bringing intense heat that would challenge every participant regardless of distance. The combination of exposed terrain and very little shade made for a demanding day in one of Turkeys most unique environments.

The stage offered constant variety. Runners navigated flowing single-track trails, hidden paths, ancient tunnels and the world-famous fairy chimneys that have made Cappadocia a globally recognised destination. Every valley revealed new scenery, but the relentless heat ensured that nobody had an easy day.

In the MDS120 category, Sélim Deterpigny produced an outstanding performance, appearing to thrive in the demanding conditions. He crossed the finish line in 6:35:07 after a dominant display. Sergio Turull, who had impressed during Stage 1, found the heat more difficult and finished 21 minutes behind. In the women’s race, Maryon Pennec once again demonstrated her strength, taking victory in 7:25:47, just 20 seconds ahead of Lucie Scherrer after a closely contested battle.

The MDS100 category saw victories for Julie Lafaille and Patrick Paraire, who completed the stage in 5:26:59 and 5:07:54 respectively.

In the MDS70 race, Fatih Topçu delighted local supporters with victory in 2:13:47, while Ana Turull claimed the women’s win in 2:20:12.

With Stage 2 complete, runners now look forward to a well-earned rest day. The opportunity to recover, refuel and recharge will be welcomed by everyone after a demanding day under the Turkish sun.

Despite the fatigue, the atmosphere in camp remains exceptionally high. Surrounded by extraordinary landscapes and the daily spectacle of hot air balloons overhead, competitors continue to appreciate just how fortunate they are to be racing in one of the world’s most remarkable locations.

Tomorrow, attention turns to the final stage, a distance that will be run by all participants.

And waiting on the horizon is one of Cappadocia’s most famous landmarks of all: Love Valley.

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MDS 120 Cappadocia 2026 – Stage 1

Posted on June 15, 2026 by talkultra

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.

A spectacular start to the week in Cappadocia, where world-class trail running meets one of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet.

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MDS 120 Cappadocia 2025 – Race Summary

Posted on June 30, 2025 by talkultra

There are races that test your legs. There are others that test your mind. Then there’s the MDS 120 Cappadocia, a four-day,3-stage footrace that breaks down and rebuilds runner’s in one of the most staggering landscapes on Earth.

The second edition of this extraordinary event was nothing short of epic. It fused the spirit of ultra-running with the magic of deep time, where each participant pushed through heat, fatigue, and self-doubt and yet felt part of something much larger, something ancient, something eternal.

Cappadocia is not a place that’s easily explained. Words fall short, pictures get close, but to run through it, that’s where the real story begins. From the first light of dawn to the finish line and the glow of the medal, the 2025 MDS 120 Cappadocia offered an experience that was brutal, beautiful, and of course, unforgettable.

Runners arrived from across the globe with 25 countries represented to stand on the start line beneath towering rock formations that look like they belong on another planet. With female participation at a record 62%!

Trails cut through a high-altitude dreamscape where volcanoes once erupted, empires rose and fell, and entire civilisations carved homes into the rock. To run here is to move through living history, a living museum of geology, culture, and time itself. Cappadocia is the kind of place that feels mythic. Its valleys have names like Love, Rose, and Red.

The format of the race was designed to challenge runners of all levels while still demanding serious endurance. The full race spanned up to 120 kms over three stages, spread across four days with one rest day in the middle. Stage 1 and Stage 3 were the same for all runners, but Stage 2 offered a unique choice: 20, 40, or 60 kms, allowing each participant to tailor their challenge to their ability and ambition. This approach gave the event a powerful sense of inclusivity while preserving the core of what MDS stands for: pushing yourself farther than you thought you could go.

“The terrain, however, had no intention of making anything easy.”

Each day brought something different, a test of legs, lungs, and willpower. Stage 1 began with a baptism of dust and stone, leading runners through twisting canyons and across ancient paths etched into the volcanic rock. The climbs were relentless. The descents were technical and punishing.

Stage 2, whether 20, 40, or the full 60 kms, was a crucible in the heat, sending runners through sun-scorched valleys and across ridges with no shade and no mercy.

It was here that the Cappadocian sun made itself known. Temperatures soared into the mid-30s Celsius, radiating off the rocks and baking every exposed inch of trail. What began as a scenic adventure quickly became a battle against dehydration, overheating, and sheer exhaustion. The ‘orange’ jackets ensuring that medical protocols and safety for each runner was paramount.

The rest day was welcome, a day to re-charge, relax, eat, sleep and yes, even some yoga was an opportunity to find some zen amongst the chimneys that surrounded bivouac.

Stage 3, the finale, was no victory lap. It was a final reckoning. After the rest day, legs were stiff, feet swollen and raw, but spirits were high.

The route wound past ancient cave dwellings and hidden churches, finishing in a dramatic final stretch that felt more like a pilgrimage than a race. The Love Valley an amazing conclusion to a stunning journey.

Four runners, despite grit and effort, didn’t make it to the end. But in the spirit of MDS, the organization extended them free entry into the 2026 edition, a gesture that underscores the ethos of the race: resilience over results, and community over competition.

What makes MDS 120 Cappadocia unique isn’t just the landscape or the difficulty. It’s the way it all comes together. The suffering is real, but so is the reward. Every runner finished with a story that could never be captured in a finisher’s medal alone. There were tears, high fives, sunburns, hallucinations, and moments of silence that felt like communion with the land.

And just when it seemed the adventure was over, the organisers gave one final gift: a sunrise hot air balloon flight on the last morning. It wasn’t a tourist gimmick, it was a floating tribute to everything the runners had just done. Watching the sun rise over the Göreme Valley, suspended in silence above the trails they’d conquered, was a moment that stitched the entire experience together. From above, the rock valleys, the winding trails, the start and finish lines, it all made sense. It was breathtaking.

After the balloon flight, runners were finally allowed to stop. A full day of rest and recovery followed, giving battered bodies a chance to relax and reconnect. The evening brought everyone back together for a gala dinner, an award ceremony that celebrated not just the fastest, but the toughest and most spirited. Pierre (a single leg amputee) and Leon getting special recognition for personifying the meaning of MDS solidarity.

A film screening that captured the emotion and scale of what had unfolded over the past four days. Laughter mixed with tears. Strangers had become teammates. Solo runners had become family.

The verdict from every corner was the same: this race had delivered something extraordinary. It had pushed people to their edges and rewarded them with a kind of beauty, depth, and meaning that’s rare in the ultra-running world.

MDS 120 Cappadocia wasn’t just a race across Turkey. It was a race through deep time, a personal reckoning, and a reminder of what the human body and spirit can endure when the landscape is fierce, and the story is this good.

The bar is set. The expectations are high. But if the 2025 edition proved anything, it’s that this race is only getting better, stronger, and more awe-inspiring.

If you’re looking for an ultra that leaves a mark, not just on your legs, but on your soul: get ready for the 2026 dates, registration opens July 9th 2025.

Pack your shoes. Respect the heat. And come run through fire and stone in Cappadocia.

Marathon des Sables website HERE

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MDS 120 Cappadocia 2025 – Stage 3

Posted on June 27, 2025 by talkultra

Stage 3 of the MDS 120 Cappadocia delivered a brutal, beautiful reckoning. Spanning 26 kms under a punishing sun, the course cut through some of Turkey’s most iconic landscapes, from the pastel walls of Red Valley to the towering spires of Love Valley. But make no mistake: this stage wasn’t just about scenery. It was a furnace.

With temperatures soaring past 36°C and a heat index that felt closer to 48°C the early start with hot air balloons was welcome.

Even so, runners were fighting the heat within minutes. Shade was rare, and the terrain offered no favours: narrow single tracks, slot canyons, technical descents, and long exposed stretches tested every step.

By mid-morning, the route through Love Valley felt less like a romantic postcard and more like a slow-motion survival drill.

Despite the conditions, runners dug deep. The lead pack charged forward with astonishing control, weaving through the heat haze with purpose, but it was the back of the pack that showed the rawest version of the struggle. Blistered feet, overheated cores, and sheer exhaustion painted a stark picture of just how hard-earned every kilometer was.

Crossing the finish line at the edge of Love Valley brought a wave of emotion. Some wept, others collapsed. The medal placed around each finisher’s neck wasn’t just symbolic, it was earned in full, mile by scorching mile. For many, it marked the toughest test they’d ever faced in a race.

From first to last, the results were staggering. All athletes held their nerve in the heat, but it was the collective will of the entire field that defined the day. This was more than a stage, it was a battle. And everyone who crossed that line came out the other side changed.

Blue and Orange jackets make it all happen

Stage 3 didn’t give anyone an easy finis. It demanded everything. The landscape may have been romantic, but the race was ruthless. The medal, deserved!

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MDS 120 Cappadocia 2025 – Stage 2

Posted on June 25, 2025 by talkultra

Stage 2 of the 2025 MDS 120 Cappadocia tested every ounce of determination runners had left in the tank.

The day began with a 4:00 AM wake-up call under a pitch-black sky.

By the time the starting line buzzed to life, the first glow of sunrise was filled with dozens of hot air balloons over the otherworldly landscape, a surreal and unforgettable sendoff into a brutal, beautiful day. This is what makes MDS 120 Cappadocia so special.

Blue coats, a key and important element of MDS 120.

Participants had a choice: 20km, 40.9km, or 58.6km. Three distances, one shared battle. No matter which course they committed to, the terrain made sure no one got an easy ride.

From the start, runners faced a punishing mix of steep canyons, tight tunnels, dusty switchbacks, and rocky plateaus.

The famed Cappadocia chimneys, towering rock formations sculpted by time and wind rose like sentinels along the route, offering brief moments of awe in between relentless stretches of heat and effort.

At times, dense vegetation clawed at legs and arms. Elsewhere, there was nothing but the sun, dry air, and the crunch of feet against rock and dust.

The longer the distance, the deeper the challenge. The sun bore down with intent, turning even the breezes into blasts from a hair dryer. Hydration and mindset became as critical as foot placement. There were stumbles, cramps, and moments of silence where only the sound of breath and grit kept runners going. This is where the MDS 120 orange (medical) and blue (logistics) help keep the runner’s going, importantly, they bring a key safety element to the race.

Maëva, our last finisher receiving treatment just 4km’s from the finish.

But they did go. Every last one of them.

The final competitors crossed the line after an incredible 16 hours and 25 minutes on the move. A huge shoutout to Maëva and Clémment, who showed unreal resilience and heart, pushing through to the very end.

To all who took on Stage 2, no matter the distance, no matter the time, today you didn’t just run through Cappadocia. You conquered it.

Tomorrow brings the third and final stage, concluding in the Love Valley.

Marathon des Sables website HERE

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MDS 120 Cappadocia 2025 – Stage 1

Posted on June 23, 2025 by talkultra

Stage 1 of the 2nd edition of MDS 120 Cappadocia kicked off under the early light of an Anatolian sunrise, with 25 km’s of raw terrain waiting to test the field. A race drawing runners from 25 countries, with 62% of the field made up of women, the stage offered more than just a test of fitness. It celebrated resilience, international camaraderie, and the wild beauty of one of Earth’s most spectacular landscapes.

MDS 120 Cappadocia LIVE HERE

Start: Göreme valley
8:00 AM (UTC+3)

Distance: 25km
Elevation gain: 735m
Arrival: Bivouac
Arrival time max: 03:10 PM (UTC+3)

At 08:00, runners surged forward through soft dust and rising heat, chasing not just the finish line, but the promise of the valleys, ridges, and canyons that make Cappadocia a runner’s dream.

A perfect introduction to this region’s surreal terrain. Cappadocia’s sculpted rock formations and ancient pathways aren’t just scenic, they’re alive underfoot. The ground shifts from soft tuff to jagged stone without warning. Trails wrap through fairy chimneys, drop into hidden valleys, and climb ancient volcanic ridges that defy rhythm and punish pacing mistakes.

In Sword Valley, the finish line was framed by tall rock blades that towered like silent spectators. But before that moment of glory, runners had to earn it, through a twisting, relentless route that refused to give them anything for free.

This stage, at 25km’s, may have been short by ultra standards, but it made up for that in technicality and vertical grind.

“That climb? That was a truth serum to the CP,” said one British runner, laughing between gulps of water.

“I’ve raced ultras all over the world, and I’ve never seen terrain like this,”

This was only the opening round, but already the stage has shaped expectations for the rest of the MDS 120 Cappadocia: With deeper valleys, hotter days, and longer distances on the horizon, strategy will start to matter even more. Pacing, hydration, and mental grit will be required in abundance, especially with increasing hotter temperatures.

Equal parts brutal and beautiful, it gave runners a taste of what’s ahead: unpredictable terrain, and heat. The landscape demands respect. The heat punishes the arrogant. And the first finish line felt like a small rebirth.