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 – 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.