The 2024 inaugural MDS CAPPADOCIA has concluded on a high, quite literally, as all participants and staff were treated to a surprise early morning balloon flight by the organisation to celebrate a pioneering moment for the MDS brand.
For many, the early morning sky filled with 100’s of balloons is one of those lifetime memory moments, to be given the option to fly, was a dream come true. From the airy heights, the full MDS Cappadocia route was able to be viewed providing a new perspective of the incredible journey that was only completed the day before.
And what a journey this MDS experience was.
As Cyril Gauthier mentioned in his opening briefing before the race, ‘Welcome to first edition of Marathon des Sables Cappadocia, but ironically, the sables element is missing here…’
It of course came as no surprise, however, Cappadocia is very much a desert-like landscape, correctly though, the element of soft sand and dunes is completely missing.
One may question, ‘Is this a bad thing?’ The simple answer here is no, each and every participant could not speak highly enough about this unique MDS experience and actually, many were very vocal and happy that MDS Cappadocia was a very new and different.
OVERVIEW
MDS Cappadocia is a 7-day experience following the same format of other MDS events that have gone before, Fuerteventura, Jordan and so on as perfect examples.
Day 1 – Runner’s are required to travel to Kayseri airport and arrive on a certain day so that they are able to take a transfer, provided by the organisation to the race hotel. At the hotel, technical checks and admin take place. In the evening dinner is provided.
Day 2 – Runner’s depart the hotel via transfer to the start. Now self-sufficiency begins and stage 1 starts. Runner’s run/walk 25km to the bivouac and conclusion of stage 1.
Day 3 – Stage 2 starts at bivouac and runner’s return to the bivouac choosing the option to run/ walk 20km, 40km or 60km.
Day 4 – A rest and recovery day.
Day 5 – Stage 3 26km which concludes in the Love Valley. A short transfer to the race hotel is provide. The evening is free.
Day 6* – A relaxing day at the hotel or sightseeing followed by awards, gala dinner and party.
Day 7 – Onward travel.
*Runner’s were surprised with a hot air balloon flight, this required a 04:00 departure from the hotel to experience the magic of Cappadocia from the sky. They returned between 0700-0800 for breakfast.
THE RACE
Travel, admin and the race hotel was slick providing a relatively easy and relaxed start to the MDS Cappadocia experience.
Stage 1 had a bus departure of 0800, race briefing at 0900 and race start of 0930. I think everyone welcomed a relaxed start, however, the challenge of stage 1 was very real.
There are several key factors that must be considered for MDS Cappadocia.
- The heat for the duration of the race week was very high, temperatures were consistently between 33 to 36-degrees with a ‘feel’ on the skin of high 40’s. It was hot!
- The Göreme Valley where much of the race takes place has an altitude of 1100m. This of course is not high altitude, but, the impact on breathing and physical effort was significant.
- The route is considerably more challenging than other MDS events. Much of the route is single-track trails, mountain passes, gorges, tunnels, forest, technical trail, loose ground and it is undulating.
- The vertical gain for each stage is significant, for the 72km it is 1767m, for the 91km it is 2243m and for the 111km it is 2576m.
The combination of elements above made MDS Cappadocia, km for km, more challenging and difficult than any other MDS race, The Legendary included. If MDS Cappadocia was an equivalent 250km distance of The Legendary, it would be a very hard race.
After stage 1, it was very clear to the organisation that start times were needed to be adjusted to allow for cooler temperatures. Stage 2 moved from a 0600 start to 0500, and stage 3 was moved from a 0700 start to a 0500 start. This quite simply was an excellent decision and it is fair to assume that future MDS Cappadocia will have earlier start times, especially on stage 1.
Bivouac was in a stunning location surrounded by iconic Cappadocia landscape such as fairy towers and Troglodyte caves. A very special place.
Participants sleep in individual MDS tents in cells of 6. There is a communal shaded area with matts so that everyone can relax post-race.
Camp life is like all other MDS events, The Legendary excluded, as here the bivouac tents hold 8-people. Priority is to relax, hydrate, eat and sleep. It’s a simple life. Participants are self-sufficient and therefore they must have all they need for the duration of the event. The exception is water, at the end of each stage, participants are provided a 5L bottle of water which must last to CP1 the next day (rest day excluded.)
In camp, there is medical/ foot care to ensure competitor safety.
The race route is considerably more complex than other MDS events and as such, route marking is crucial. Marking consisted of red/ white tape and flags, and the route was very well marked. However, I do feel that the provision of GPX files would be a great addition.
Aid stations were superb offering a shaded area, an abundance of water and importantly, iced water which the medical team pour on heads and necks to enable cooling. Medical provision is at each CP. For stage 1 there was two CP, stage 2 depending on the chosen distance had up to five CP’s and stage 3 had two CP. If required, the organisation added impromptu water stations to ensure competitor safety.
Competitors each have a tracker so they they can be monitored and in addition, there is a SOS button in the event of an emergency.
The event has cut-off times, however, the goal of MDS events is that each participant finishes, therefore, the organisation do all they can to facilitate runner’s crossing the line. Should someone DNF, they are given a free entry for the following year!
THE ROUTE
MDS Cappadocia brings something very unique to the MDS line-up. This is not a desert race, it is much more a trail race.
Underfoot, there are considerably more challenges with an ever changing terrain.
Just look at the photos, the route is a visual splendour of a very unique landscape. Taking in key areas of the Göreme Valley such as the Red Valley and Love Valley, the experience is special. A volcanic landscape, that has been shaped by wind, rain, lava, ice and erosion. Add the early morning spectacle of the hot air balloons and I firmly believe that Cappadocia needs to be experienced at least once. What better way to do this running or walking?
As mentioned above, the route is much more of a physical challenge, km for km, this is a harder race, however, as all the 2024 competitors confirmed, it is an achievable one… If it was easy, anyone could do it!
THE EXPERIENCE
Quite simply, the feedback from participants was a wow. From the moment stage 1 started, the visual splendour begins and that is consistent throughout the whole race experience.
A highlight was the early start for stage 2 when the whole bivouac area was surrounded hot air balloons. I personally have experienced start lines all over the world and this was a highlight. It was completely mind-blowing and one that will last with everyone for their lifetime. It was a privilege and honour to experience it.
The race was hard, especially with the intense heat. However, the MDS option to provide three distances for stage 2 is inspired and it gives everyone an opportunity to challenge themself in their own way.
In terms of runner’s needs, this is just like any other MDS event, however, there are some key considerations: 1. You need good trail shoes with excellent grip and toe protection. 2. Sand gaiters are not required but small ankle gaiters are a good idea to stop stones etc entering the shoe at the ankle. 3. Poles (and knowing how to use them) are a very good idea for the majority of the participants.
The MDS team have these events dialled and with a dedicated team they ensure competitor happiness and safety. Of course, first editions are always difficult, they are an opportunity to learn what does and what does not work. The general consensus post-race was one of huge success, however, it wasn’t perfect and the team look for this, so, tweaks.
The surprise of a hot air balloon flight was an incredible gesture by the MDS organisation, I think this almost certainly will be ‘option’ to add to the race experience in future editions.
The post-race awards, film, gala dinner and party was a great success.
CONCLUSION
Read the daily summaries – Stage 1 Here, Stage 2 Here, Stage 3 Here.
It takes a dedicated team to make an event happen and it’s important to acknowledge Argeus Travel and in particular, Koray and Hayden for their on ground experience in facilitating the first edition of MDS Cappadocia.
The event brings something new and different to the MDS line-up and that should be applauded. There is something special here in Turkey that needs to be experienced just once.
The challenge is real, respect this environment. The combination of altitude, heat, challenging terrain, self-sufficiency and camp life is something special.
And finally, this landscape is very, very special it needs to be experienced to be believed.
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