When colorful hot-air balloons float above the Smurf-like villages, travelers from around the world stop and stare. Runners hurtling through scenes that could be straight out of Interstellar make for some of the most unforgettable images. It’s no wonder Cappadocia has become a pilgrimage site for runners.
The Salomon Cappadocia Ultra-Trail, now a signature sporting event for Türkiye, won the Community Impact in Sports Tourism category at the Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism, organized jointly by UN Tourism and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).
Launched with support from the FIA, this inaugural awards program spotlighted projects that seamlessly blend sustainability, innovation and community engagement in sports tourism.
Judges awarded the Salomon Cappadocia Ultra-Trail the top score in its category, praising its strong commitment to sustainability, tangible contributions to local development, environmental protection efforts and success in elevating the region’s brand.
The awards ceremony was held on March 19 in Madrid during the ABB Formula E FIA World Championship 2026 CUPRA Raval Madrid E-Prix. Officials and industry leaders from multiple countries attended, sharing bold projects that fuse sports and tourism and exploring new collaborations.
Cappadocia’s distinctive terrain adds another layer to the experience: explore valleys on horseback, hike volcanic landscapes, and visit cave dwellings and rock-cut churches hewn into the stone.
With this recognition, Türkiye is poised to strengthen its reputation as a leading destination for sustainable sports tourism and boost its competitiveness in the global travel market.
