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Nearly 200 athletes from five countries are taking part in the second edition of the Run to Stars high-altitude race on Mount Palandoken in Erzurum, eastern Türkiye.
The event, hosted by Ejder 3200, a company affiliated with the Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality, features four race categories held on Palandoken.
Competitors from Türkiye, Russia, Iran, Georgia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are taking part, joining runners from provinces across Türkiye.
After completing health checks, athletes began the race early in the morning, climbing from an altitude of 2,300 meters to 3,200 meters on the mountain. Organizers said participants range in age from 7 to 70.
Races were held over distances of 5, 13, 28 and 53 kilometers. A short-distance race for children was also held as part of the program, with young competitors racing for medals. A public walk was also added to this year's program.
A 5-kilometer race held at the summit of Palandoken the previous day was organized in memory of the late national mountaineer Mustafa Tekin.
Runner Nurullah Ozturk, who finished first in the 13-kilometer race, described the course as challenging.
“The first 7 kilometers of the course were quite difficult, with constant climbing. In the final kilometer, as the incline increased further, we stopped running and started walking. In the end, I picked up my pace and won first place. I ran for our martyrs, and I dedicate this win to them. I started at the back and finished at the front,” Ozturk said.
Organizers noted that Palandoken has expanded in recent years beyond its previous identity as a winter sports destination, adding events such as a high-altitude race to draw visitors and competitors year-round.
They said the race is expected to grow into a larger event with wider participation in the coming years.
The race's coordinator said this year's program began the previous day with climbing events and continued Saturday across the various distance categories, with athletes starting the 5, 13, 28 and 53-kilometer routes throughout the day.
The program will conclude with the public walk, a concert and an awards ceremony.
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