42K Marathon Race: is a road marathon, starting from the elevation of 1793 m in the Uludag hotels zone, downhill to the Eker Square (117 m elevation). It is Turkey’s 5th roadtrack and 1st downhill marathon.
There are shuttes to go to marathon start area from opposite of Eker Meydan shopping center. Runners who want to use those shuttles need to make reservation. Click here to make your reservation
Taking the roads on the southern side of Uludag, connecting to Orhaneli Road over the Tuzakli village, the runner reaches to Eker Square. It offers a picturesque containing the shades of green and blue. First 18.7 km of the racetrack is above 1.000 elevation. In the course there are 550 m uphill and 2.230 m downhill tracks.
There will be water supply points every 5 km. At the 20 km (900 m elevation, Kirazli Village) supply point, the runners will be able to leave or receive their dresses or accessories.
Runners can run faster in downhill marathons when compared to plain road runs. Uphill laps and the runs held above sea level (350 m) cause performance losses. Eker I Run Uludag Marathon is run at the average elevation of 914 m through 42.195 m. Its first 10 kms track is run over 1.500 m elevation while the final 10 kms is run below 300 m elevation. Let alone the first 2 km and minor uphill, it totally consists of downhill, rendering the sensation of running at a high elevation minimum.
Slope & Height
According to a formula given in Richard A. Lovett’s article, who wrote the book “Guide to Road Racing” with Alberto Salazar, a marathon runner who runs 5 tempos –using a correct preparation method- up to 5 minutes theoretical speedup would be possible. This means 2% speedup, and 3:25 race time instead of 3:29:45.
This is a marathon PB or Boston -Qualifier course for the well prepared. According to Richard A. Lovett ( co author with Alberto Salazar of “Guide to Road Racing” book) states formulas for some up & downhill calculations. So it is possible a well prepared 5:00 pace marathon runner can better 5 minutes. This means 2% bettering in time and 3:25 result instead of 3:29:45. Detailed reading Link: at this Runners World article.
Start: Uludağ, in front of Kurbakaya station
Finish: Eker Meydan
Course Direction: Uludağ hotels area > Kirazlı Village> Doğancılar > Eker Meydan
Start Time: 07:00
Time limit: 7 hours
Start Altitude: 1795m
Highest Altitude: 1884m
Total Ascent: 550m
Total Descent: 2230m
Distance: 42195m
