Salomon Cappadocia Ultra Trail by Vicky Hulley

Running Stories

Oct 20

Picture this: running amidst the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey, where ancient volcanic rock formations sculpt the horizon, the heat of the desert embraces you, and the thrill of conquering an international trail run awaits.

This was a 38km run, 1300m of elevation, 1300 athletes participating from 71 countries across the world. The Salomon Cappadocia ultra trail run had been on my bucket list since 2019. It is now imprinted in my memory as an unforgettable adventure through rugged terrain, where endurance, running and sheer beauty combined for an extraordinary and exhilarating experience.

Turning 50 years old... tick tock…! I signed up in March 2023 and told coach / boss and friend Oliver that I needed to be ready for this run in October… his response, as ever, was a mix of “You’ll do this so easily. I want you to win.” And then healthy dose of scaring the be-jeepers out of me, just in case I thought I was ready, and of course, pushing me hard on our local trails. (Note to Oli; Thank you for being 100% supportive right up to the minute I headed down to the starting pens “I’m with you all the way”), even though I know I was undercooked and spent way more time horse riding I should have! .

And so, the journey began from Johannesburg, London, Istanbul and Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport. A final bus trip to Urgup where the race started; an ancient village where civilisations have lived in caves and underground cities carved out of volcanic rock since 200AD.

The race set off from Urgup through the Goreme National Park, a protected National Heritage site and immediately found ourselves immersed in the remarkable landscapes that define Cappadocia. Narrow, technical single-track trail, colourful hot air balloons hovering overhead, clambering up crazily steep inclines and manoeuvring along ancient volcanic rock formations, trying to leap in and out of snaking lines of non-English-speaking athletes - and importantly trying to not fall down the cliff sides or roll an ankle. (The many hazards of trails that we all love).

It was hot and hard - 35-degree desert air and high altitude - but oh my word the scenery… The beauty of Cappadocia's volcanic rock formations is spectacular. We ran through deep valleys, quaint villages, past castles, horses, caves, and endless unique and captivating shapes sculpted by thousands of years of volcanic eruptions and natural erosion. The rock formations emerged like silent giants from the earth, some so phallic that the valley in which they sit is (politely) named “love valley”. From time-to-time lush greenery surprised us amidst the desert, offering refreshing contrasts and delicious, cool shade. The ancient cave dwellings, carved into the rock, were a constant reminder of the region's rich history and the people who called this home more than 2000 years ago, and still do today. It struck me that the one thing that does not change is nature. Her harshness, power, beauty, and her bizarre sense of humour continually fuelled me with awe and inspiration; a reminder of how insignificant we all are and how privileged to share in it for a brief moment in time.

Moments of Struggle and Triumph: I had joined a couple from SA to run with - we had said we’d stick together. And so, we did. One of our little team became nauseous at about 5km, so we walked and walked and walked. Water, gels and food, all to no avail. They kept telling me to go ahead and to leave them. That was a tough one for me … but eventually at about 30km I decided to go and flew home. It was hot and I loved the flow of the single track.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to run this race, that my body was strong and fit, able to do this. I am grateful for the privilege to run in in such a pristine environment, to everyone who had a part to play in this adventure, and that I’d had a coach that believed in me.

I came 5th in my age group, the 3rd fastest South African in the race. Oliver is going to give me a talk on “race strategy” and running to win, not to come 5th. I know, I know Oli!! But I am still super stoked, top 5 is ok, and more importantly, I loved this experience, my first international trail run. I must add that this was a photograph extravaganza enroute, and as usual, I photographed EVERYTHING!. At the end of the day, it’s about what feeds your passions and doing what makes your heart sing.

So, my message is this - lace up your running shoes, brace yourself for the elements, and embark on your own adventure. Discover your boundaries, immerse yourself in the raw beauty of nature and create memories that will last a lifetime. Because you can, and as part of the Complete Athlete community, you have the best guidance and support behind you.