Kaçkar by UTMB 100K

Kaçkar by UTMB's 100K is a compact but exceptionally steep journey through the Kaçkar Mountains above Ayder. It links isolated valleys and mountain villages with a course that reaches high passes, crosses rivers, and spends long stretches away from easy access. The race favors experienced mountain ultrarunners over pure road speed.

The race covers about 82 kilometers while accumulating roughly 5,600 meters of elevation gain. Runners move through 12 mountain villages, cross rivers, and climb to a pass near 3,200 meters. Technical trail, relentless grades, wet footing, and remote terrain make the course substantially harder than its distance suggests.

The Kaçkar range is humid and rain-prone, even during the main summer climbing season. Lower valleys can feel mild, while high passes may be cold, windy, foggy, or wet. Runners should be ready for rapid changes, reduced visibility, and slick trail during a long day in exposed mountain terrain.