The Names That Placed in the Kemaliye Run 2026 Races Have Been Announced

The 47th traditional Erzincan Kemaliye (Eğin) International Culture and Nature Sports Festival, held this year, continues to bring together sports and nature enthusiasts. The Kemaliye Run 2026 races, organized as part of the festival and attracting great interest every year, were once again the scene of unforgettable moments this year. A great struggle was displayed on courses where tough natural conditions and highly talented athletes competed fiercely. Run in the heart of nature accompanied by unique landscapes, the races provided an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators. Following the completion of the intense races, a grand award ceremony was organized for the dedicated athletes.

The 10-kilometer run, held in the mesmerizing and impressive atmosphere of the Karanlık Kanyon, was one of the most anticipated events of the festival. Meryem Ravza Gürbüz, competing in the women's category, achieved a tremendous time of 1 hour 1 minute 17 seconds to take first place. She was followed on the podium by Ruhayat Şimşek with a time of 1 hour 4 minutes 5 seconds and Rabia Şeyma Mengi with a time of 1 hour 6 minutes 23 seconds. In the men's category, the stage was entirely a fierce contest, and the first two positions witnessed incredible competition. Samet Çilekci and Ayhan Kürekçi crossed the finish line with the exact same time of 44 minutes 42 seconds, displaying a tremendous performance. Hasan Hüseyin Şuvak claimed third place with a time of 45 minutes 37 seconds.

The 21-kilometer Kemaliyeliler Taş Yolu Koşusu stage of the festival, which required a longer and physically more demanding struggle for the athletes, was also the scene of thrilling moments. In the women's category, Buket Demirci secured her place at the summit by finishing ahead of her rivals with a time of 2 hours 1 minute 53 seconds. She was followed by Melike Mızrak with a time of 2 hours 20 minutes 26 seconds and immediately behind her was Amine Muhçu with a time of 2 hours 21 minutes 11 seconds. These three successful female athletes garnered great admiration for the endurance they displayed on the long and exhausting course. On the men's side, Abdurrahman Ayazoğlu became the owner of the first-place medal with a wonderful time of 1 hour 34 minutes 10 seconds.

The second and third steps of the men's 21K race were also filled by highly successful athletes. Following the first-place winner Ayazoğlu, Burak Ertürk completed the race in 1 hour 35 minutes 39 seconds and stepped onto the second-place podium. Şeref Taş won the third-place prize by achieving a time of 1 hour 37 minutes 56 seconds. Despite the tough terrain conditions of Kemaliye, all these athletes never lost their determination and fought until the very end. These results achieved in the men's and women's categories revealed how high the competition level of the organization was. The participating athletes experienced great joy and pride as they crossed the finish line.

Following the official completion of the races, a magnificent award ceremony was held with the participation of all guests and athletes. During the ceremony, the trophies and medals of the placing athletes were presented by the officials with great enthusiasm. In their speeches on stage, the organization officials stated that they thanked all the participating athletes for their struggle and the sportsmanship they displayed. The athletes who ran with determination in the unique nature of Kemaliye received great applause and appreciation from the spectators and other participants. The officials also wished the placing athletes continued success, emphasizing that this beautiful organization will continue its tradition in the coming years.