Organized as part of the May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day events, the DOCA Tirilye Ultra Trail Marathon was held with the participation of 367 local and foreign athletes. The athletes ran on Tirilye’s unique nature and historical trails in the race organized with the theme of “Run in the Footsteps of Nature and History.” Deniz Dalgıç the Mayor of Mudanya said, “This marathon, which is a first for Tirilye, made us all happy with the attention it received. We stand behind every step that adds value to these lands.”

Mudanya hosted an unforgettable event once again with its nature and history. Organized as part of the May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day celebrations, the DOCA Tirilye Ultra Trail Marathon brought together a wide range of athletes, including international participants, in Tirilye.

The 54 and 29-kilometer courses, which were organized with the theme of “Running in the Footsteps of Nature and History,” started on the Tirilye coast. Mayor Deniz Dalgıç and officials from Bursa Running Academy and DOCA Textile, who organized the event, were together at the starting point. Participants advanced on paths through olive groves, along the slopes and coast with unique views. The course, which passed through iconic locations such as Dereköy Church, Kapanca Pirate Harbor, Aya Yani Monastery and Taş Mektep, turned into an experience that touched the history of Mudanya. The athletes did not just run a marathon; they also embarked on a journey through the city’s memory.

In the challenging 54-kilometer course of the race, French athlete Ludovic Pommeret came first in the men's category and İlknur Yaman came first in the women's category; in the 29-kilometer course, Helio Fumo came first in the men's category and Hilal Oruç came first in the women's category.

“A NEW BEGINNING FOR TİRİLYE”

Deniz Dalgıç the Mayor of Mudanya emphasized that the district is a tourism destination that draws attention not only locally but also internationally with its natural and historical riches. Stating that the intense interest shown in the race held for the first time in Tirilye provided strong motivation for the continuation of similar events, Dalgıç said, “As an athlete, I believe in the unifying power of sports. Therefore, every sports event held in Mudanya is also an opportunity for promotion and bonding for us.” Dalgıç continued his words as follows:

“Participants did not just run; they established a deep bond with nature, history and the city. They walked almost every corner of Mudanya and Tirilye. They experience details that they would not notice if they came as tourists. This allows for a permanent bond to be established with the region. Then they come again and bring their loved ones. This cycle forms the basis of sustainable tourism.”

BROUGHT TO LIFE WITH THE VOLUNTEER SPIRIT

Stressing that Tirilye had a very special day, Dalgıç said, “We have to offer people new reasons to discover this unique geography. These races do exactly that. Athletes do not only run along the courses, but also experience Mudanya step by step. They take what they see and feel with them and tell them. In this way, the bond established becomes permanent.”

Dalgıç, who also drew attention to the fact that the race was held with international participation, stated that the organization was realized entirely through volunteer work. Dalgıç said, “It was a first for Tirilye, but the interest we received clearly showed that this should continue. I would like to thank everyone who contributed. Today, Tirilye showed itself to Türkiye with a completely different face.”

Mustafa Demiralay, General Manager of DOCA Textile Tech Pakkens, who organized the organization, stated that it was a great pleasure for them to bring such an event to the city where they were born and raised, and said, “The athletes started the race with great joy. I believe that they contributed to the promotion of the city with beautiful memories and meaningful sharing. Seeing so many happy people together motivated us a lot. Organizing such organizations is our duty to this city where we were born and raised.”

The events ended with a Retro Band concert following the medal ceremony.

RESULTS OF THE TİRİLYE ULTRA MARATHON

The rankings in the 54 and 29 kilometer runs within the scope of the DOCA Tirilye Ultra Trail were as follows:

54K Women: 1st İlknur Yaman, 2nd Ece Ilgazlı Şirin, 3rd Serpil Soykan

54K Men: 1st Ludovic Pommeret, 2nd Adem Alkan, 3rd Hakan Turan

29K Kadınlar: 1st Hilal Oruç, 2nd Nebahat Yılmaz, 3rd Semra Bulut

29K Erkekler: 1st Helio Fumo, 2nd Mustafa Orhan, 3rd Mustafa Araç