A race gives you an unusual introduction to a place. Before you have learned the streets, you already know where you need to be in the morning: at the start line, with running shoes on and the Mediterranean somewhere ahead of you.
The Kaş Half Marathon brings runners and their companions to a town known for its clear water, ancient Lycian heritage and steep coastal setting. It is an autumn weekend that can be as much about discovering Kaş as about the result on the clock.
A coastline that makes you work for the view
Kaş sits between hills and sea. Roads curve around the harbour and towards the Çukurbağ Peninsula; one moment you are looking into a sheltered bay, the next across open water. The climbs and descents are part of the experience, and a reminder that this is not a flat city race.
Race distances, the route and elevation profile can change between editions. Check the organiser's current map and instructions when preparing, rather than relying on a route from an earlier year. Arriving a day ahead makes it easier to collect your race pack, find the start and enjoy a relaxed evening in town.
For the people who came along
You do not have to run to enjoy the weekend. While a friend or partner is out on the course, there is time to wander around the harbour, browse Uzun Çarşı or find a café before heading to the finish.
Spotting a familiar face among the runners brings its own excitement. Afterwards come the stories: the hill that seemed to go on forever, the moment the pace finally felt right, the last few hundred metres. A conversation at the finish can easily become a plan to meet for dinner.
Let the weekend last a little longer
October in Kaş often has warm afternoons, and the sea can still be inviting. Instead of leaving as soon as the race is over, keep another day for the coast. Choose a sheltered beach, have lunch near the water and swim if the weather and conditions suit you. There is no need to hurry from one attraction to the next.
The ancient theatre is a lovely place to catch the evening light. If your legs are ready for more, a gentle walk or a short excursion offers another glimpse of the Lycian landscape. If not, an afternoon beside the harbour is enough.
The race may bring you to Kaş, but it does not have to be the only reason you remember the trip.
Dates, distances, routes and registration arrangements are set by the organiser and can change each year.
For more ideas, explore things to do in Kaş, the beaches and bays and our Kaş travel guide.