Fethiye Babadağ Ultra Marathon: An Outdoor Adventure in Nature
This year marked the third iteration of the Fethiye Babadağ Ultra Marathon, which brought together an impressive group of athletes and vivid scenery. Organized through the collaboration of key local authorities, this vibrant event welcomed approximately 500 competitors from 15 different countries, showcasing Fethiye’s stunning landscapes while promoting sports tourism.
The marathon featured multiple courses—56 kilometers, 26 kilometers, and 15 kilometers—tracing through natural and historic locations such as the Lycian Way, Kayaköy, and the summit of Babadağ. Athletes faced off against challenging terrain filled with trails, steep inclines, and dips, making it a thrilling experience that reflected a profound connection with nature.
Serkan Özdemir, the event’s organization manager, expressed enthusiasm over this year’s increased participation. He noted, “We successfully launched our third Babadağ Ultra Trail race today, with our first long stage of 56 kilometres kicking off early in the morning. Subsequent stages followed, amplifying the excitement throughout the day.” The significant rise in participation this year, with double the competitors compared to the previous edition, highlighted the event’s growing appeal.
Participants relished the exhilarating atmosphere generated by the lush surroundings, which also contributed to the local economy via sports tourism. The pleasant weather in April served as an ideal backdrop for those looking to embrace active lifestyles while welcoming the summer season.
The following day’s events included the 9:30 a.m. Kayaköy stage, incorporating a 2-kilometer children’s run with 160 young athletes participating. running with enthusiasm, these kids had the chance to engage in the spirit of racing, coinciding with the National Sovereignty Week celebrations. Additionally, 150 participants joined in a 5-kilometer public run, completing the series of competitive stages on Sunday after the initial events on Saturday.
Community Efforts: Clean-Up at Çırpı Picnic Area
Environmental issues at the Çırpı Picnic Area in Fethiye sparked local concern, prompting essential cleanup efforts by municipality teams. This recreational area had become marred by pollution due to litter left by visitors, including food packaging and other waste. Responding promptly to the outcry from the community, the Fethiye Municipality Cleaning Services undertook a thorough cleanup operation.
Under the coordination of Ramazan Ongün, the Field Manager, teams worked diligently to restore this picturesque spot, reminding citizens about the vital need for environmental preservation. A plea was made to the public urging everyone to take responsibility for keeping public spaces clean for generations to come.
Health Initiatives: Tobacco Control Inspections in Commercial Vehicles
The District Health Directorate’s inspection team, in cooperation with local traffic authorities, launched inspections aimed at raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco. Conducted mainly on Atatürk Street, the initiative targeted commercial vehicles, ensuring compliance with legal standards regarding tobacco use signs and distributing informative brochures to drivers.
As part of the “Smoke-Free Air Zone” initiative, officials reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding public health through education and enforcement. The successful operation acted as a reminder of each individual’s responsibility to maintain a healthier living environment, with ongoing inspections planned to continue promoting awareness.
Planting Hope: Olive Sapling Initiative in Fethiye
A meaningful sapling planting event materialized through the efforts of the Fethiye Local Seeds Association, alongside Özel Tarhan College from Beyoğlu, Istanbul. A total of 630 olive saplings were planted in the gardens of five families, enhancing the beauty of the local landscape while engaging 30 students and several teachers in a collaborative initiative.
This initiative seeks to strengthen the bond between the association and the college, stemming from previous cooperation in 2022 when 570 olive saplings were planted following local fire incidents. The commitment to nurturing these saplings, ensuring their survival and prosperity within the community, highlights the positive impact of environmental stewardship.
Furthermore, the association supports local education initiatives by providing books and materials to Kabaağaç Primary School, fostering a sense of connection between environmental and educational development. Ebru Oğuzhan Yeter, the president of the association, voiced the significance of these efforts, remarking on the growth of this friendship and community engagement.
Plans for future activities are already underway, emphasizing the association’s commitment to environmental sustainability through olive planting.
🧿 NEWS FROM AROUND TURKEY
Celebrating a Milestone: The 60th Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey
The Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey has reached an impressive milestone with its 60th edition, marking a significant moment in its history. Events coordinator Vladimiros Petsas expressed pride in this achievement, acknowledging that not many cycling events have attained such longevity. This anniversary not only celebrates the race’s history but also signals a new chapter for its future.
With an emphasis on both international prestige and local enthusiasm, this year’s lineup showcased top talent, enjoying a rosy reception from Turkish audiences. The race will cover 1,153 kilometers over eight stages, traversing several iconic Turkish destinations before finishing in Izmir.
Broadcasting across various platforms, the event aims to promote Turkey’s rich cycling culture globally, providing a platform for local tourism and showcasing its beautiful landscapes.
Awareness Following Earthquake: 266 Aftershocks Recorded
A recent 6.2-magnitude earthquake off Silivri’s coast on April 23 served as a reminder of the seismic activity prevalent in the region. This event triggered feelings of concern among residents in Istanbul and surrounding areas, with significant aftershocks following the original quake.
Experts urge rapid action to retrofit vulnerable structures in Istanbul, reinforcing the need for enhanced safety measures and preparedness against future tremors.
Such community initiatives, alongside the vibrant marathon and cycling events, reflect not only the spirit of Fethiye and Turkey but also their dedication to fostering tourism and a healthy lifestyle. These updates provide a glimpse into the interconnectedness of regional efforts to promote awareness, make a positive difference in local environments, and enhance the overall socio-cultural fabric. Whether through sports, familial ties, or environmental endeavors, these activities combine to paint a picture of resilience and community connection.
In summary, the events and initiatives in Fethiye highlight a blend of physical activity, community engagement, and environmental responsibility, creating layers of positive influence across the region. As these stories unfurl, they provide a fascinating glimpse into the dedication that shapes Turkish life — particularly as it relates to tourism and community wellbeing. Keeping an eye on ongoing stories ensures a better understanding of how these pivotal moments will affect local landscapes, including the broader region’s tourist traffic and the vital importance of sustainability in nurturing future growth.