ANKARUNNING: The Pioneers Who Brought Running to the Streets of Ankara

Before 2014, the streets of Ankara, Turkey's bustling capital, were seldom filled with the rhythmic sound of running shoes. Despite the residents' love for sports, street running was rare. Harsh seasonal weather and a lack of accessible roads and trails created significant barriers to access. All that began to change in August 2014 when a group of pioneering runners decided to challenge the status quo. They formed ANKARUNNING, a community that would not only navigate these challenges but also actively work to bring the joy of running out of gyms and onto the city's pavement.

Founded by a collective of forward-thinking runners, ANKARUNNING is built on a simple yet powerful philosophy: to make running in Ankara a visible, accessible, and community-driven activity. Their main goal goes beyond mere encouragement; they aim "not only to attract but to draw" people into the sport and the exciting world of racing. They believe in the transformative power of setting and reaching personal goals and have created an environment dedicated to helping every member, whether an amateur or a professional, do just that.

The true strength of ANKARUNNING lies in its incredible diversity and active participation. The community mirrors Ankara itself, with students, workers, housewives, pensioners, and athletes of all levels running side by side. This mix of backgrounds creates a rich and supportive environment. Their ambitious race schedule further demonstrates their commitment, as they travel together as a team to more than 30 races each year. Their presence is felt at major Turkish events, such as the Istanbul Marathon and the Cappadocia Ultra Trail, as well as at international races. This shared pursuit of challenges has forged a close-knit community that is willing to do whatever it takes to help one another cross the finish line.

The culture within ANKARUNNING emphasizes dedication, support, and shared ambitions. Their activities focus on consistent training and preparation for their many yearly races. They have cultivated a dynamic environment where individual goals are supported by group efforts, fostering a space where runners of all abilities can thrive. Whether it's a casual city run or a focused session preparing for a marathon, the team's energy is always aimed at mutual growth and a shared passion for running.

ANKARUNNING maintains a welcoming ethos, aligned with their mission to encourage more people to take up the sport. Their focus on helping individuals achieve personal goals creates an open door for anyone in Ankara eager to start running or find a supportive community to help reach the next level. The best way to connect with them is through their official Instagram page.

About the City

Runners in Ankara utilize various parks and lakeside trails to escape the city's traffic. A favorite spot for ANKARUNNING is the area around Eymir Lake, located on the campus of the Middle East Technical University, offering a peaceful and popular loop for running and cycling away from urban noise. Other favored locations include Gençlik Parkı, a large public park in the city center, and the surrounding green spaces around Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, which provides both a historical backdrop and a place for respectful recreation.

ANKARUNNING's participation in over 30 races a year makes them a regular presence at events across Turkey and beyond. In Ankara itself, runners can take part in various competitions throughout the year. The city hosts several 10K races and fun runs, such as the Eker I Run, which also occurs in other Turkish cities. For significant marathon experiences, team members often travel to other hubs in Turkey for premier events, such as the Istanbul Marathon or the Izmir Marathon, carrying the spirit of Ankara's running community with them.