Masters Türkiye Cross Championship (Antalya, December 7)

Antalya will host the Masters Türkiye Cross Championship on December 7, 2024, bringing together experienced athletes from across the country for a day of camaraderie and competition. This championship is more than just a race; it celebrates the passion, endurance, and lifelong dedication of Turkey’s master athletes, fostering a sense of community among runners who continue to push their limits regardless of age.

The event will attract participants from a range of age categories, showcasing the diversity of Turkish athletics. Open to both men and women, the championship will recognize top performers in each age group, with awards honoring individual achievements. Beyond personal victories, the championship aims to highlight the importance of fitness and sportsmanship throughout life, promoting healthy living among older athletes.

Set against Antalya’s scenic landscape, the cross-country race offers participants a challenging course and a memorable experience in one of Turkey’s most beautiful coastal cities. Athletes are encouraged to register in advance and prepare for a spirited event filled with friendly competition and mutual encouragement.

30th SPAR European Cross Country Championships (Antalya, December 8)

The 30th SPAR European Cross Country Championships is set to take place in the picturesque city of Antalya, Türkiye, on December 8, 2024. This prestigious event has evolved significantly since its inception, showcasing the best cross-country athletes from across Europe across various age categories.

The European Cross Country Championships initially featured only senior races in its first three editions. However, the event has expanded over the years to include U20 races, officially recognized in 1997, followed by U23 races in 2006 and the mixed relay in 2017. Notably, in 2023, the championships achieved parity between the sexes for the first time, with men and women racing over the same distances in their respective age groups. The senior races now span 9 km, marking a significant increase from the inaugural event, which was held over 4.5 km.

Throughout its history, the championships have seen remarkable athletes such as Paula Radcliffe, Mo Farah, and Sifan Hassan, who have all left their mark on this prestigious competition. The event has become a platform for rising stars, including Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who won multiple U20 titles before claiming senior gold.

The schedule for the day is filled with excitement, starting with the Kid’s Race at 09:30 and culminating in the Senior Men's race at 14:11. The medal ceremonies will follow, celebrating the achievements of all competitors.

Trendyol Süper Lig: Weeks 16 & 17 (December 13 - 23, Various Cities)

The Trendyol Süper Lig will enter a thrilling phase between December 13-23, 2024, as Weeks 16 and 17 promise action-packed football. Fans can look forward to electrifying matches featuring Türkiye’s football giants Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş, and Trabzonspor. These powerhouse teams will aim to solidify their positions in the league, delivering fierce competition on the field.

In addition to the traditional heavyweights, smaller clubs from all over Turkey will also take to the pitch, adding diversity and unpredictability to the upcoming weeks. Matches will be spread across multiple cities, giving fans nationwide a chance to enjoy the high-energy atmosphere that only the Süper Lig can provide.

With the season heating up, these two weeks are expected to bring surprises, goals, and intense rivalries. Stay tuned as the race for the top spot tightens, promising football fans a spectacle to remember.

The Great Atatürk Run (December 27, Ankara)

The Great Atatürk Run, a cherished tradition in Turkey, will once again take place in Ankara on December 27, 2024. This 10,800-meter street race, held annually, commemorates the day Mustafa Kemal Atatürk first arrived in Ankara on December 27, 1919—a pivotal moment in the Turkish War of Independence and the foundation of modern Turkey.

Since its inception in 1936, the Great Atatürk Run has grown into more than just a race. It serves as a tribute to the spirit of determination and resilience that Atatürk embodied. The first edition was won by Galip Darılmaz, who completed the course in 41 minutes and 8 seconds, setting the tone for the decades-long tradition that continues today.

This year, athletes from across the country will gather in the nation’s capital to honor Atatürk’s legacy through sport. The event not only celebrates athletic performance but also reflects the deep respect Turkish people hold for their history. Participants experience a unique connection with Ankara’s streets, retracing a symbolic path that resonates with national pride and collective memory.

The Great Atatürk Run is more than just a competition; it is a reminder of the values Atatürk championed—perseverance, unity, and progress. As the race day draws near, both amateur and professional runners are preparing to take part in this meaningful event, once again turning Ankara’s streets into a stage for both sport and remembrance.