September 2024 promises an exciting lineup of sports events in Türkiye, offering a blend of rich cultural traditions and modern athletic challenges. There is something for every sports enthusiast from the ancient and prestigious Historic Elmalı Oil Wrestling Tournament in Antalya to the invigorating Merrell Belgrad Ultra Trail in Istanbul, and the scenic Bursa Bicycle Tour. These events not only showcase the athletic prowess of their participants but also celebrate the vibrant communities and natural beauty of Türkiye.

The 672nd Historic Elmalı Oil Wrestling Tournament (September 3 - 8, Antalya)

The 672nd Historic Elmalı Oil Wrestling Festival is set to begin on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, and will conclude on Sunday, September 8, 2024. This prestigious event, organized by the Elmalı Municipality, will be held at the Recep Gürbüz Wrestling Arena in Elmalı, Antalya.

Elmalı, one of the oldest settlements for the Oghuz tribes that migrated to Anatolia, is also a historic center for oil wrestling, a sport deeply embedded in Turkish culture. The Historic Elmalı Oil Wrestling Festival, first held in 1352, is recognized as one of the earliest and most significant sports events in Anatolia, showcasing the strength and tradition of the Turkish people.

The 2023 event saw fierce competition, with Ali Gürbüz emerging as the champion and Osman Kan securing the second place. This year, spectators can expect another thrilling display of skill and endurance as wrestlers from across the country vie for the top honors.

As one of Turkey's most cherished traditions, the Elmalı Oil Wrestling Festival not only celebrates the athletic prowess of its participants but also serves as a vibrant cultural gathering, attracting visitors from all over the country. With a rich history and a lively atmosphere, this year's festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

The 2nd Merrell Belgrad Ultra Trail (September 6 - 8, İstanbul)

The 2nd Merrell Belgrad Ultra Trail is set to commence on Friday, September 6, 2024, and conclude on Sunday, September 8, 2024. This highly anticipated event, organized by Merrell Belgrad Ultra Trail, promises to be a remarkable blend of nature, sports, and entertainment, capturing the essence of our competitive spirit from the past.

Taking place in the scenic Kemerburgaz Urban Forest in Istanbul's Eyüp district, the festival provides a unique opportunity for participants to experience the lush greenery and natural beauty within the bustling city. The trail winds through the forest, offering a challenging yet invigorating experience for runners of all levels.

The Merrell Belgrad Ultra Trail has quickly become a beloved tradition, celebrated for its commitment to promoting outdoor activity and environmental awareness. It brings together a diverse community of athletes, nature enthusiasts, and families, all eager to partake in the various activities and festivities. Beyond the race itself, the festival includes a range of entertainment options, ensuring a fun and engaging experience for all attendees.

Dokuz Eylul Half Marathon (September 8, İzmir)

The beautiful and historic city of Izmir is set to host the Dokuz Eylul Half Marathon, a much-anticipated event for runners and enthusiasts alike. Organized by HIS Sports, this year's marathon promises to be an unforgettable experience, blending athletic challenges with the rich cultural heritage of Izmir.

Participants will begin their 21-kilometer journey at the iconic Cumhuriyet Square, a central landmark in Izmir. The route then stretches towards the scenic coastal area, leading runners past the bustling cityscape and along the waterfront. The turning point at İnciraltı Sports Facilities offers a refreshing view of the Aegean Sea, before runners loop back to finish at Cumhuriyet Square. This course is not only designed for optimal performance but also to provide a breathtaking tour of Izmir’s historic and modern landscapes.

For those traveling from afar, the Dokuz Eylul Half Marathon presents an ideal opportunity to explore the ancient city of Izmir. Rich in history and culture, Izmir boasts numerous attractions such as the ancient Agora, the bustling Kemeralti Market, and the serene Asansör. Participants and spectators alike can enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere, exquisite cuisine, and welcoming hospitality.

Frig Ultra Marathon (September 13, Afyonkarahisar)

The Frig Ultra Marathon offers participants a chance to traverse the stunning and rugged terrain of Afyonkarahisar. The race features multiple distance options, including 6K, 12K, and more extended ultra distances, accommodating runners of various skill levels and ambitions.

Participants will navigate a well-marked trail, with signs placed a minimum of 10 meters and a maximum of 100 meters apart, depending on the track's conditions. However, it is the runner's responsibility to follow these signs, as getting lost is an inherent part of trail racing. The organizing team reserves the right to change the trail before the race, with all runners informed of any changes beforehand.

Some segments of the trail may pass through roads open to traffic, requiring runners to obey traffic rules and stay vigilant. Participants under 18 can join the 6K and 12K races only with parental permission. Age groups are categorized as under 40 years old, 40-49 years old, and 50 years old and above.

Maintaining the pristine nature of the trail is a priority for the Frig Ultra Marathon. Runners are strictly prohibited from littering, with a specific emphasis on the disposal of water bottles. Any participant reported by two other runners for littering will be immediately disqualified, ensuring a clean and sustainable race environment.

The 16th Bursa Bicycle Tour (September 15, Bursa)

The 16th Bursa Bicycle Tour is set to take place on September 15, 2024, promising an exhilarating day for cycling enthusiasts and the local community alike. Organized by the Tophane Rotary Club, this annual event has become a beloved tradition, celebrated for its unique blend of athleticism, environmental awareness, and community spirit.

Cyclists will embark on a scenic route that winds through the historic streets of Tophane, the vibrant neighborhoods of Nilüfer, and the charming coastal town of Mudanya. The cycling journey showcases the natural beauty and cultural richness of Bursa, with participants enjoying stunning views, lush landscapes, and a refreshing sea breeze along the way.

Granfondo İzmir 2024 (September 22, İzmir)

Cycling enthusiasts are gearing up for the second phase of the highly anticipated Granfondo Series, set to take place in the historic and picturesque city of İzmir on September 22, 2024. Organized by HIS Sports, this event has quickly become a must-attend race since its inception, attracting cyclists from all over the world.

Now in its fourth year, the Granfondo Series has established itself as a premier cycling event, offering participants a unique blend of competitive racing and scenic exploration. The İzmir leg of the series promises an unforgettable experience, combining challenging routes with the rich cultural heritage of this ancient city.

Starting from Cumhuriyet Square, cyclists will embark on a journey that takes them through some of İzmir’s most iconic landmarks. The route will continue to the turning point in front of the İnciraltı Sports facilities, before heading back to finish at Cumhuriyet Square. This course offers participants not only a test of their endurance and skill but also a visual feast of İzmir’s stunning landscapes and historical sites.

Türkiye's sports calendar in September 2024 is packed with thrilling events that cater to diverse interests—the Historic Elmalı Oil Wrestling Tournament, with its deep cultural roots and fierce competition. Meanwhile, Dokuz Eylul Half Marathon, the Merrell Belgrad Ultra Trail and Frig Ultra Trail offers a unique trail running experience. Lastly, the Bursa Bicycle Tour invites cyclists to enjoy a scenic route through the historic and coastal areas of Bursa. Each of these events promises unforgettable experiences for participants and spectators alike.