Corendon Tahtalı Run to Sky is Türkiye’s first skyrunning race, held every spring in Kemer. It starts at sea level on Çıralı beach and finishes on the 2,365-metre summit of Mount Tahtalı. The 12th edition took place from 8 to 10 May 2026 with three courses. This guide covers the routes, how to prepare and where to stay for the next edition.
Run to Sky at a glance
- When: every May (2026: 8–10 May, 12th edition)
- Where: Kemer district: Çıralı, Mount Tahtalı, Phaselis and Kemer town
- Type: Skyrunning / trail running
- Organisation: title sponsor Corendon Airlines, in partnership with the Skyrunner World Series
- Registration: tahtaliruntosky.com (entries for 2026 opened in September 2025)
What is skyrunning?
Skyrunning is mountain running at its most vertical. The challenge isn’t just distance but gaining a huge amount of altitude in a short distance. The Run to Sky main course is a perfect example: 2,650 metres of climbing in 27 kilometres. Starting on a Mediterranean beach and finishing on one of the best-known peaks of the Western Taurus makes it a genuinely unusual race.
The 2026 courses
| Course and 2026 start | Distance / climb | Start → finish |
|---|---|---|
| Run to Sky Sat 9 May, 07:00 |
27 km / +2,650 m | Çıralı beach → Olympos Teleferik summit station (2,365 m) |
| Phaselis Run Sat 9 May, 08:00 (9-hour cut-off) |
43 km / +1,260 m | Kemer town centre → Phaselis Ancient City |
| KemeRun Sun 10 May, 09:00 |
12 km | Kemer Olbia Park → Kemer Çalıştepe |
The Phaselis Run made its debut in 2026, pairing a slightly-longer-than-marathon distance with a finish among ancient ruins. KemeRun is a more accessible option for runners who aren’t ready for skyrunning or who are travelling with family. Entry fees in 2026 ranged from €60 to €110 depending on the course.
Preparing for the next Run to Sky
- Watch for registration. In recent years entries opened months ahead, in the autumn.
- Train vertical. The main course averages close to 100 metres of climbing per kilometre. Hill repeats and stair sessions are essential.
- Expect a different climate at the top. In May it can feel like summer on Çıralı beach and be windy and cold at 2,365 metres. Follow the organiser’s mandatory kit list.
- Plan your way down. The main course finishes at the cable car summit station. Plan the descent and your return to Kemer using the organiser’s race information.
Why base yourself in central Kemer?
Two of the three courses are tied to Kemer town: the Phaselis Run starts there and KemeRun is entirely within it. Çıralı, where the main course starts, is roughly 35–40 km from central Kemer, so check the organiser’s shuttle information for race morning.
Kemer Royal Beach Hotel is in central Kemer, which makes it a practical base for bib collection before the race and recovery afterwards, with restaurants and shops within walking distance. When next year’s dates are announced, check availability here or browse our rooms. Running clubs and groups can contact us on WhatsApp. Flying in? See our Antalya Airport to Kemer guide.
Frequently asked questions
When is Tahtalı Run to Sky?
The race is held every May. The 2026 edition ran from 8 to 10 May. Next year’s dates will be announced by the organiser.
How long is the Run to Sky course?
The main course is 27 km with about 2,650 m of climbing. There’s also the 43 km Phaselis Run and the 12 km KemeRun.
Where does the race start?
The main course starts on Çıralı beach and finishes at the Olympos Teleferik summit station (2,365 m).
Related events
Mount Tahtalı also hosts a motorbike race to the summit: Sea to Sky hard enduro. Cyclists should look at AKRA Gran Fondo Antalya in April. See the full Kemer events calendar.
Cover photo: Cubus-Simus, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted with typography and shared under the same licence.