The First Ultra Marathon Along the Victory Route Concludes in İzmir on the 100th Anniversary of the Great Offensive

The Nef Foundation’s ultra marathon, organized to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Great Offensive—the defining campaign that led the Turkish nation to victory and marked the rebirth of a nation—has successfully concluded. Covering 295 kilometers, the marathon retraced the historic Victory Route from Kocatepe in Afyon to İzmir over the course of six days, following in the footsteps of those who fought for the country’s independence.

Conceived as an annual event, the Victory Ultra Marathon is the world’s first commemorative ultra marathon held along the route of a nation’s historic military victory. Beginning on August 30 at the Kocatepe Monument in Afyon, runners completed the 295-kilometer course by following the path of Türkiye’s War of Independence through Kocatepe, Dumlupınar, Salihli, Turgutlu, and finally İnciraltı, before arriving at Republic Square in İzmir, where they were welcomed by large crowds.

The marathon aims to preserve the spirit of the National Struggle by commemorating the courage, determination, and unity that shaped Türkiye’s independence while inspiring future generations to carry those values forward.

Believing in the strength of unity, the Nef Foundation organized the event as part of the 100th anniversary of the Great Victory, honoring the path taken by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades during the struggle for independence. As part of its long-running #BirizBirlikteyiz (We Are One, Together) initiative, launched six years ago, the Foundation also announced that proceeds from the event would support the education of the children of martyrs and veterans.

The closing ceremony at Republic Square in İzmir was marked by a celebratory atmosphere. Governor of İzmir Yavuz Selim Köşger, Nef Chairman Erden Timur, and renowned historian Professor İlber Ortaylı attended the ceremony and presented medals to the athletes.

Erden Timur: “We Owe a Debt to This Homeland”

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Erden Timur, Chairman of Nef, said:

“We are proud to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Great Offensive, one of the most significant milestones on our journey toward freedom and independence. The victory achieved under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk at Dumlupınar on August 30, 1922, and the raising of our flag over İzmir on September 9, stand as enduring symbols of our nation’s determination to be free. We are the children of a country won through countless victories. Perhaps we are fortunate to have been born on these lands, but we also carry a profound responsibility—to our homeland, to future generations, and to those who came before us. Our ancestors secured this victory through unity and unwavering determination. As the Nef Foundation, preserving and strengthening that spirit of solidarity is among our greatest responsibilities.”

Governor Köşger: “An Important Way to Pass the Spirit of Victory to Future Generations”

Governor Yavuz Selim Köşger emphasized the educational value of the marathon, stating:

“Our nation has always demonstrated the ability to unite during difficult times. Events such as this allow us to pass on the spirit of the War of Independence, the spirit of Gallipoli, and the spirit of Malazgirt to younger generations. These athletes covered 295 kilometers in six days. Imagine making that same journey carrying equipment under wartime conditions. Activities like the Nef Foundation Victory Ultra Marathon help us understand the sacrifices and heroism of our ancestors. It is our responsibility to honor their legacy by building a stronger and more respected nation for the next century.”

295 Kilometers in Six Days

Throughout the six-day journey, runners followed the route once taken by legendary figures of the National Struggle, including Sancaktar Mehmet, Zehra Ana, Halime Çavuş, and Çoban İsmail. Participants camped in tents symbolizing the harsh conditions experienced during the War of Independence, reflecting the resilience and determination of those who fought a century earlier.

The event brought together 10 ultra marathon runners, 86 community runners in the Afyon stage, 286 community runners in the İzmir stage, and 372 virtual participants.

Along the route, rest stops featured historical presentations and stories highlighting the significance of each location during the Great Offensive. Local communities welcomed the runners with flags, refreshments, and enthusiastic support.

To further recreate the historical experience, participants were served traditional wartime meals such as dry bread, grape compote, and lentil soup, honoring the simple provisions available during the campaign.

Supporting the Children of Martyrs and Veterans

With the goal of enabling participation regardless of location, the Victory Ultra Marathon also included a virtual running event open to participants across Türkiye and around the world. Donations collected through the virtual run will be directed toward the education of the children of martyrs and veterans.

Since 2016, the Nef Foundation has provided ongoing scholarship support to the children of martyrs and veterans through the Ministry of Family and Social Services. The Foundation aims to expand this support further through the contributions generated by the Victory Ultra Marathon.

Victory Ultra Marathon Manifesto

This is the road of a nation’s rebirth.
This is the road of determination.
This is the path of Sancaktar Mehmet, who never lowered the flag until his final breath; of Zehra Ana, who carried ammunition to the front; of Halime Çavuş; and of Çoban İsmail.
This is the road where the Turkish nation stood united.
This is the road of those who gave everything for their homeland.
This is the road of a nation’s awakening.
This is the Victory Route.
Everything began on this road exactly one hundred years ago.
One hundred years later, let us once again stand together—as Atatürk and his comrades once did—and let 84 million hearts walk and run together along the Victory Ultra Marathon.