Runners who want to their heart rate up while enjoying some history and views might consider a run up to the Ankara Castle. The castle itself is a significant ancient castle built on a rocky hilltop, offering panoramic views of the city. The main way to get there is a series of stars starting in Evi Park. The reward at the castle is wonderful views, and you can even walk on the castle walls. You can also use some roads to get to the castle (hard to map exactly). It’s a mix of some charming older streets and some dilapidated sections, but there are ongoing efforts to improve the area. Note we haven’t mapped this route specifically. We just recommend it as a spot to visit and running the stairs to the castle can be a unique experience.
Option/Add-On: You could combine a loop of Gençlik Park with the castle climb. It’s ~1.3 km from the Gençlik Park to Evi Park, passing through sections of the Old City. Use A.Adnan Saygun Cd. (busy but runnable).
Stairs from Evi Park. Google Street View
Runners who want to their heart rate up while enjoying some history and views might consider a run up to the Ankara Castle. The castle itself is a significant ancient castle built on a rocky hilltop, offering panoramic views of the city. The main way to get there is a series of stars starting in Evi Park. The reward at the castle is wonderful views, and you can even walk on the castle walls. You can also use some roads to get to the castle (hard to map exactly). It’s a mix of some charming older streets and some dilapidated sections, but there are ongoing efforts to improve the area. Note we haven’t mapped this route specifically. We just recommend it as a spot to visit and running the stairs to the castle can be a unique experience.
Option/Add-On: You could combine a loop of Gençlik Park with the castle climb. It’s ~1.3 km from the Gençlik Park to Evi Park, passing through sections of the Old City. Use A.Adnan Saygun Cd. (busy but runnable).
Essentials
HILLY run to castle on stairs or area roads/paths!
For castle: Evi Park
Bus access or walk from Old Ankara. Metro doesn't serve Castle area
Independence Park and 50th Year Park are two parks just south of the old city that are pleasant for running. They can be run standalone or combined. 50th Year Park is particularly scenic, with hilltop views of Ankara and nicely landscaped paths.
Natural lake located 20 km of Ankara is one of the most scenic spots in the area for a run. A full loop around the lake on the very runnable road is 10.6 km, and features some lovely views. Can be combined with trail running in adjacent Metu Forest.
Huge area for with lots of running variety. Large university campus has many km of paths. The adjacent 7,500-acre METU Forest is a great spot for hilly trail running. Lake Eymir has a 10.5 km road around its perimeter with great views.
Running along the massive plaza up to the Ataturk Mausoleum is a breathtaking experience. There's a grand, nearly 1 km approach, built on a huge scale. Combine this with other area roads/paths, and a running track across the street.
Central Ankara's largest green space and a nice spot for a run. A loop around the nicely landscaped paths is ~2 km. Longer option: add the adjacent sports complex & running track, Hipodrom Park and paths around the Ataturk Cultural Center.
This man-made park in a sunken valley in south Ankara is a good spot for a longer off-road run. A loop around the park is ~5 km on concrete paths surrounded by trees, landscaping, and a lake. Note: hilly!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!
Subscribe
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Essentials
HILLY run to castle on stairs or area roads/paths!
For castle: Evi Park
Bus access or walk from Old Ankara. Metro doesn't serve Castle area
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!