Strong turnout for the 36th traditional cross-country race organized by GTGB

The 36th Traditional Cross-Country Race organized by the Turkish Youth Union of Gümülcine (GTGB) attracted significant participation on Sunday, June 7, bringing together athletes, community leaders, and members of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace.

The event took place at the Kartalkaya area near the village of Semetli in the Regional Unit of Rhodope and featured competitions across 12 different age and gender categories.

Among those attending were Turkish Consul General in Gümülcine Aykut Ünal and his wife İlayda Ünal, Rhodope Member of Parliament Özgür Ferhat, GTGB President Sedat Hasan, Deputy Chairman of the Friendship, Equality and Peace (FEP) Party Metin Hacıosman, representatives of minority institutions and organizations, and numerous members of the local community.

A total of 148 competitors participated in the races. Winners in each category received prizes, with first-place finishers awarded bicycles, while other successful participants received gifts provided by sponsoring companies.

In the Adult Men's category, Selçuk Molla secured first place, while Ceren Halil won the Adult Women's category.

The event concluded with a traditional folk dance performance by the GTGB folklore team, followed by food and refreshments served to participants and guests.

Organizers described the annual race as one of the most established sporting and cultural events of the Turkish minority community in Western Thrace, promoting youth participation, community engagement, and healthy lifestyles.

Adult Category Winners

Adult Men

Selçuk Molla
Enez Çıtır Hüseyin
Selahattin Mehmet

Adult Women

Ceren Halil
Hümeyranur Çapın
Rukiye R. Pancer

Women 35+

Şeyda Ayaz
Fevze Apti
Serap İsmail

A total of 12 categories were contested during the event, recognizing athletes from junior to adult age groups.