Source :pagev.net

Silivri Mayor Bora Balcıoğlu visited Yavuz Eroğlu, Chairman of the Board of SEM Plastik, PAGEV, and PAGÇEV Green Transformation and Technology Association, to exchange views on the 'Great Wall Run – Ultra Marathon' project, which extends from the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea.

With its 45-kilometer course along the historic Anastasios Wall, the world’s third-largest defense line, this unique marathon aims to bring together both nature and history enthusiasts in the enchanting atmosphere of Silivri.

During the meeting, Mayor Bora Balcıoğlu emphasized the significance of the project for Silivri, stating:
"We want to bring this project to Silivri. It will be a very special initiative that highlights the value of Silivri, which captivates with its history and nature, and will revitalize tourism."

Yavuz Eroğlu, Chairman of the Board of SEM Plastik, PAGEV, and PAGÇEV Green Transformation and Technology Association, highlighted that the marathon holds great importance both in terms of environmental awareness and cultural heritage:
"This initiative, which will showcase Silivri’s history, nature, and tourism potential, also aligns with our country’s green transformation goals. Every step taken along this route, which has hosted many civilizations throughout history, will connect us with the past and inspire the future."

The project aims to bring a fresh perspective to Turkey’s tourism sector. Famous defense lines such as the Great Wall of China and Hadrian’s Wall in England attract millions of tourists every year. The Great Wall receives approximately 10 million visitors annually, while Hadrian’s Wall attracts nearly 1 million. Considering that visitors spend an average of $120 per person in these regions, these historic routes generate hundreds of millions of dollars in tourism revenue each year for their countries.

The Anastasios Walls are considered the world’s third-largest defense line, after the Great Wall of China and Hadrian’s Wall. Transforming this 56-kilometer structure, which stretches from the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea, into a tourism attraction will provide a major promotional opportunity for both Istanbul and Turkey. Once fully realized, the project is expected to attract 400,000 visitors annually to Silivri and its surroundings, generating $25 million in direct revenue for the region and approximately $40 million for the national economy.

Silivri, which shares historical ties with the Balkan countries, will be able to attract not only domestic but also numerous Balkan visitors through this project. By combining cultural, nature, and sports tourism, this marathon will turn Silivri into a regional attraction.

The marathon will start from Silivri Castle, proceed along the Mimar Sinan Bridge and the Anastasios Walls, and finish at the Black Sea coast in Karacaköy, Çatalca. The event will offer three course options based on difficulty: 15 km, 30 km, and 45 km.

The event aims to provide athletes with both a physical and mental challenge while promoting Silivri’s cultural, natural, and touristic assets on a national and international scale.

 

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