Pushing the limits in a 112 km challenge: Medipol athletes reach the podium

The 2026 Gallipoli Triathlon, held in the historic setting of Çanakkale, featured highly competitive contests in which endurance and strategy took centre stage. Students of Istanbul Medipol University pushed their limits and delivered impressive performances throughout the challenging course.

Organized through the collaboration of the Turkish Triathlon Federation, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Gallipoli Historical Site Directorate of the Çanakkale Wars, the event commenced at the Former Gendarmerie Camp on the Historic Gallipoli Peninsula. Approximately 200 athletes competed in the race, tackling a demanding course consisting of a 1.9-kilometre swimming stage, a 90-kilometre cycling stage, and a 21-kilometre running stage.

MEDIPOL STUDENTS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE CHALLENGING COURSE
Competing in different age categories, Istanbul Medipol University students attracted attention with their performances in the 20–24 Age Category.

Ömer Salih Karaosman, a student in the Department of Health Management within the School of Health Sciences, maintained a strong pace throughout the competition and secured a place on the podium with a finishing time of 5:54:03, completing the event in third place.
 

Berkant Taşçı, a student in the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation within the School of Health Sciences, demonstrated consistent performance across the technically demanding stages and finished fifth with a time of 6:42:51.

Mehmet Işık, a student in the Department of Business Administration (English) within the School of Business and Management Sciences, completed the endurance-intensive course in 7:23:17, earning seventh place. 
 

A THRILLING RACE IN THE HISTORIC ATMOSPHERE OF GALLIPOLI
Bringing together athletes from across Türkiye, the Gallipoli Triathlon stood out not only for its competitive level but also for its unique historical and natural setting. Against the backdrop of Çanakkale’s remarkable scenery, participants competed in stages where mental resilience proved just as important as physical endurance.

The event attracted considerable interest from triathlon enthusiasts, with particularly intense competition unfolding during the cycling and running stages. Held on the Historic Gallipoli Peninsula, the race distinguished itself as one of the rare sporting events where history and sport converge.
 

AWARDS PRESENTED TO TOP FINISHERS
Following the completion of the races, an awards ceremony was held for athletes who placed in 24 different categories. Awards were presented by Eceabat District Governor Kerem Yenigün, Deputy Director of the Gallipoli Historical Site of the Çanakkale Wars Zülküf Memiş, and other protocol members. Through their outstanding performances and final rankings, students of Istanbul Medipol University were among the most prominent competitors of the event.