05.02.2026 22:33
Saffet Acar (75), a veteran marathon runner who started sports 40 years ago in Aydın, serves as an example to those around him with his determination. Acar, who has made sports a way of life and returned with awards from many competitions, said, "I owe my health to sports. I recommend it to everyone."
Saffet Acar, who lives in the Fatih neighborhood of the Efeler district in Aydın, continues his sports life, which he started 40 years ago, as a marathon runner who has won awards and first places. Despite his advancing age, veteran marathon runner Acar does not give up on sports for a moment, running at least 2 hours a day and training with his coach. Acar, who inspires those watching him on the track he runs, is the reason many people start exercising.
'I RUN MORE KILOMETERS THAN MY CAR' Saffet Acar, who stated that he is retired from the Village Services Directorate, said, "I started sports 40 years ago. In 2012, I met my national team coach Muzaffer Kaplan. After that, I started training more consciously. I ran my best half marathon time in Trabzon at 1:27:00. I also completed my best marathon at the International Mersin Marathon in 3:30:00, becoming the first in Turkey. I try to exercise every day. I owe my health to sports. I recommend it to everyone. I have a 1993 model car. Despite the years passing, it has only 85,000 kilometers. I run more kilometers than that car. Sports have become a lifestyle for me. I finished the half marathon I ran in Konya on May 18, 2025, in 1:40:00, becoming the first in Turkey. I respect my competitors, but if I were to compete now, I would still be first in the 75 age group. Because I have no rivals. I continue my life by willingly doing this sport," he said. Acar, who also showed the trophies he won in various competitions at his home, noted that he will continue to run to achieve better results.
'THE ONLY MEDICINE NOT SOLD IN PHARMACIES IS SPORTS' Recommending that everyone exercise according to their strength, Acar said, "Everyone should have a sport in their life. Those who can run should run; if you can't do anything, you can walk. At least you will have set aside quality time for yourself. The only medicine not sold in pharmacies is sports," he said.
'THE RUNNING LEGEND' National Team Athletics coach Muzaffer Kaplan said, "I was assigned to Aydın in 2012. By the time I arrived in 2012, I had my own national athletes. While running with them, Saffet brother saw us in the stadium. He was someone who exercised alone. After meeting us, he started to exercise professionally. He participated in road races. He managed to achieve a ranking in every race he participated in. He has run marathons, half marathons, 10-kilometer road races, and full marathons. Saffet brother is now a school in Turkey. We call him 'the running legend.' Despite being 75 years old, his physical condition is remarkably good. This is related to his conscious exercise," he said.
Kaplan also pointed out that Saffet Acar has goals, saying, "He will run in the Istanbul and Konya half marathons. In addition, he is considering running on the track in the indoor and outdoor arenas. He also has goals such as the Balkan Championship, European Championship, and World Championship. Hopefully, we will achieve these as well. Currently, the indoor records are very easily achievable for Saffet brother," he said.
'I STARTED EXERCISING WITH DEDICATION' Erdal Türkan (60), who started exercising after seeing Saffet Acar's determination, said, "He is my idol." Cemal Tan (36) stated that he started exercising 7 months ago, saying, "In the group I joined, we met Saffet Acar. Despite being 2 decades older than me, his performance is far superior. I can't keep up with him; he waves to me from a distance. I congratulate him and take him as an example. Hopefully, we will continue exercising and reach his age in good health and achieve better performances," he said. (DHA)