Arda Saatci: “I love testing my own limits”

Ultra-athlete Arda Saatci is pushing the boundaries of what is possible. He recently completed a 3,000-kilometre ultra marathon from Berlin to New York, running 50 kilometres a day. In this interview, he speaks with Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria about the adventure, his motivation, and more.

Discover Germany: How did you become an ultra-athlete? Was this always your goal, or did it happen by chance?

Arda Saatci: “It wasn’t always my plan to become an ultra-athlete. Originally, I wanted to be a professional football player and dedicated my life to football. But when that dream shattered at the age of 18, I looked for a new challenge where I could be in control. That’s how I found my way into extreme sports. I love testing my own limits and discovering what my body and mind can achieve. That eventually led me to ultra-marathons.”

Discover Germany: How did you prepare for your ultra-marathon to New York?

Arda Saatci: “The preparation was extremely demanding. I trained both physically and mentally. Besides countless kilometres of running, strength training was crucial to prevent injuries. I also prepared myself mentally for the challenge of running several marathons back-to-back every day. Mental endurance was just as important as the physical training – I had to keep working on staying strong, even when things got tough.”

Discover Germany: What highs and lows did you experience along the way?

Arda Saatci: “There were many highs, but also some lows. The biggest setback was definitely when, after about 750 kilometres at the French border, I had to pause due to a stress fracture in my shin. I needed two months of rehabilitation before I could continue. That was a tough time because I felt so far from my goal. But there were also incredible moments – like arriving in New York.”

Discover Germany: How did you plan your route?

Arda Saatci: “The route wasn’t completely pre-planned. We decided day by day how far we would run and where we would go. Of course, the starting point was Berlin, and the destination was New York. The path first took me to Porto, from where I flew to Boston and ran the final kilometres to New York. Flexibility was essential since we often had to adapt to the conditions on the ground.”

Discover Germany: How did it feel to arrive in New York?

Arda Saatci: “It was incredible. When I finally arrived at Times Square, it was a moment I’ll never forget. It took a few days for me to truly realise that I had made it. It was very emotional, especially when I saw my mother at the finish line – I shed a few tears.”

Discover Germany: What adventures are you planning next? What do you have in mind and why?

Arda Saatci: “After such an adventure, it’s hard to focus on the next step, but I live by the motto of my sports brand “Day One.” Every day is a new beginning. I’m already planning my next big project, but I’m keeping the details to myself for now. The thrill is what drives me – I always want to keep going and find out how much more I can achieve.”

Discover Germany: On your way to New York, you had to burn 5,000 to 6,000 calories daily. How did you manage that?

Arda Saatci: “Yes, I burned around 6,000 calories a day, which was a huge challenge. To compensate, I ate large amounts of food – usually in the evenings after running. It wasn’t always easy, but it was essential to restore the energy needed for the next day.”

Discover Germany: How do you train your mental strength? How do you manage to keep going on days when you feel like giving up?

Arda Saatci: “Mental strength is key. I’ve learned to always focus on the bigger goal and tell myself that there’s always a way, even on dark days. I set smaller goals along the way and try to enjoy the moment instead of just thinking about the finish line. It’s a mix of visualization and self-discipline.”

Discover Germany: ‘You vs. You’ – what mantras or tricks do you have for us to boost our mental strength?

Arda Saatci: “For me, it’s all about the inner dialogue. “You vs. You” means that you are your own greatest competitor. I don’t care what others achieve – I only measure myself against my own performance. When I feel like giving up, I remind myself why I started. Mantras like “There’s always a way” help me stay focused.”

Discover Germany: How do you prepare your body and mind for adventures like these?

Arda Saatci: “Preparation is very intense and includes both physical and mental training. In addition to running, strength training is essential to prevent injuries. Recovery is also very important – I give my body the time it needs to recover. After the journey, I often do active recovery, like swimming or light strength training, to stay active without overloading my body.”

Discover Germany: How did your social media channels support you during your ultra-marathon?

Arda Saatci: “My social media channels were a big part of the journey. It was important for me to bring my community along and let them experience the highs and lows with me. The positive feedback and support motivated me to keep going, even when things got tough. My team helped me produce content and document the journey.”

Discover Germany: What tips do you have for those who have long dreamed of doing something similar?

Arda Saatci: “My tip is: just start. Set a clear goal and pursue it relentlessly, no matter how impossible it may seem. There will always be obstacles, but if you stay mentally strong and believe in yourself, you can achieve incredible things.”