Istanbul Marathon

The Istanbul Marathon: Bridging Continents

The Istanbul Marathon, also called the Vodafone Istanbul Marathon, is a prestigious annual event and one of the rare marathons worldwide that spans two continents: Asia and Europe. Founded in 1979, the Istanbul Marathon initially started as the “Intercontinental Istanbul Marathon”. This race is unique as participants cross the famous Bosphorus Bridge, connecting Asia to Europe, making it a transcontinental race.

The event typically occurs in November with generally cool weather conditions, around 10 to 15°C, ideal for running. About 30,000 to 40,000 runners participate in this international event each year. In 2022, more than 20,000 were registered just for the marathon distance!

Starting from the Asian side, near the July 15 Martyrs Bridge (formerly the Bosphorus Bridge), participants pass through some of Istanbul’s most stunning sites, including the Dolmabahçe Grove, the Galata Bridge, as well as the Taksim, Beşiktaş, and Fatih districts. The course includes some inclines but is still considered relatively flat and fast. The finish line is located on the European continent, in the historic area of Eminönü, near the Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet. Marathoners will arrive at the heart of the fortified city of Constantinople, a site rich in history. Eminönü is indeed where the Byzantine capital was established, the cradle of civilization!

The event is recognized by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and has held the Gold Label (Gold Label Road Race) since 2012. The 42.195 km race attracts international elite female and male athletes known for sweeping all the podiums! With its highly accessible route, the race provides the perfect setting to set timeless records. The current men’s record is held by Daniel Kipkore Kibet from Kenya, with a time of 2h09’44, set in 2019. The women’s record is held by another Kenyan athlete, Ruth Chepngetich, with a time of 2h18’35, achieved in 2021. These benchmarks challenge new participants to break them. If the marathon event and speed aren’t for every runner, beginners will also find a race suited to their level! The Istanbul Marathon event is diverse, not only by the nationalities of the participants but also by their abilities. A half-marathon, a 15 km race, and an 8 km Fun Run are also part of this weekend’s running celebration! Thus, an event initially reserved for regular and experienced runners is opening up to other categories of athletes and is also developing a “family-sport” concept, attracting more people with each edition. Registration, which opens several months before the event with limited spots for each race category, should be done quickly! Becoming a benchmark in the world of road running, the Istanbul Marathon is increasingly sought after, and bib numbers are becoming coveted, but they’re worth the experience!

Alongside, the Istanbul Marathon also supports various charitable causes. Many participants run to raise funds for local and international NGOs, often with strong local community involvement, making it a supportive and festive event. The Istanbul Marathon is a great opportunity to combine sport and tourism, as participants and spectators can explore the cultural and historical riches of this iconic city, which has been the capital of three empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. In addition to this event, Istanbul also hosts other races throughout the year, such as the Istanbul Half Marathon in April, which is also very popular.