The Early Years
2003Established in 2003, the Istanbul Marathon is now 23 years old. From its first edition in Istanbul, it has evolved into a race that reflects the character of its host region in Turkey.
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Course & Elevation
The Istanbul Marathon is one of the world's most unique courses, starting on the Asian side and finishing on the European side, crossing the iconic Bosphorus via the 15 July Martyrs Bridge. The route showcases Istanbul's rich history, passing through vibrant neighborhoods and offering stunning views of the city's cultural landmarks.
Surface: road Profile: Rolling
Weather
Temperature 15°C
Humidity 65%
Rain Chance 35%
Mild autumn weather with cool temperatures ideal for marathon running. Occasional rain possible but generally favorable conditions with low humidity.
Related Guides
The Race
Istanbul
Race Lore
A Course Built for Speed
2014The course record of 02:05:31, set by Katsuhiko Nakajima in 2014, speaks to what the Istanbul Marathon offers elite athletes: a fast, honest course where serious times are achievable. The record has drawn increasingly competitive fields year after year.
Running Through a Postcard
The Istanbul Marathon route is one of those courses where runners forget their pace and reach for their phones. The scenery through Istanbul and its surroundings has earned this race a reputation as one of the most photogenic in Europe.
The Crowd Energy
With 32,000 finishers and spectators lining the course deep, the Istanbul Marathon generates an atmosphere that carries runners through the hard miles. The crowd support in Istanbul is not polite applause — it's visceral, personal, and often the difference between hitting the wall and breaking through it.
Famous Runners
KB
Kenenisa Bekele
Ethiopian distance legend
2:10:46 2010
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Course Record
02:05:31
Katsuhiko Nakajima (2014)
Registration
Registration Opens July
Registration Closes September
Entry Cost ₺1200-₺2500
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Fun Facts
- ▸ The Istanbul Marathon is the only marathon in the world that starts in Asia and finishes in Europe, crossing the legendary Bosphorus strait via the 15 July Martyrs Bridge.
- ▸ The race attracts over 127 nationalities, making it one of the most internationally diverse marathons globally with nearly 70% foreign participants.
- ▸ Istanbul Marathon has been certified and recognized as one of the world's best marathons by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).
- ▸ The event generates significant economic impact for Istanbul's tourism industry, with international runners and their families extending stays to explore the city's UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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