Istanbul Marathon 2024

The Istanbul Marathon is unique for being the only marathon that starts in Asia and finishes in Europe. The 42-km route goes along the Bosphorus, then the Golden Horn and Marmara Sea and covers three bridges, including the First Bosphorus Bridge, and two more bridges over the Golden Horn. The course overlooks Istanbul's major historical landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.

Apart from the main 42-km course, there are shorter options, including a 15-km and a 8-km courses. Since 1979, the Istanbul Marathon has been held annually in mid-October, and in 2012, the event was moved to mid-November.

How to register

Only those who have completed a 42K marathon course in the 6:20 time frame or a 21K half marathon course in the 3:25 time frame in the last two years can register to run a full marathon in Istanbul. Applicants have to upload a certificate or an image of the official results from a race during the registration. After the document is uploaded, the confirmation status is finalized within 3 workdays. The registration fee is 60 Euro if you apply in December, 80 Euro if you apply from January through May, 100 Euro in June-July, or 120 Euro if you apply from August through mid-October. You have to be 18 or older to run.

Marathon Expo

In 2024, the Istanbul Marathon and Sports Fair will be held from October 31 to November 2. At the Expo, runners can receive their race kits and enjoy shopping and festivities at dozens of stands, set up by marathon sponsors. The fair takes place at Dr. Mimar Kadir Topbaş Gösteri ve Sanat Merkezi (Avrasya Show and Art Center). The event is held from 10 am to 7 pm on Thursday and Friday and from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday.

Marathon Route

The Marathon begins near the 15 July Martyrs Bridge on the Asian side of Istanbul, The runners cross the bridge over the Bosphorus and go down the coastal road and Barbaros Boulevard. The course goes over Galata Bridge, passes Kennedy Caddesi, Cankurtaran, Kumkapı, Yenikapı, Yedikule, Zeytinburnu, Bakırköy, Rauf Orbay Street, Sirkeci Gülhane Park, and Sultanahmet Square. The marathon finishes at At Meydanı (Hippodrome) between the entrance gate of the Blue Mosque and the Obelisk.