© Bernardo Ricci Armani
Istanbul Marathon Featured in
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 15- and 10-km courses as well as an 8 km Fun Run. Since 1979, the Istanbul Marathon has been held annually in mid-October, and in 2012, the event was moved to mid-November.
