Istanbul Marathon

Location: Istanbul

Country:  Turkey
Website:  https://maraton.istanbul/?lang=en
2025 Marathon Date:  02/11/2025
2026 Marathon Date:  01/11/2026
Winning Time 2025: 2:10:12

% Sub-3s:  2-5%
# Sub-3s:  100-499
Total Runners: 3-10k

The Istanbul Marathon offers one of the most extraordinary journeys in distance running: a true intercontinental crossing that begins in Asia, traverses the Bosphorus and concludes in the heart of historic Europe. Established in 1979, the marathon has evolved from a small local run into a World Athletics Gold Label race, drawing more than 100,000 participants across all distances and earning a reputation as both a cultural spectacle and a sporting challenge. Its defining feature is its geography — runners experience two continents, one iconic bridge and thousands of years of history in a single race.

The modern course begins on the Asian side of the city, just before the toll booths of the 15 July Martyrs Bridge. After the starting gun, runners ascend onto the bridge for one of the race’s most memorable moments: a panoramic crossing of the Bosphorus Strait. The wide sweep of water beneath and the Istanbul skyline ahead set the tone for a marathon that blends physical effort with sweeping historical context.

Once on the European side, the course follows the coastal road, passing Dolmabahçe Palace and continuing toward the Golden Horn. Athletes traverse additional bridges, including crossings over the inlet itself, before moving deeper into the historic districts. The route includes the Galata Bridge and passes through areas such as Cankurtaran and Kumkapı, offering a constant interplay between waterfront vistas, neighbourhood life and imperial landmarks. These segments highlight the city’s layers of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, making the race feel like a running tour through time.

The marathon finishes in one of the most symbolically resonant locations in the world: the ancient Roman Hippodrome, known today as At Meydanı. Set between the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the historic Obelisk, the final stretch merges athletic achievement with an unforgettable sense of place.

Throughout its history, the event has undergone several route revisions — including a pandemic-era detour in 2020 — but has consistently preserved its intercontinental identity. Today, the Istanbul Marathon stands as a “bucket list” race, offering a rare blend of geographic drama, cultural immersion and historic grandeur, unmatched by any other marathon in the world.