The Istanbul Marathon (full name Vodafone Istanbul Marathon, formerly Intercontinental Istanbul Eurasia Marathon; (Turkish: İstanbul Avrasya Maratonu) is an international athletics event organized by the metropolitan municipality in Istanbul, Turkey, every year on a Sunday in October since 1979.The first Eurasia Marathon was won by Hasan Saylan, a Turkish athlete from the city of Zonguldak, in a time of 2:35:39. Being organized for 30 years, one of the most important features of the Eurasia Marathon is that it aims friendship and peace since day one.
The race course changed three times over the years, therefore winning times vary in those periods. Well known athletes such as Ian Thompson and Terry Mitchell participated in the Eurasia Marathon, which also became a testing ground for Turkish athletes, many of whom went on to run at international races.The marathon starts on the Asian side of the city, shortly before the First Bosphorus Bridge, crosses the bridge giving an outstanding view of the Bosphorus and Istanbul, passes many historic sites including the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and ends in Sultanahmet in the European part. In all, the race crosses three bridges, one over the Bosporus and two over the Golden Horn.
The age limit for 42K race is 18 years.
Drinking/sponging and refreshment stations are provided every 2.5km after 5kms.
All marathon finishers will receive a commemorative medal at the finish line.
6 hours.
A recycling chip which is going to take the running time will be given to all runners at Marathon and Sport EXPO. All runners must tie this timing chips to their shoelace.
Free transportation to the start area will be provided for the participants on the race day from Taksim, the city centre and from Sultanahmet.
Asian side of Istanbul
Beylerbeyi, İstanbul Çevre Yolu, 34676 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Turkey
Ottoman Empire
Cankurtaran Mh., Soğuk Çeşme Sk. No:30, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
rolling
Art & Architecture
The conquering armies of ancient times tended to ransack the city rather than endow it with artistic treasures, but all that changed with the Byzantines, who adorned their churches and palaces with mosaics and frescoes. Miraculously, many of these remain. Their successors, the Ottomans, were quick to launch an ambitious building program and the magnificently decorated imperial mosques that resulted are architectural triumphs that together form one of the world's great skylines. In recent years, local banks and business dynasties have reprised the Ottomans' grand ambitions and endowed an impressive array of galleries, museums and festivals for all to enjoy.
Local Life
Some ancient cities are the sum of their monuments, but İstanbul factors a lot more into the equation. Chief among its manifold attractions are the locals, who have an infectious love of life and generosity of spirit. This vibrant, inclusive and expanding community is full of people who work and party hard, treasure family and friendships, and have no problem melding tradition and modernity in their everyday lives. Joining them in their favourite haunts – çay bahçesis (tea gardens), kahvehans (coffeehouses), meyhanes (Turkish taverns) and kebapçıs (kebap restaurants) – will be a highlight of your visit.
The marathon starts on the Asian side of the city, shortly before the First Bosphorus Bridge, crosses the bridge giving an outstanding view of the Bosphorus and Istanbul, passes many historic sites including the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and ends in the İnönü Stadium in the European part. In all, the race crosses three bridges, one over the Bosporus and two over the Golden Horn
The race information has been found on the official website of the event or through publicly available sources. Always refer to the official website the latest race information. Please let us know if any data is wrong or missing, by emailing us.
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