Istanbul Marathon
Join Istanbul Marathon 2021
Are you ready to be one of the 5,000 Marathon Runners who will challenge all odds?
The Istanbul Marathon, the only intercontinental marathon in the world and a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, was among the events affected by the COVID-19 pandemic that left its mark in 2021 with many mandatory changes from participation conditions to the race course.
In 2020, when many major marathons were cancelled or run only by elite athletes, we meticulously completed all the preparations for the Istanbul Marathon, which we staged for the 42nd time. In this direction, we decided to run the N Kolay 43rd Istanbul Marathon on November 7 with only 5,000 42k runners on the “pandemic special course”!
Instead of the traditional racecourse that starts with an intercontinental run on the 15th of July Martyrs Bridge on the Anatolian side of the city, the 2020 Marathon had started from the Yenikapı Event Area, allowing a large space that enabled all participants to take full health and hygiene measures.
The Istanbul Marathon, where tens of thousands of Istanbulites come together in the Fun Run every year and turn it into a feast, will again be restricted in 2021 to only 5,000 marathon runners who will not give up and go forth, even without spectator support!
So, are you ready to run in this special edition of the Istanbul Marathon and proudly carry the medal that only 5,000 people can have?
Course Highlights
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 HornCourse profile
Route map
directions_runStart Address: Beylerbeyi, Unnamed Road, 34676 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Turkey
flagFinish Address: Binbirdirek, Blue Underground Modern City-Toilet, Sultanahmet Meydanı, 34200 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Register
Registration closes on 21 October (4 days left)
selected tickets
Total
You can, within 24 hours after your registration, get a full refund if you change your mind.
We accept
Included in the fee
- Time measurement service
- Race Pack (bib number and electronic chip)
- Sports bag
- T-shirt
- Medal
- Certificate
- Water and refreshment stations on the course
- Post-race food package
- Photo service
Practicalities
After Race Services
There will be massage and catering services available after the race.
Age Limit
The age limit for 42K race is 18 years.The age limit for 15K race is 16 years.
Aid Stations
Drinking/sponging and refreshment stations are provided every 5kms.
Award Medals
All marathon finishers will receive a commemorative medal at the finish line.
Equipment Storage
Your personal official race bag number will be given to you separately at the Race Kits Distribution Area. Please ensure that you complete the details on the luggage number and attach this to your bag. The number must be secured before packing your belongings to the bag. Luggage tents are provided at the start/finish area for the safe storage of your belongings. Official race bag will be given to you at the Race Kits Distribution Area, and only official race bag will be accepted into the luggage tent on the race day.
Maximum Time
The time limit for the marathon is 6 hours and 20 minutes. The points on the course will be opened to traffic gradually.
Provided Photo Service
You can access your photos on the course via face recognition technology of Photier App after the Marathon. The code will be shared with you.
Qualifications
Participant must be at least 18 years old for the Marathon.
Race Kit Includes
Chip, t-shirt, bib number, and race bag.
Refreshments
There will be refreshment stations with water and fast energy boosts every five kilometres on the route.
Timing
Timing chip which is going to measure the running time will be given to all runners at the race kit distribution area. All runners must tie this timing chips to their shoelaces.
Transport
Buses to transfer athletes to the start point will depart from Taksim Square and Sultanahmet Hagia Sophia Mosque btw 07.00 and 07.30 a.m.
Refund Policy
There is no cancellation, postponement or transferring rights to another person.
Location
Frequently asked questions
When and where can I collect my BIB/race pack?
Race kit distribution will take place at the Dr. Kadir Topbaş Show and Art Center -formerly name of Eurasia Culture and Art Centre- on November 4-5-6th. IMPORTANT NOTE: HES code query will be made for your safety, similar to all our events. Don’t forget to have your HES code ready with you when you come for kit distribution! Don’t forget to follow our social media accounts for all our announcements.
How do I get to the race location?
Buses to transfer the athletes to the starting point will depart from Taksim “Atatürk Kültür Merkezi” and Sultanahmet Hagia Sophia Mosque between 07.00 and 07.30 a.m. Only athletes showing their bib number will be allowed on these buses.
Can I change the distance after I purchase a ticket?
Changing the category is possible until October 20th. There is no cancellation, postponement or transferring rights to another person.
Can someone collect my race pack for me?
Yes, someone can pick up your race pack on behalf of you. The person who will receive the race package must bring a copy of ID or passport of the runner.
What is the time limit for the race?
The time limit for the marathon is 6 hours and 20 minutes. The points on the course will be opened to traffic gradually. Runners who have not yet completed the course may continue the run on the pavement. Athletes who finish the course after 6 hours 20 minutes will not be classified, and they cannot claim medal or certificate.
What are the health and safety protocols for the Nkolay Istanbul Marathon?
According to the circular of Ministry of Internal Affairs; PCR test or vaccination card declaration has been made mandatory for participation in collective activities. In line with this circular, all athletes, officials, spectators, companions, and volunteers who will participate In our events must submit a PCR test with a 'negative' result in the last 48 hours or a vaccination card statement 14 days after the 2nd vaccination.
Where is the baggage check located?
Buses for belongings will be located at the left of the starting point. All athletes will deliver the bags given to them during kit distribution to the relevant bus according to their bib numbers and will receive them back at the finish point by showing their bib numbers.
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.
