Istanbul Marathon

Istanbul Marathon Countdown

206

Days

04

Hrs

12

Min

25

Sec

Next Race

November 1, 2026

207

days to go

The Istanbul Marathon is the only marathon in the world whose course spans two continents. Starting on the Asian side near the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, runners cross the Bosphorus strait into Europe, threading through Ottoman-era districts past the Dolmabahce Palace, over the Golden Horn via the Galata Bridge, and finishing at the historic Sultanahmet Square beneath the Blue Mosque. The intercontinental crossing, the silhouette of minarets against the skyline, and passionate Turkish crowds make this one of the most atmospheric marathons on Earth.

WA Gold Label

Est.

1979

Distance

42.195km / 26.2mi

Course

Point-to-point

Surface

Road

Elev. Gain

80m

Elev. Loss

120m

Field Size

~35,000

When

November

Time Limit

6h

THE COURSE

Gain

+80m

Loss

-120m

MI 0.6

KM 1

Bosphorus Bridge Crossing

The race begins on the Asian side and immediately crosses the iconic 15 July Martyrs Bridge over the Bosphorus strait. Runners experience a breathtaking sunrise panorama connecting two continents — one of the most unique moments in world marathon running.

ELEV: 65ft

MI 0.6

KM 1

Bosphorus Bridge Crossing

The race begins on the Asian side and immediately crosses the iconic 15 July Martyrs Bridge over the Bosphorus strait. Runners experience a breathtaking sunrise panorama connecting two continents — one of the most unique moments in world marathon running.

ELEV: 65ft

MI 3.7

KM 6

Dolmabahce Palace

After descending into the European side, runners pass the ornate Dolmabahce Palace along the Bosphorus waterfront. The baroque facade of the last Ottoman sultans' residence gleams against the morning light.

ELEV: 10ft

MI 3.7

KM 6

Dolmabahce Palace

After descending into the European side, runners pass the ornate Dolmabahce Palace along the Bosphorus waterfront. The baroque facade of the last Ottoman sultans' residence gleams against the morning light.

ELEV: 10ft

MI 5.6

KM 9

Galata Bridge & Golden Horn

Crossing the historic Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn estuary, runners are treated to views of the Galata Tower and the New Mosque. Fishermen line the bridge as the marathon streams past.

ELEV: 5ft

MI 5.6

KM 9

Galata Bridge & Golden Horn

Crossing the historic Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn estuary, runners are treated to views of the Galata Tower and the New Mosque. Fishermen line the bridge as the marathon streams past.

ELEV: 5ft

MI 15.5

KM 25

Old City Walls

The course threads along sections of the ancient Theodosian Walls, the fortifications that protected Constantinople for over a thousand years. A reminder of Istanbul's deep Byzantine history.

ELEV: 30ft

MI 15.5

KM 25

Old City Walls

The course threads along sections of the ancient Theodosian Walls, the fortifications that protected Constantinople for over a thousand years. A reminder of Istanbul's deep Byzantine history.

ELEV: 30ft

MI 26.2

KM 42.195

Sultanahmet Finish

The final stretch leads into Sultanahmet Square, the ancient Roman Hippodrome, with the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia as the backdrop. Finishing between these two monumental structures is an unforgettable experience.

ELEV: 25ft

MI 26.2

KM 42.195

Sultanahmet Finish

The final stretch leads into Sultanahmet Square, the ancient Roman Hippodrome, with the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia as the backdrop. Finishing between these two monumental structures is an unforgettable experience.

ELEV: 25ft