Istanbul Marathon

IstanbulTurkey

Next race

Sunday, 1 November 2026

9:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Rolling · 183 m gain

183 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Istanbul Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 11k finishers on an urban road in Istanbul, Turkey. The course starts on the Asian side and finishes in Sultanahmet on the European side — the only intercontinental marathon. The route crosses the Bosphorus Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge) around kilometre 15. Mostly flat on both continents with a climb on the bridge.

Istanbul Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 11k finishers

Weather: Mild and humid autumn
13–16°C · humidity 70–85%
Marathon weather guide →

Course records: Men: 2:09:44 — Daniel Kibet (2019)Women: 2:18:35 — Ruth Chepngetich (2018)

Course & terrain

Istanbul Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Istanbul Marathon is a point-to-point intercontinental course that starts on the Asian side, crosses the Bosphorus on the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, and finishes in Sultanahmet on the European side. The flatter miles after the crossing are easiest while the bridge ascent is the signature tougher section, and spectator support is strongest near the bridge approaches, along the Bosphorus-side run-in, and in Sultanahmet.

Istanbul Marathon route map

Registration

Istanbul Marathon entry requirements

Registration is available at maraton.istanbul. International runners can sign up directly online; places are limited and demand is high due to the race's unique transcontinental status, so early registration is strongly advised.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Istanbul Marathon elevation profile?: The Istanbul Marathon has 183 metres of total climbing and 183 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
Where can I find the Istanbul Marathon route map?: This page includes a Istanbul Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Crosses the Bosphorus Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge) around kilometre 15.
How long is the Istanbul Marathon?: The Istanbul Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. From the Asian side to Sultanahmet on the European side — the only intercontinental marathon.
What time does the Istanbul Marathon start?: The 2026 Istanbul Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 1 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Does the Istanbul Marathon cross from Asia to Europe?: The Istanbul Marathon is widely promoted as the world's only marathon whose course crosses from Asia to Europe on foot, starting on the Asian side at Bağcılar and crossing the 15 July Martyrs Bridge (formerly the Bosphorus Bridge) into Europe.
Can all runners cross the Bosphorus Bridge at the Istanbul Marathon?: The bridge crossing is a feature of the full marathon; the road is closed to traffic for the event, giving runners exclusive use of the bridge over the Bosphorus Strait for race day.
When is the Istanbul Marathon held?: The race is typically held on the first Sunday of November, when Istanbul's autumn weather — usually 12–18 °C — creates good running conditions.
What does the Istanbul Marathon course look like on the European side?: After crossing the Bosphorus, runners travel through the historic European districts — past Dolmabahçe Palace, along the Golden Horn waterway, and through the commercial heart of Taksim and Beşiktaş — finishing near Sultanahmet with views of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
How do I register for the Istanbul Marathon?: International runners can sign up directly online; places are limited and demand is high due to the race's unique transcontinental status, so early registration is strongly advised.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Istanbul.

BucharestRomania· 445 km away

Bucharest Marathon

The Bucharest Marathon attracts about 9,000 finishers each October through Romania's capital. The course passes the Palace of Parliament, Revolution Square, and Herăstrău Park on wide Bucharest boulevards. October mild weather and a flat profile make it the largest marathon in Romania.

Next race: Sunday, 11 October 2026

AntalyaTurkey· 481 km away

Runtalya Marathon

The Runtalya Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each April on a scenic coastal road in Antalya, Turkey. Warm sea-level conditions and coastal scenery make it a popular spring destination race. The course passes Mediterranean seafront roads, resort districts, and palm-lined avenues. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

SofiaBulgaria· 502 km away

Sofia Marathon

The WIZZ AIR Sofia Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each October on a flat two-lap urban road through central Sofia, Bulgaria. The course starts and finishes at the National Art Gallery and passes landmark squares and boulevards beneath the Vitosha skyline.

Next race: Sunday, 11 October 2026

ThessalonikiGreece· 508 km away

Alexander the Great Marathon

The Alexander the Great Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each April on a point-to-point road in Thessaloniki, Greece. The finish on Thessaloniki's waterfront is the marathon's signature moment. The route passes Macedonian plain roads and ends beside the Thermaic Gulf promenade. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

AthensGreece· 560 km away

Athens Marathon

The Athens Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 14k finishers on a historic urban road in Athens, Greece. The course runs from Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens — the original 490 BC route. Expect significant climbs on this hilly course.

Next race: Sunday, 8 November 2026

SkopjeNorth Macedonia· 635 km away

Skopje Marathon

The Skopje Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each October on an urban road in Skopje, North Macedonia. It is one of the Balkans' major international marathon weekends. The course passes the Vardar River, large city squares, and broad roads on the Macedonian plain. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 3 October 2027

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Planning guides

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