01.11.2026 09:52
The 48th Istanbul Marathon of Türkiye İş Bankası started at 09:00 from the July 15 Martyrs Bridge. In the organization, in which a total of 45,679 people registered, 43 elite athletes—16 women and 27 men—are competing. A total of 12 million lira in prize money will be distributed to the athletes who place. Due to the marathon, the entire route, including the Eurasia Tunnel, has been closed to traffic, and the roads are expected to reopen at 15:30.
Holding the title of “the world’s only intercontinental marathon,” the Istanbul Marathon is being held for the 48th time this year. In the race, which is in the “Gold Label” category by World Athletics, 42-kilometer, 15.5-kilometer, corporate run, public run, and wheelchair races will be held.
STARTING SIGNAL GIVEN BY OFFICIALS
The marathon, organized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Department of Youth and Sports Services and IMM Spor Istanbul, started on the Anatolian Side next to the metrobus stop on the July 15 Martyrs Bridge. The starting signal was given by IMM Acting Mayor Nuri Aslan, President of the Turkish Athletics Federation Ahmet Karadağ, Spor Istanbul General Manager Bilge Donuk, and other dignitaries.
PROMINENT NAMES
In the men’s race, 2024 champion Dejene Debela, Amdework Walelegn, and Sufaro Woliyi are among the prominent names. In the women’s race, defending champion Bizuager Aderra, Judith Korir, and Veronicah Maina stand out.
THE MARATHON WILL FINISH IN SULTANAHMET
In the 42-kilometer race, athletes will cross from the July 15 Martyrs Bridge to the European Side and reach the historic peninsula via Beşiktaş and the Galata Bridge. Following Kennedy Avenue and advancing to Bakırköy, the athletes will turn back from there, come to Gülhane Park via the coastal road, and finish the race in Sultanahmet Square.
The 15.5-kilometer race will be run on the same route as the marathon up to Yenikapı. Participants in the corporate run and public run, after crossing the July 15 Martyrs Bridge, will reach Dolmabahçe via Barbaros Boulevard and complete the race.
$50,000 EACH FOR THE CHAMPIONS
The male and female athletes who finish the 42-kilometer race in first place will each receive a $50,000 prize. If the course record is broken, the champions will receive an additional $5,000 each. The total prize money for athletes finishing in the top 8 in the men’s and women’s races will be $190,000.
In the domestic athletes category, a total of 500,000 lira will be awarded to athletes finishing in the top 5. Considering all categories, the prize money awarded to athletes who place will reach 12 million lira.
ROADS CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
Due to the marathon, the course and connecting roads were closed to vehicle traffic. The July 15 Martyrs Bridge was closed to traffic starting at 03:00, and the entire course, including the Eurasia Tunnel, was closed after 06:00.
The July 15 Martyrs Bridge is planned to reopen to traffic at 14:00, the Eurasia Tunnel at 15:00, and the entire course at 15:30.