Istanbul Marathon

The Istanbul Marathon holds a unique distinction in world running: it is the only marathon that crosses two continents. Starting on the Asian side of Istanbul and finishing in Europe, the point-to-point course crosses the iconic 15 July Martyrs Bridge (formerly the Bosphorus Bridge) with jaw-dropping views of the Istanbul skyline, the shimmering Bosphorus strait, and the minarets and domes of the historic peninsula. Now in its 48th edition, the race is a World Athletics Elite Label event that draws tens of thousands of runners and massive crowd support along a route steeped in 2,500 years of history. After crossing into Europe, runners pass through the vibrant neighborhoods of Beşiktaş and Fatih before encountering the race's cultural crown jewels — the Blue Mosque with its six minarets, the ancient Hagia Sophia, and the grand Topkapi Palace — all visible as you approach the finish at Sultanahmet Square. The course features a net downhill profile of roughly 50 meters, though some rolling hills in the middle sections demand smart pacing. November's cool 8-15°C weather is excellent for marathon running, and your race bib grants free public transport access on race morning. Istanbul's extraordinary food, culture, and energy make this one of the world's most memorable marathon experiences.