Istanbul Half Marathon 2026
See more about the offersSemi-Marathon d'Istanbul
- Next eventย :ย End of April 2026
- Last eventย :ย Sun, April 27, 2025
The event in a few words
You'll be welcomed like the Grand Vizier when you arrive in Turkey, in Istanbul ๐ณโโ๏ธ. Lace up your sneakers ๐, because we're expecting you at the Istanbul Half Marathon! โจ Straddling the boundary between Europe and Asia, it's on these lands rich in unparalleled culture and history that you'll begin one of the fastest half marathons โฑ๏ธ. You'll be racing against time on a route that winds through iconic landmarks and the Bosphorus Strait! ๐ This race is the perfect opportunity to explore the depths of our civilizations' history โ. The ancient city of Constantinople ๐ is sure to reveal its secrets to you, stride by stride! ๐
Two road race distances of 10 km and 21.0975 km are on offer ๐ค. For its 20th edition, the Istanbul Half Marathon returns aiming to break records! ๐ช Last year, the event set a participation record with 12,300 participants taking the starting line! ๐ But this year, it's your turn to break all the records! ๐ With a straight-line, out-and-back route, this half marathon is now recognized as a very fast race ๐. And the best part? No elevation changes to worry about! ๐ You can compete with the best and stretch your strides without the fear of having to kick-start the engine again ๐. For many years, this race has attracted numerous elite runners, and the women's half marathon world record was even broken on the Istanbul circuit in 2019 ๐. Both the 21 km and the 10 km will take you through the historic peninsula ๐ค. You'll almost be able to reach out and touch it! ๐ On one side, the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn, and on the other, historic landmarks depicting nearly 8,000 years of history ๐คฏ. Could there be a more idyllic setting? ๐คฉ You'll pass close to the Blue Mosque ๐, the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, the Galata Bridge ๐, and the Grand Bazaar (not the one in your room ๐). As you run, you'll find it impossible to resist admiring the sight of these monuments as they pass by ๐.
If you didn't have time to enjoy the city of Istanbul because you were too fast ๐๏ธ, you can always extend your stay for a weekend! ๐ You can visit the various monuments you admired from outside and learn more about ancient Byzantium (its name before Constantinople) ๐. It's time to put away your sneakers and enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus ๐ฅ๏ธ or stroll through the vibrantly colored neighborhoods ๐ฅ. Along the way, you might get lost in the maze of the Grand Bazaar or end up at the edge of a market ๐ and taste local specialties: borek, dolma ๐ง, or Turkish delights ๐ก... There are plenty of sweet treats! ๐ And if you start to feel tired ๐ค, many hammams are open for you to enjoy a relaxing moment ๐โโ๏ธ in a Turkish bath ๐.
But before all that, will we see you at the starting line of the Istanbul Half Marathon? ๐
5 reasons to join this race
A distance for every taste
Half MarathonTOP
10โkm
- End of April 2026
- 1 loopx21.0975โkm
A few more words
Are you curious about the exciting course that Istanbul has in store for you? ๐ค Let's take you through the route of the day's main event: the half-marathon! ๐ Starting from the Yenikapi harbor area ๐, you'll head east, running along the coast with the Bosphorus Strait as your companion. The sights along the route are breathtakingโฆ ๐คฉ But it's the remarkable landmarks that you'll really want to admire ๐. Sultanahmet (or the Blue Mosque), Aya Sofya, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Egyptian Bazaar are the first four wonders โจ you will encounter from the half-marathon circuit. And if thatโs not enough, a little detour at km 6 takes you over the Galata Bridge ๐, offering views of the Galata Tower once you reach the end of the bridge in the Karakoy district. But don't linger! โฑ๏ธ You'll head back across the bridge, returning to the coast as you trace your way back through the Fatih district to the Suleymaniye Mosque ๐. If you haven't had enough time to soak in the fascinating details of Istanbul's architecture, don't worry! On the way back, you'll follow the same path ๐ค. We hope you're ready to run this half-marathon full of vibrant colors! ๐จ
Road Running 10โkm
Road Running- End of April 2026
- 1 loopx10โkm
A few more words
Getting ready to run the 10 km race in Istanbul? ๐ Here's what you can expect from your race! ๐ค
The 10 km course starts at the same point as the half marathon, at Yenikapi ๐. You'll be running a fast, straight out-and-back route alongside the Bosphorus Strait ๐, passing by the city's three most iconic landmarks. Sounds dreamy, right? ๐คฉ Landmarks like Sultanahmet ๐, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace will set the scene as the breathtaking backdrop for your race ๐ผ๏ธ. Definitely not a bad view! ๐ At 5 km, you'll turn around and head towards the finish line ๐.
This 10 km race offers a true blend of Istanbul's culture and history! โจ
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
You can collect your race bib on April 23, 24, and 25 from 10 AM to 7 PM, and on April 26, 2025, from 10 AM to 6 PM at the Kanyon Shopping Center.
The half marathon and 10 km race will start from the Langa bus stop, opposite the Yenikapi area in Fatih. The races will kick off on Sunday, April 27, 2025:
at 8 AM for the 10 km
at 9:15 AM for the half marathon
You must be at least 18 years old on the event date, April 27, 2025, to participate in the half marathon.
For the 10 km race, participants must be at least 16 years old by the event date. Minors will need to present parental consent.
No medical certificate is required by the organizers.
The cost of the race bib is variable. It will be the same for the half marathon and the 10 km race:
โฌ80 from January 7, 2025, to March 17, 2025
โฌ90 from March 18, 2025, to April 14, 2025
The registration fee includes:
electronic timing
a race bag
a technical T-shirt
a finisher's medal and certificate
water stations and refreshments along the route
a post-race meal
photography service
free transportation within Istanbul (Marmaray not included)
Refreshment stations with liquids and solids will be available every 5 km. Water stations and sponges will also be accessible at various points along the route. Toilets will be installed near the refreshment points.
You must complete the half marathon in less than 3 hours and 25 minutes.
Yes, a baggage check system will be provided by the organizers. At bib collection, you will receive a race-branded bag with your bib number on it. Only this bag will be accepted for storage in the baggage area.
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