Istanbul Marathon
Istanbul, from the 15 July Martyrs Bridge to Sultanahmet
The 48th Istanbul Marathon was run on Sunday 1 November 2026. It started at the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, on the Asian shore, crossed the Bosphorus and finished on the old Hippodrome in Sultanahmet, between the Blue Mosque and the obelisk. A 15.5 km race started from the same bridge and finished at Yenikapı. The 2027 date has not yet been announced.
Dates
Last edition: 1 November 2026. The dates of the next edition have not been announced yet.
Source: AIMS (Association internationale des marathons et courses sur route), fiche du marathon d'Istanbul : prochaine édition le dimanche 1er novembre 2026 — accessed 23 October 2026
The Istanbul Marathon crosses from one continent to another: it starts on the Asian shore, crosses the Bosphorus and finishes in the old city, on the European side. Organised by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and its club Spor İstanbul, it takes place every year in early November. The 48th edition was run on Sunday 1 November 2026; the 2027 date has not yet been announced.
The races
- The marathon (42.195 km) started at 09:00 local time, in front of the metrobus station at the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, formerly the Bosphorus Bridge, and finished on the old Hippodrome in Sultanahmet, between the Blue Mosque and the obelisk. It was open to runners aged 18 and over, with a limit of 7,500 bibs.
- The 15.5 km race started from the same bridge, in waves between 09:19 and 10:05, and finished at Yenikapı, on the Sea of Marmara. It was open from age 16, with a limit of 15,000 bibs.
In 2026, entry cost 1,200 Turkish lira until 31 July, then 1,400 Turkish lira until 13 October.
November weather
In Istanbul, the average high is 21 °C in October and 16 °C in November, with about 70 mm of rain in November. Race morning is often cool.
Where to stay
The finish is at the heart of the historic peninsula, a short walk from Hagia Sophia and the hotels of Sultanahmet.
Frequently asked questions
When was the 2026 Istanbul Marathon?
Sunday 1 November 2026, starting at 09:00 local time.
Where does the Istanbul Marathon finish?
On the old Hippodrome in Sultanahmet, between the Blue Mosque and the obelisk.
Is there a shorter distance?
Yes: in 2026, a 15.5 km race started from the same bridge and finished at Yenikapı.