The Istanbul Marathon, run every year in early November, starts on the Asian side and crosses the Bosphorus over the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, formerly the Bosphorus Bridge, to finish on the European side: it is the only major marathon that links two continents. The 48th edition, the Türkiye İş Bankası 48. İstanbul Maratonu, organised by the metropolitan municipality and its Spor İstanbul directorate, takes place on Sunday 1 November 2026. It includes a 42.195 km marathon, rated Gold Label by World Athletics, a 15.5 km race and a corporate run; in 2025, more than 41,000 runners registered across all races. For spectators, access to the course is free. In early October 2026, the start times, road closures and bib collection venue for the 2026 edition had not yet been published; the times and course detailed below are those of the 2025 edition. Check the race's official website (maraton.istanbul) and the municipality's announcements in the week before the race for the 2026 times and road closures.
Highlights
Crossing the 15 July Martyrs Bridge
The start is on the Asian side, in front of the bridge's Metrobus stop, in the Üsküdar district. The first kilometres are run on the deck of the suspension bridge, closed to traffic for the occasion, with views over the Bosphorus and both shores. This is the image that has made the race famous.
The marathon course
In 2025, after the bridge, runners headed down to Beşiktaş, followed the Bosphorus to the Galata Bridge, passed through Sirkeci, then followed Kennedy Avenue along the Sea of Marmara through Cankurtaran, Kumkapı, Yenikapı, Yedikule, Zeytinburnu and Bakırköy. The turnaround was on Rauf Orbay Avenue, level with the Air Force Academy, before the return along the same shoreline, a run through [Gülhane Park](/fr/attractions/parc-de-gulhane) along the tram tracks and the finish in Sultanahmet Square. The 15.5 km race follows the same course and ends at Yenikapı.
Staggered starts
In 2025, the wheelchair race started at 08:45 and the marathon at 09:00. The 15.5 km started in three waves, at 09:19, 09:38 and 10:05, the corporate run in three waves at 10:32, 11:06 and 11:40, then the public run at 12:14. These last two, shorter races also start from the bridge and finish between Tüpraş Stadium and [Dolmabahçe Palace](/fr/attractions/palais-de-dolmabahce).
Registering to run
Individual registration is on the Spor İstanbul registration platform, until 13 October 2026. For the final period, from 1 August to 13 October, the marathon and the 15.5 km each cost TL 1,400. You must be 18 on 1 November 2026 for the marathon and 16 for the 15.5 km. Places are capped at 7,500 for the marathon and 15,000 for the 15.5 km.
Where to watch the race
The start area and the bridge are reserved for runners with a bib. The best viewpoints are on the Beşiktaş and Dolmabahçe waterfront, on the Galata Bridge and in Eminönü, and on Kennedy Avenue, where marathon runners pass twice, on the way out and on the way back. The finish is in Sultanahmet Square, on the former [Hippodrome of Constantinople](/fr/attractions/hippodrome-de-constantinople), next to the [Blue Mosque](/fr/attractions/mosquee-bleue).
Infos pratiques
Tips
On race day, traffic is cut along the whole course: in 2025, the bridge was closed from 03:00 to 14:00 and the whole route from 06:00, the Eurasia Tunnel reopened at 15:00 and the rest of the course at 15:30. Around fifteen İETT bus lines whose routes use the course were suspended during the race. To get around, use the Marmaray, the metro and the ferries, which do not cross the course; our guide to [getting around Istanbul](/fr/articles/transports-istanbul) explains how they work. Runners travel free on the municipality's public transport on race morning by showing their bib; in previous years, special ferries left from Kabataş and Eminönü and shuttles from Üsküdar Marmaray station, between 07:00 and 08:00, to reach the start area. Information and prices as observed in October 2026.
How to get there
Start: 15 July Martyrs Bridge, in front of the bridge's Metrobus stop, Üsküdar (Asian side), for runners only. Finish: Sultanahmet Square, Fatih; on race day, take the Marmaray to Sirkeci station, then allow about fifteen minutes on foot.
Nearby
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