The Vodafone Istanbul Marathon is the only marathon crossing two continents, running over the Bosphorus from Asia into Europe to the historic peninsula. It runs one Sunday in early November with about 30,000 to 40,000 participants in three categories.
Early November, annually•Course crosses two continents, starting near Istanbul's Asian side and finishing in the historic peninsula, Istanbul
WhenA Sunday in early November, announced by the organiser each yearCategoriesMarathon, 15K, and the public Fun RunParticipantsRoughly 30,000 to 40,000 across all categoriesUnique featureThe only marathon run across two continentsCourseStarts on the Asian side, crosses the Bosphorus Bridge, finishes on the historic peninsulaStatusWorld Athletics label road race
Saucy does not run this event or sell tickets to it.
What is the Istanbul Marathon?
The Vodafone Istanbul Marathon is a World Athletics label road race and the only marathon in the world run across two continents. Recent editions have drawn roughly 30,000 to 40,000 participants from more than a hundred countries.
When is the Istanbul Marathon 2026?
It is held on a Sunday in early November each year. Race calendars list 1 November 2026. Confirm the date on the organiser's site before booking travel.
What is the Istanbul Marathon route?
Start on the Asian side.
Cross the Bosphorus Bridge on foot. Race day is the only day the bridge is open to pedestrians.
Finish on the historic peninsula, near Sultanahmet.
The bridge crossing comes early, in a dense field. Competitive runners consider the final kilometres through the old city the harder half.
Bosphorus Bridge, crossed on foot on race day
What are the Istanbul Marathon categories?
Category
Who it suits
Marathon
Timed, competitive runners
15K
Timed, shorter distance
Fun Run
Anyone, and the easiest way onto the bridge
Entry fees for the timed categories are set each edition, with early registration cheaper. The Fun Run has historically been the cheapest way to take part. Registration for the timed categories closes well before race day.
How to get around Istanbul on marathon day
Road closures: the Bosphorus Bridge and large parts of the route on both sides close on race morning.
Crossing continents: take the Marmaray, which runs under the Bosphorus and is unaffected by the closures.
Runners: stay on the European side near the finish and travel out to the start.
Fast fact
Crossing between Asia and Europe by road on race morning is not an option. Use the Marmaray.
Common questions
When is the Istanbul Marathon?
It runs on a Sunday in early November each year. The exact date for a given edition is announced by the organiser, and race calendars list 1 November for 2026, which is worth confirming on the organiser's own site before booking travel.
Why is it called the only intercontinental marathon?
Because the course starts on the Asian side of Istanbul, crosses the Bosphorus Bridge into Europe, and finishes on the historic peninsula. No other marathon runs between two continents within a single race.
Do I have to run the full marathon?
No. There are three categories: the full marathon, a 15K, and a public Fun Run. The Fun Run is the accessible option and accounts for a large share of the total participation.
How many people take part?
Recent editions have drawn roughly 30,000 to 40,000 participants across all three categories, with runners from more than a hundred countries.
How do I get around Istanbul on race day if I am not running?
Use the Marmaray, which runs under the Bosphorus and is unaffected by the surface closures. The bridge and large stretches of road on both sides close during the morning.
Can I walk across the Bosphorus Bridge any other day?
No. The bridge is closed to pedestrians outside the marathon, which is a large part of why the Fun Run category is as popular as it is.
