Istanbul Marathon & Ultra Tour

The Istanbul Marathon is one of the most unique stops on the running calendar, distinguished as the only marathon in the world where you can run between two continents on the same day. Starting on the European side, the course crosses the 15 July Martyrs Bridge to the Asian side, then follows the historic silhouette of the Bosphorus to reach the finish line around Sultanahmet. Passing through iconic city landmarks such as Dolmabahçe, Kabataş, and Üsküdar, the route turns the run into a city tour. Held on the first Sunday of November, the event brings together both elite athletes and amateur runners looking for their first marathon experience, uniting thousands of participants on both sides of the Bosphorus every year. This Sporara tour program offers a complete package that combines race participation with accommodation and transfer services, allowing participants to focus solely on their preparation without worrying about organizational details.

What's Included

As part of the tour, your official race registration and bib number are delivered before the event; your accommodation is planned at a location close to the start-finish area, and transfers to the start area early on race morning and back to your accommodation afterward are provided. Participants receive a technical running kit (raincoat, thermal blanket, bib belt, and necessary accessories), and a training recommendation prepared according to the course's elevation profile and bridge crossings is shared. To ensure you have a comfortable rest period before and after the race, the accommodation point is selected to provide easy access to the city center.

Who Is It For

With shorter distance categories available alongside the 42 km full marathon, the program appeals to a wide range of levels, from experienced marathoners to participants running a long distance for the first time. Due to the bridge ramps and city intersections, a moderate level of physical preparation is recommended; participants with a regular running habit can comfortably complete the course.

Season and Atmosphere

The cool and runner-friendly weather of November makes the event one of the most suitable times of the year. The course, run with a view of the Bosphorus, offers a unique experience that combines the city's historical and natural beauties with sports; the moment of crossing from continent to continent on the bridge becomes the part participants remember most.