Istanbul

The Istanbul Half Marathon follows a flat and fast course along the Golden Horn, offering runners a scenic route through the historic heart of the city. The race begins in the Fatih district and follows the coastal road along Kennedy Street toward the historic peninsula. Along the way, runners pass landmarks and neighborhoods such as Kumkapı, Cankurtaran, Çatladıkapı, Sarayburnu, Sirkeci, Eminönü, and Karaköy, crossing the Galata Bridge before continuing along the waterfront. The route is known for having virtually no elevation change, giving runners an excellent opportunity to achieve a personal best. Surrounded by views of the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn, the course also runs through the Historical Peninsula, an area shaped by more than 8,000 years of civilization. This unique combination of flat terrain, historic scenery, and waterfront views makes the Istanbul Half Marathon one of the most memorable and rewarding races in the region.