Istanbul Marathon
Istanbul, Turkey · First Sunday of November
The world's only intercontinental marathon starts on the Asian side of Istanbul (Altunizade, 52 m) and crosses the Bosphorus on the 15 July Martyrs Bridge — the only day civilians can traverse it on foot. The bridge apex at 88 m delivers a bucket-list panorama and the race's steepest climb. What follows is 30 km of flat Marmara coastline past Dolmabahçe Palace and the Galata Bridge before a surprise 32-metre climb through Gülhane Park finishes beside the Blue Mosque at Sultanahmet. World Athletics Gold Label race since 2012.
Course
Elevation gain
183 m
Net elevation
-6 m
Finishers
~4,000
Month
November
First Sunday of November
Race-day weather
Median start temp
13°C
Historical range
10–17°C
Hot-year risk
Low
Istanbul in early November is cool maritime autumn — race starts around 12–14°C with moderate humidity (73–75%) and potential northerly winds on the exposed Bosphorus Bridge. Rain probability ~25–35%; wind chill on the bridge is the main discomfort risk.
Getting in
Qualifier or lottery. Requires proof of a qualifying time (sub-6:20 marathon / sub-3:25 half / sub-2:15 for 15K) uploaded at maraton.istanbul. Organizers confirm within ~3 days then send payment link. Opens January, closes mid-October. Tiered pricing: €60 early to €120 late. World Athletics Gold Label race. Official site ↗
Boston qualifying note: Strict 3:20:00 finish cutoff — runners in age groups where the BQ standard exceeds this time cannot complete the race as a qualifier.
Pacing plans for Istanbul Marathon
Course-adjusted splits for every common goal — not flat even splits, but pacing that matches where this course is fast and where it bites.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Istanbul Marathon a fast course?
It is not considered a PR course. The course has 183 m of total elevation gain. We rate it 6/10 for PR potential.
What is the weather usually like at the Istanbul Marathon?
The median start-line temperature is around 13°C, with a historical range of roughly 10–17°C. Istanbul in early November is cool maritime autumn — race starts around 12–14°C with moderate humidity (73–75%) and potential northerly winds on the exposed Bosphorus Bridge. Rain probability ~25–35%; wind chill on the bridge is the main discomfort risk.
How do you get into the Istanbul Marathon?
Qualifier or lottery. Requires proof of a qualifying time (sub-6:20 marathon / sub-3:25 half / sub-2:15 for 15K) uploaded at maraton.istanbul. Organizers confirm within ~3 days then send payment link. Opens January, closes mid-October. Tiered pricing: €60 early to €120 late. World Athletics Gold Label race.
Is the Istanbul Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes — the Istanbul Marathon is a certified course accepted by the B.A.A. for Boston qualifying times. Strict 3:20:00 finish cutoff — runners in age groups where the BQ standard exceeds this time cannot complete the race as a qualifier.