Vodafone Istanbul Marathon 2019

One marathon, two continents! The Instanbul Marathon spans the continents of Asia and Europe, the course crossing the magnificent Bosporus Bridge. Experience of the world’s great cities – exotic, cosmopolitan and uniquely situated between Europe and Asia. Perfectly situated to continue your travels in Europe!   The Vodafone Istanbul Marathon spans the two great continents of Europe and Asia, making it a truly 'intercontinental' and unique event. Istanbul is an exotic city of 13 million people. The old city is surrounded by mosques and castles and is divided by the Golden Horn, an inlet of the Bosporus. The city is serviced by an efficient tram line and a great way to see all the sights is by the tried and true Red Bus tour. The magnificent Blue Mosque sits above a city that is never ending in its options. Try a ferry up the Bosporus, walk through the Spice Markets, dawdle in the Grand Bazaar (avoiding the many purveyors of fine Persian rugs), catch a local bus and simply enjoy this cosmopolitan city. With a unique location, between the Balkans and Anatolia, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, Istanbul embraces both western and eastern cultures. The Course The course is asphalt, mostly flat and will be traffic free. It is the only course in the world where you can run from one continent to another. All events start on the Asian side of Istanbul, and ends on the European side on route passing the most beautiful sights of the city. Distances Marathon 15km 10km 8km Fun Run Start Time 9:00am     Marathon and 15km 9:15am     15km 9:30am     10km 9:45am     8km Fun Run Time Limit 6hrs for marathon runners. The course will be open to traffic at 3:00pm. After this time, participants who are still on the course will be asked to continue running on the sidewalks. Age requirement You must be 18 years of age or older on race day. Race pack All entrants must collect their race packs at the Marathon Expo. The race pack includes the bib number, the timing chip and the marathon t-shirt. Marathon Expo The Istanbul Marathon Expo will take place from THU-SAT. All race packs are to be collected from the expo. Time 10:00am - 19:00pm THU/FRI and closing 18:00pm SAT.  Location Eurasia Show and Art Center (Yenikapi Meeting Area) Avrasaya Gosteri ve Sanat Merkezi in Yenikapi Finishers’ Medal All marathon finishers will receive a commemorative medal at the finish line. Starts and Finish Areas The Istanbul Marathon, 15k and 10k start 250m behind the 15 July Martyrs Bridge. The Marathon finishes in Sultanahmet; the 15k finishes in Yenikapi; and the 10k finishes in Eminonu.  Transportation to Start Area Free transportation to the start area will be provided for the participants on the race day. Buses depart between 7:00am and 7:30am race day from: Taksim Square, in front of Divan Bakery Sultanahmet Square, in front of Hagia Sophia Personal Belongings Marathon luggage buses will be located to the left side of the start area. Runners should leave their bags in the respective buses. All luggage buses will be leave at 08.30. The luggage buses will be ready at the finish area once you have completed the marathon. Personal belongings may be left in the buses that will take the participants to the start area. Do not leave any valuables. The Organization Committee does not accept responsibility for any lost or misplaced items items. At the finish line runners may collect their bags from the luggage tents at Sultanahmet. Aid Stations Drinking/sponging and refreshment stations are provided every 2.5km after 5kms. Weather Conditions 12-13 degrees Celcius at the start 16-17 degrees Celcius at the finish. Medical Support 30 ambulances will be available throughout the course and a Tent Hospital will be located at the finish.