Istanbul is preparing to host the 21st Istanbul Half Marathon on 19 April. The event carries the slogan “The Fastest Half, The Fastest You”. It’s recognised as a Gold Label event by World Athletics.
Organisers tout this marathon as one of Europe’s top three and among the world’s top ten. The event is a collaboration between the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Youth and Sports Services Department and Spor Istanbul. Registration for participation is ongoing.
Record-Breaking Interest in the Istanbul Event
Prof. Dr. Volkan Demir, the IBB General Secretary, highlighted the significant interest in the marathon. “As of today, we have received a total of 17,300 registrations in two different categories,” he said. “We have also broken a record in the number of foreign participants, with 2,000 participants from 106 different countries.”
A total of 55 elite athletes are expected to compete. The organisers anticipate 20,000 participants overall. The Turkish Half Marathon Championship, organised by the Turkish Athletics Federation, will also take place during the event.
Istanbul’s Olympic Ambitions
IBB Deputy Chairman Nuri Aslan emphasised the city’s ambition to become a global sports capital. “We are working hard towards our goal of hosting the Olympics,” Aslan stated. “The half marathon will be run among Istanbul’s historical and cultural landmarks.”
Prize Money on Offer
The champions will be awarded $15,000 each. Turkish athletes will compete for a total prize pool of 360,000 lira.
The half marathon is set to take place on 19 April.