21K

WE ARE RUNNING A HALF MARATHON ON THE WORLD’S FASTEST RACE COURSE!

The Historical Peninsula race course, home to 8,000 years of history, is enthusiastically run every year accompanied by the unique beauty of Istanbul!

This unique Istanbul Half Marathon race course, which holds Turkey’s first athletics record with the Women’s World Half Marathon record in 2021 and ranks first in the Road Running Rankings, also offers athletes the opportunity to achieve their best times!

As every year, we are very excited for the #FastestHalfMarathon this year!

REGISTRATION

Registration Process and Criteria

Every year, we make improvements to provide you with a better marathon and course experience on race day. This year, the 20th Istanbul Half Marathon will have some criteria for the registration process.

To register for the 21K category, you must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Having completed a 42K race within the last two years within a time frame of 6 hours and 20 minutes, approved by the Turkish Athletics Federation and with a certified course measurement.
  • Having completed a 21K race within the last two years within 3 hours and 25 minutes, approved by the Turkish Athletics Federation and with a certified course measurement.
  • Having completed a 15K race within the last year within 2 hours and 15 minutes, approved by the Turkish Athletics Federation and with a certified course measurement.
  • Having completed a 10K race within the last year within 1 hour and 30 minutes, approved by the Turkish Athletics Federation and with a certified course measurement.

To learn about other road races that meet these criteria, click here.

Registration Process:

  • If you have previously met one of the above criteria in a road race organized by Spor Istanbul, your result is already in our system, and you can register without uploading any documents.
  • If you have not previously met one of the above criteria in a road race organized by Spor Istanbul but have a valid document (a certificate or official result page from a race approved by the Turkish Athletics Federation or from a race held abroad) you need to upload it during the registration process.
  • The document you upload will go through an approval process and will be reviewed by our team. The status of your document will be confirmed within a maximum of 3 business days.
  • Once your document is reviewed and approved, you will receive an email directing you to the payment step. After completing the payment, you can complete your registration.
  • If your document is not approved, you will receive an email notifying you of the disapproval, and you will be asked to upload a valid document before the final registration deadline.
Registration Periods and Participation Fees

Registration Period 1: December 2 – January 6  70 EURO

Registration Period 2: January 7 – March 17  80 EURO

Registration Period 3: March 18 – April 14  90 EURO

Registration Cancellation
Your registration cannot be cancelled or postponed and no refund is possible as the service processes will start as soon as you register. Even though you decide not to attend to the race, you can get your race kit from the distribution point.
Age Limit

All the athletes who are 16 or above by April 27, 2025, can register.

Athletes aged 16-18 who meet the criteria for the Türkiye İş Bankası 20th Istanbul Half Marathon must complete the Parental Consent Form and submit it in person to the officials during the kit distribution.

You can access the Parental Consent Form here.

Category Change
Category Change” is not possible.
Quota

The quota for the 21K category is limited to 8,500 people.

RACE DAY

Race Day Program

04:30 – Cutting the entire track to vehicle traffic
06:30 – 10K Entrance to the Area
07:15 – 21K Entrance to the Area
08:00 – 10K Race Start
08:30 – Estimated Finish Time of the 10K Champion
09:15 – Elite Athlete and 21K Race Start
09:30 – End of the 10K Race
10:15 -21K Champion’s Estimated Finish Time
10:45 – Award Ceremony
10:50 – Opening Balat to Traffic
11:45 – Opening of Sirkeci to Traffic
12:40 – End of 21K Race
12:50 – Master athletes award ceremony
13:30 – Opening of Yenikapi to Traffic

Race Course

21K Race Course


21K Elevation Level

21K Race Course Links

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1FKS_MRPfS-2FvPnTIYLUBTviLFEnQ8A&usp=sharing

Roads to be Closed

The starting point of the Istanbul Half Marathon is located at the Langa bus stop in front of the Yenikapı meeting area in Fatih District. The race begins at Yenikapı and continues along Kennedy Avenue. It proceeds to Namık Kemal Street connection road, then follows Gazi Mustafa Kemal Avenue, Kumkapı Segah Street connecting , Kumluk Street, Şair Sermet Street, and Aksokal Street. The race course passes through Cankurtaran and Ahırkapı streets, and moves on through Çatladıkapı, exiting at the Sarayburnu gate of Gülhane Park.

From Sarayburnu, the race course continues to the Sirkeci traffic lights, to Ankara Street connection . The runners then proceed Eminönü and turn in the direction of Karaköy, crossing the Galata Bridge.

U-turn at the traffic lights at the end of the bridge, the race continues via Eminönü, Rağıp Gümüşpala Street, and the Kazancılar Street side road.

The race course continues via Unkapanı, crossing the Atatürk Bridge and following Atatürk Street’s connecting roads to Cibali. It passes the Kadir Has intersection, proceeding along Kadir Has Street, Seferikoz Street, Şerefiye Street, and into Balat.

From there, it continues via Ayakapı Street, Miralay Nazımbey Street, Dr. Sadık Ahmet Street, Yıldırım Street, and Abdülezelpaşa Street.

Before reaching the Golden Horn Bridge, the race makes a U-turn within the Fatih District boundary and follows the same coastal road back in the opposite direction. The return route Mürselpaşa Street, Abdülezelpaşa Street, Balat, Cibali, Eminönü, Sirkeci, Sarayburnu, Cankurtaran, and Kumkapı, before ending back at the starting point in Yenikapı.

Traffic Closure Times and Race Details

Traffic Closure:
04.30  – 13.30

Start Times:

  • 10K Start: 08.00
  • 21K Start: 09.15

Half Marathon Cut-off Points

09.15 – 10.00 / 0 – 5K

  • Kennedy Avenue: Yenikapı, Kumkapı, Çatladıkapı, Sarayburnu

10.00 – 11.50 / 5 – 10K

  • Galata Bridge
  • Rağıp Gümüşpala Avenue
  • Abdülezelpaşa Avenue
  • Ayvansaray Avenue
  • Areas covered: Sirkeci, Unkapanı, Karaköy, Eminönü, Cibali, Balat, Ayvansaray traffic lights

10.50 – 11.40 / 10 – 15K

  • Ayvansaray Avenue
  • Abdülezelpaşa Avenue
  • Rağıp Gümüşpala Avenue
  • Areas covered: Ayvansaray, Balat, Cibali, Eminönü, Sirkeci

11.40 – 12.40 / 15 – 21K

  • Kennedy Avenue
  • Areas covered: Cankurtaran, Kumkapı, Yenikapı (inbound traffic will be closed)
Roads to be Closed as of 04.30 due to İstanbul Half Marathon:
DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOOD STREET
FATİH

YENİKAPI

KUMKAPI

SARAYBURNU

CANKURTARAN

SİRKECİ

AHIRKAPI

E KENNEDY STREET
FATİH ÇATLADIKAPI E Ferruh Kayha Street
BEYOĞLU GALATA BRIDGE E GALATA BRIDGE
BEYOĞLU KARAKÖY E KEMERALTI STREET
BEYOĞLU KARAKÖY E Tersane Street
FATİH

EMİNÖNÜ

UNKAPANI

E RAGIP GÜMÜŞPALA STREET
FATİH

CİBALİ

BALAT

E ABDÜLEZELPAŞA STREET
FATİH CİBALİ E Atatürk Bridge
FATİH

BALAT

AYVANSARAY

E AYVANSARAY STREET
FATİH AYVANSARAY E Savaklar Street
FATİH AYVANSARAY E Ayvansaray Intersection
FATİH AYVANSARAY G Ayvansaray Kuyusu Street
FATİH AYVANSARAY G Çember Street
FATİH AYVANSARAY G Çınçınlı Çeşmesi Street
FATİH AYVANSARAY G Ferruh Kayha Street
FATİH AYVANSARAY G Balat Kapısı Street
FATİH AYVANSARAY G Çiçekli Bostan Street
FATİH BALAT E MÜRSELPAŞA STREET
FATİH BALAT G Akçin Street
FATİH BALAT G Yıldırım Street
FATİH BALAT G Dr. Sadık Ahmet Street
FATİH BALAT G Miralay Nazım Bey Street
FATİH BALAT G Ayakapı Street
FATİH BALAT G Şerefiye Street
FATİH BALAT G Seferikoz Street
FATİH CİBALİ G Kadir Has Street
FATİH CİBALİ G Kadir Has Intersection
FATİH CİBALİ E Atatürk Avenue Connection
FATİH UNKAPANI G Yavuz Sinan Camii Street
FATİH KÜÇÜKPAZAR G Yeni Hayat Street
FATİH KÜÇÜKPAZAR G Kazancılar Street
FATİH KÜÇÜKPAZAR G Küçükpazar Street
FATİH EMİNÖNÜ G Kıble Çeşme Street
FATİH EMİNÖNÜ G Ord. Prof Dr Cemil Birsel Street
FATİH EMİNÖNÜ G Çanakçılar Street
FATİH EMİNÖNÜ G Mahkeme Street
FATİH EMİNÖNÜ G Asmaaltı Street
FATİH EMİNÖNÜ G Kalçin Street
FATİH SİRKECİ G Arpacılar Street
FATİH SİRKECİ G Yalı Köşkü Street
FATİH SİRKECİ E Ankara Street
FATİH SİRKECİ G Sirkeci İstasyon Street
FATİH SARAYBURNU G Gülhane Park Sea Side Enterance
FATİH CANKURTARAN G Ahırkapı Street
FATİH AHIRKAPI G Kalyon Otel Restaurant
FATİH KUMKAPI G Aksaka Street
FATİH KUMKAPI E Avrasya Tunnel “U” Turn
FATİH KUMKAPI G Şair Sermet Street
FATİH KUMKAPI G Kumluk Street
FATİH KUMKAPI G Çap Ariz Street
FATİH YENİKAPI E Yenikapı Turnout
FATİH YENİKAPI E Namık Kemal Street

*E POLICE

**G PRIVATE SECURITY

Race Time Limit
The time limit for 21K runners is 3 hours 25 minutes.
Cut Off

Between 0 K – 5K:  09.15 – 10.00

Between 5K – 10K: 10.00 – 10.50 

Between 10K – 15K: 10.50 – 11.40

Between 15K – 21K: 11.40 – 12.40 

Pace Gates and Pacemakers

During registration, your ranking in the document you uploaded during registration or the ranking of your runs in the system are taken into account. Using this information, we will guide athletes to the correct pace gate according to their bib number so as to help them enter the race area. Each athlete must enter to the race area using the gate indicated on his or her bib number. Using another door to race area is not allowed. For example; an athlete who has a bib number indicating the letter “A” cannot enter to the area using the Gate B.

Pacemakers will line up at the starting point according to their targeted finishing time. These athletes will be present at the start of the Half-Marathon. Pacemakers will help you to start the race and control race time according to your targeted place.

Direction Line

Sharp turns on the race course will be marked in BLUE.

Timing and Km Markers

The intermediate times of the participants are measured every 5 kilometers.

Each km will be indicated by markers along the course.

Water and Refreshment Stations / Toilets
There is a refreshment station on the race course per 5 kilometre. There are also water and sponge stations between these food stations.

There will be public and portable toilets available in various spots on the race course. The toilet spots will be indicated with signs so as to ensure that runners get easy access. The toilets will generally be placed 100 to 200 meters after water stations.

Luggage Tents

Please fill in the information requested on the reverse of your bag number and attach it to your bag. The number tag must be attached to your bag before the race. Please do not use this number if you will not deliver your bag.

Only the bags provided to athletes will be accepted at the luggage tents by the organization committee. The other bags and belongings will not be accepted due to security concerns.

Bags must be delivered to luggage tents before the time for delivery is over. The bags not delivered until such time will not be accepted.

Participants must not put valuable articles, money, telephone, wallet or similar other belongings in the bags they will deliver to luggage tents. In case of lost bags, the institution and authorities who hold the organization cannot be held responsible.

Bags may be lost in case of bag delivery to a place or vehicle other than luggage tents. In such case, the institution and authorities who hold the organization cannot be held responsible.

*Don not forget that you need to leave your luggage  at the latest 20 minutes before the start time of the category you will run. For example, for the run that will start at 08.10, the athlete must have delivered his/her bag at 07.50 at the latest.

 

AWARDS

Awards

It will be announced later.

Objection Period
The objection period for age groups is 5 business days from the race date. Objection requests received within this period will be evaluated. Objection requests received after this date will not be considered.
Master Athletes (Age Groups)

Men Age Groups

35-39 / 40-44 / 45-49 / 50-54 / 55-59 / 60-64 / 65-69 / 70-74 / 75-79 / 80-84 / 85+

Women Age Groups

35-39 / 40-44 / 45-49 / 50-54 / 55-59 / 60-64 / 65-69 / 70-74 / 75-79 / 80-84 / 85+

Medal
All athletes who complete the race within the time limit of 3 hours and 25 minutes will receive a medal at the finish line.

Participants who finish the race after the time limit forfeit a right to medal.

Award Ceremony

It will be announced later.

RACE KIT

Race Kit Distribution

Will be announced later

Chip Usage Video
Information on how to use your chip is available in the video below.

Overall ranking rewards (elite athletes) will be awarded based on gun time. All age group and other prizes will be given according to chip measurement times. Your position at the start line, how further back you are from the start line, does not affect your measurement. Your race time starts to be measured on the moment you cross the chip carpet.

Electronic Timing Chip

At the Race Kit Distribution area, all participants who register for the race will be given an Electronic Timing Chip with Recycling feature, that will measure their grades during the race.

Do not forget to wear your chip distributed with the race kits on the day of the race, do not take it out of your shoes during the race. The degrees of the racers running without chips cannot be measured.

We strongly advise you not to exchange your chip with other runners, as your chip is identified by your identification information.

Do not cross the finish line a second time or re-enter any part of the race course.

Bib Number

Participants will get their bib numbers during the distribution of kits. Your bib number will be determined when you will get your kit.

Your bib number is special for you and to Türkiye İş Bankası 20th Istanbul Half-Marathon. Do not copy it or exchange with other participants.

If you give your bib number to another person or change it, your rank will be cancelled since you will be deemed to have violated the race rules.

ATTENTION: If you give your bib number to or exchange it with another person, this may risk his or her health since he or she will not be sufficiently prepared to Half-Marathon.

Don’t forget to stick your bag numbers given to you during the kit distribution
on the number field in front of your bags!

To enter the event area, you must present your bib number.

Each athlete must enter the race area through the gate indicated on their bib number. Entry through a different gate will not be permitted. For example, an athlete assigned to enter through Gate “A” will not be allowed to enter through Gate “B.”

Your bib number must be attached on your chest throughout the race.

You need to attach your bib number in visible fashion so as to ensure that the official photographers of  Istanbul Half-Marathon can take your photos and you can find these photos later.

Please do not forget to put on the timekeeping chip, which has been delivered to you with your bib number and is used for keeping the time of your run, before the race starts.

Please completely fill in the required information on the reverse of your bib number, so that we can immediately intervene in case of any health issue.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Medical Advice

Please get a medical examination before the race.

Patients with respiratory tract and heart diseases must not attend to the race.

You should attend to the race after a good sleep and rest.

Please have a breakfast early in the morning of the race and avoid alcoholic and acid drinks.

You should definitely put on your running shoes with socks.

You can cream your toes in order to prevent possible wounds which may occur after the race.

Please leave the race and ask help from health officers in case of any health issue which may occur during the race.

Important: 

Do not take part in the race if you have recently had a cold, flu or fever; if you have vomited; if you had chest pains; or if you are weak and not feeling well. You may be at serious risk on race day. In this case, please be informed that Istanbul Half-Marathon will also be held one year later and consider attending to the next race.

Bus Departure Points for Runners Leaving the Race

There will be 3 buses at the 13th, 15th and 17th kilometres for runners who leave the race and don’t wish to continue till the finish point.

To read our blog “What Should I Do to Avoid Injuries?” you can click here.

To read our blog “What Should Be the Fluid and Nutrient Intake while Preparing for the Marathon?” you can click here.

Personal Check List

Before the race
– Flight/journey
– Visa/passport
– Hotel/Accommodation
– Money transfer

Event Week
– Check your flight times
– Determine your emergency contacts

The race day
– Check bus locations and times so you can reach the starting point.
– Attach your chest number to your t-shirt with hooked needles and fill in the information on the back.
– Attach your race chip to your shoe so that your running time can be measured.
– Please bring shorts and the t-shirt (previously worn), running socks, gloves, headband, sunglasses, pulsimeter watch and running shoes (must be minimum 50k and worn previously).
-Bring old shorts and t-shirts with you to warm up at the start area.
– Have enough beverages with you.
– Hand over your race bag to the items buses.

After the race
– Food and drink
– Shirt
-Receiving your race bag from the luggage tent

Organizational Restrictions

Istanbul Half Marathon is a running event and, therefore, athletes are not allowed to attend with a bicycle, motorcycle, any wheeler or non-wheeler vehicle or an animal. Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality organizes other races and events for sports performed with these means. Participants are required to arrive with sportswear suitable for the organization.

It is strictly prohibited for all the runners who register to any category under Istanbul Half Marathon, to bring or exhibit at the race area products which promote a brand, foundation, organization or entity other than the t-shirts, flags and similar other articles distributed by the sponsor companies. Legal action will be taken against those persons and institutions who behave to the contrary.

Is There a Wheelchair Classification?
In our competition, there is no classification of wheelchair in any class.
Services Offered within the scope of the Event
Electronic timing
Race Kit (chest number and electronic chip)
Race bag
T-shirt
Medal
Certificate
Water and nutrition stations on the race course
Food package after the race
Photograph service
Free transportation in the vehicles belonging to Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (Marmaray is not included)

©2025 – İBB GENÇLİK VE SPOR DAİRE BAŞKANLIĞI SPORTİF DEĞERLENDİRME ŞUBE MÜDÜRLÜĞÜ TARAFINDAN DÜZENLENMEKTEDİR.  – HER HAKKI SAKLIDIR

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