The Istanbul Marathon takes place on Sunday 1 November 2026, and the course runs from Asia to Europe across the Bosphorus. Roads on the whole route are closed to vehicles from 06:00 until about 15:30, so plan how you cross the city before you leave your hotel.
Last checked: 30 October 2026, against the official race-day programme (in Turkish). Times can change, so check the organisers’ page the evening before.
Istanbul Marathon 2026 at a glance
- Event: The 48th Türkiye İş Bankası Istanbul Marathon, run by the city’s sports directorate (Spor İstanbul). The organisers say it crosses from Asia to Europe.
- Date: Sunday 1 November 2026.
- Races: A 42K marathon, a 15.5K race, a fun run (halk koşusu) and a corporate run.
- Finish: The 42K finishes at Sultanahmet. The 15.5K finishes at Yenikapı.
- Entries: Registration for the 42K and the fun run is closed, according to the organisers’ pages. This guide is for spectators and for visitors who want to avoid the closures.
Race-day timetable
These are the times in the official programme. The race has three starts for the 15.5K, so the course stays busy through the morning.
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 03:00 | The 15 July Martyrs Bridge closes to vehicles |
| 06:00 | The whole course closes to vehicles, including the Eurasia Tunnel |
| 08:45 | Wheelchair race starts |
| 09:00 | 42K start |
| 09:19, 09:38, 10:05 | 15.5K starts (three waves) |
| About 11:10 | Expected finish of the 42K winner |
| 12:14 | Fun run starts |
| 12:30 | 42K prize ceremony at Sultanahmet |
| 14:00 | The 15 July Martyrs Bridge reopens |
| 15:00 | The Eurasia Tunnel reopens |
| 15:20 | 42K race closes at Sultanahmet |
| 15:30 | The whole course reopens to traffic |
How the closures affect your day
The course crosses the city, so road traffic between the Asian and European sides is hard on Sunday morning. The official programme closes the course to vehicles from 06:00 and the 42K ends at Sultanahmet. Expect closed streets around the old city until the afternoon.
- Staying in Sultanahmet: Allow extra time for any taxi or transfer. Walk to the tram or to the ferry piers if you need to cross the Golden Horn or the Bosphorus.
- Airport transfers: Do not rely on a car crossing the bridge or the tunnel before the afternoon. Our airport to Sultanahmet guide lists the rail and bus options.
- Ferries: Check Şehir Hatları for Sunday timetables. The organisers use ferries from the Kabataş and Eminönü piers for runners between 06:45 and 07:45, so those piers will be busy early.
- Taxis: Fares and routes change when roads close. Read our Istanbul taxi guide before you agree on a price.
Where to watch
The organisers publish the 42K and 15.5K routes on their course page. We have not stood at every point along the route, so we do not name specific viewing spots. The finish area at Sultanahmet is easy to reach by tram, but expect crowds and security checks. The winner is expected around 11:10, and the last runners finish by about 15:20.
Marathon expo
The marathon and sports expo runs from 29 to 31 October 2026 at the Dr. Mimar Kadir Topbaş Gösteri ve Sanat Merkezi in Yenikapı. It is open 10:00–19:00 on Thursday and Friday and 10:00–18:00 on Saturday. Runners collect their race kits there. The organisers’ page describes it for participants, so check whether non-runners can enter before you go.
Other things to do the same weekend
- See what else is on in the city in our Istanbul events this week page, which we update each Monday.
- Take a Bosphorus boat to see the bridge from below. See our Bosphorus cruise guide.
- Book a hotel close to the tram line if you plan to see the finish. Our where to stay guide compares four areas.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still enter the Istanbul Marathon?
The organisers’ 42K and fun-run pages say registration is full. Check the official marathon site for any later notice.
Can I cross the Bosphorus Bridge by car on race day?
Not in the morning. The official programme closes the bridge to vehicles from 03:00 until 14:00.
Is the course really the same every year?
The organisers publish the route for each edition. Use the 2026 course page rather than an older map.
