44th Istanbul Marathon to be held Sunday

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Dozens of elite runners will participate in the 44th Istanbul Marathon, the world's only intercontinental race, set to take place on Sunday.

The race will have four categories -- 42.2-kilometer (26.2-mile) marathon, 42-km (26 mile) roller skate run,15-km (9.3-mi) run, and 8-km (4.9-mi) FunRun.

A total of 60,000 athletes, including 56 elite runners, will take part in the marathon starting from Istanbul's Asian side and ending in the European part.

Marius Kimutai, Samuel Kiplimo, Tadesse Kemechachu, and Robert Kipkemboi are among the favorites to win the men's category. Sechale Dalase and Melesech Tsegaye are highlights of the women's race.

- Marathon to begin at 0600GMT

The 42.2-km marathon will begin in the Asian part of Istanbul at 9 a.m. local time (0600GMT) near the July 15 Martyrs' Bridge and conclude in Sultanahmet Square.

The participants will cross the bridge giving a spectacular view of the Bosporus, and tour many historical sites, including the Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque) and Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia).

- Best results

Kenyan athlete Daniel Kipkore Kibet won the 41st edition of the Marathon in 2019, breaking the 42-kilometer (26-mile) track record with 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 44 seconds.

In the women's category, Ruth Chepngetich from Kenya finished the 42-km (26-mile) run in 2 hours, 18 minutes, and 35 seconds breaking the marathon's records.

The name of the marathon, which kicked off as the Asia-Europe Run, was later changed to the Intercontinental Eurasia Marathon.

In 2013, the name of the marathon was changed to Istanbul Marathon in order to promote the city and bring its name to the forefront.