Both in next two months, there are a number of interesting marathons any runner or aspirer could embrace as a challenge to themselves this fall. The ultimate marathon is the Vodafone Istanbul Marathon cross continental run, but leading up to it are a number of interesting runs that are more approachable and a great way to introduce this sport to your life all while discovering the city in a way one maybe never could otherwise.

LifeRun is a community of people who want to raise their quality of life by being healthy that get together to run every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. at a different location in the city. Everyone at every level is welcome for this running or walking workout led by professional trainers that also combines elements of Pilates, strength training and TRX suspension training. The next run will be on Oct. 4 at Belgrade Forest, while the LifeRunners meet in Kanlıca on Oct. 11, on Büyükada on Oct. 18 and in Kireçburnu Sahili on Oct. 25. Check out liferunturkiye.com for more information.

Color Sky 5K Run is a very "colorful" affair and more so about the fun of being paint "bombed" at every kilometer completed than crossing a finishing line. This run, an international event first held in the U.S. but draws in thousands in Turkey, will be held in Bursa on Oct. 4, Istanbul on Oct. 11 and Antalya on Oct. 18. No one is timed and running is certainly not mandatory in this fun run, which is very much a family affair and kids up until the age of 12 can join for free with their parents. The Bursa run on Oct. 4 will take place at Soğanlı Botanik Park. The Color Sky 5K Run in Istanbul on Oct. 11 will take place at Olympic Stadium and the run in Antalya on Oct. 18 will take place at Düden Park. All runs begin at 2:00 p.m. and tickets are available on Biletix for TL 59.50 ($19.53) or TL 70 at the door.

New Balance Büyükada is an annual 11.2K run resuming for the third time on the biggest of Istanbul's Princes' Islands on Oct. 25 at 10:00 a.m. The course, which circles the island, starts off at Mehmet Bölük Park and has lots of uphill action. Participation is limited to 3,500 people and tickets cost TL 50. However, if you purchase a new pair of New Balance sneakers, then entry is free. Tickets are available at newbalancerun.com.

Nike Run Istanbul is a 10K course that will commence in Karaköy on Nov. 8 from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The theme of this race, which is open to everyone, is usually a competition between runners from the European and Asian sides of the city. Tickets are TL 30 for those between the ages of 18 and 24 and TL 50 for those 25 and older. Should you want to train prior to the run, then Nike's Run Club will help you fully prepare for the 10-kilometer trek.

The 37th Vodafone Istanbul Marathon is the mothership of marathons in the city and is a leading race for many international competitors. With options for a full 42.195-kilometer marathon or the lesser 15-kilometer, 10-kilometer or 8-kilometer courses, this is the ultimate marathon to be a part of in Istanbul and takes its participants on foot over the Bosporus Bridge. The city nearly shuts down on the day of this biggest run of the year in Istanbul. For the more than 42 kilometer marathon, 10,000 runners are expected to join the cross-continental competition. The Istanbul Marathon has a number of course options, but for those less trained, shall we say, the 8K FunRun is free of charge, open to all and is an excellent event for any expat to experience the city. Check out istanbulmarathon.org for more information or visit the Marathon Expo, which will be held from Nov. 12-14 for participants to pick up their running kits.

Expat events this week

September 29

InterNations Istanbul will be hosting their September gathering this Tuesday at Blush Atiye in Nişantaşı, while the Bodrum edition of InterNations will be celebrating its eighth anniversary with a very special event at Bar Beast in Bodrum on Wednesday. This is an excellent opportunity to celebrate being an expat in style at this swanky exclusive club smack dab in the center of Turkey's tourism hotspot.

October 4

The Istanbul Second-Hand Market will be held on Oct. 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Kilyos Şömine Restaurant, which is located on Istanbul's most popular day trip getaway beach of Kilyos. Hosted in conjunction with the Sarıyer Municipality, this blowout event will have 250 stands of thrift goodness. Although all the stands are sold out, you can also bring second-hand goods to donate to one of the good causes that will be represented.