Vodafone Istanbul Marathon to host 3,500 foreign runners

Around 30,000 professional runners including 3,500 foreigners from more than 100 countries will take part in the 40th Vodafone Istanbul Marathon in November. The event – the world's only transcontinental marathon from Asia to Europe – will be held under the banner of "Run Istanbul for a Healthy Future" on Nov. 11. It features a 42-kilometer marathon as well as a 15-kilometer, a 10-kilometer and an 8-kilometer race. The Istanbul marathon will also feature a race for wheelchair users.

The marathon will start on the Asian side of Istanbul's July 15 Martyrs' Bridge, formerly known as the Bosporus Bridge. The finish line will be at the historic Sultanahmet Square on the city's European side. Vodafone is the main sponsor of the race, organized by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and Spor Istanbul.

Last year, French runner Abraham Kiprotich won the men's category and the women's race was won by Kenya's Ruth Chepngetich. More information on the race and how to participate is available on www.maraton.istanbul. The race will be using the hashtags #runistanbul and #run4health on Twitter.