Istanbul Half Marathon: Ready to Run Through History?

The 2025 Istanbul Half Marathon is more than just a race — it offers an unforgettable experience for running enthusiasts. Running isn’t just a physical activity, but a mental journey as well. Especially for both professionals and amateur athletes, half marathons are an ideal challenge.

On average, a runner completes the 21.1 km half marathon in about 2 to 2.5 hours, which translates to a speed of roughly 8–10 km/h. However, it’s possible to go far beyond this average on Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula route!

Kenyan elite athlete Rodgers Kwemoi broke the Historic Peninsula course record at the Istanbul Half Marathon with a stunning time of 59 minutes and 15 seconds. This incredible performance means a pace of approximately 2 minutes and 48 seconds per kilometer.

A Route Immersed in History

The Half Marathon Route runs through the heart of Istanbul — the Historic Peninsula. Starting from the Yenikapı Event Area and continuing along the coastline, this course offers a one-of-a-kind running experience surrounded by city walls, sea views, and historic landmarks.

With every step, runners feel the deep-rooted history of Istanbul. Running this course is like taking a journey through time.

Want to Join?

If you'd like to participate in the 2025 Istanbul Half Marathon and experience this unique race, click here to register. Open to runners of all levels, this event offers not just a race — but a cultural exploration as well.

As Kampbu, we highly recommend this unforgettable running experience. Sport, history, and the magic of Istanbul come together in this remarkable marathon.