site.btaRunning for Justice and Freedom: Opposition Leaders Highlight Politics at Istanbul Marathon

Scores of runners from around the world took to the streets of Istanbul on Sunday for the 47th edition of the prestigious Istanbul marathon, the only race on the planet where athletes cross between two continents on foot.

According to Turkish media, the event attracted 41,416 participants from 126 countries. The 42-kilometer course began on the Asian side of the city and finished on the European side of the metropolis. A total of 43 elite athletes from four continents competed in the full marathon, while 5,000 runners took part in the mass start.

The marathon, organized by the municipality, is recognized as a Gold Label event by World Athletics.

The starting signal was given by the Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel and Istanbul Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan, along with other officials.

The opposition leader used the occasion to make a veiled political remark: “If you look at how much branding Istanbul has gained since 2019, you’ll see it’s on the right track. But Turkiye is on the opposite one. Those who have set Istanbul on the right path, God willing, will also win the government in the next elections,” he said quoted by T24.

Ozel, together with representatives of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, joined one of the marathon stages.

A message was also sent to the participants by imprisoned CHP presidential candidate and suspended Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Sozcu daily newspaper reported.

“The Istanbul Marathon means running together, moving together toward a goal, overcoming obstacles, and standing shoulder to shoulder. I hope that this year you will also run for justice and freedom. I wish that every step you take with faith and determination will leave a mark on our Republic, our democracy, and our future,” Imamoglu said in his address.

Kenyan athlete Rhonzas Lokitam Kilimo won the race, the Anadolu Agency reported. The women's title was also secured by an elite African runner, with Ethiopian athlete Bizuager Aderra winning her category.

The 42-kilometer route took runners from the Asian side of the July 15 Martyrs Bridge through Besiktas, Galata Bridge, Sirkeci and along the Kennedy Avenue coastal road before finishing in front of Sultanahmet Mosque.

Media interest in the event was significant. Dozens of main roads, one of the Bosphorus bridges, and the Eurasia Tunnel were closed to traffic. Movement was scheduled to resume in the afternoon, Turkish media reported.