ISTANBUL, Türkiye - The Türkiye İş Bankası 45th Istanbul Marathon, famously dubbed as the "Race of the Century," witnessed the participation of around 50,000 citizens alongside nearly 140 athletes from 15 different countries. The marathon, held in the heart of Istanbul, once again lived up to its reputation as a premier international sporting event.

This year's Istanbul Marathon featured a remarkable showcase of athletic talent, with Kenyan athletes taking the lead in several categories. The slogan "Race of the Century" aptly captured the spirit of the marathon, which has earned the distinction of being the "only intercontinental marathon" in the world and is classified under the "Gold Label" category by the World Athletics.

The marathon's distinctive route took participants through some of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks. Starting at the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, athletes made their way to Beşiktaş via the Beşiktaş junction on Barbaros Boulevard. Following the scenic coastal road, they reached Karaköy and continued their journey, passing through Galata Bridge, changing direction towards Sirkeci, and finally making their way back to the starting point near Bakırköy Air Force Academy.

The course then continued along the coastal road, taking participants through Gülhane Park, along the tramway tracks to Sultanahmet Square. The race culminated at the historic "Hippodrome," the gathering and sports center of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, between the entrance of Sultanahmet Mosque and the Egyptian Obelisk.

In the 42K category, Kenyan athletes reigned supreme, with Beatrice Cheptoo claiming the top spot for women and Panuel Mkungo securing victory among men.

45th Istanbul Marathon 42K Category Results 

Women: 

Gold medal winner : Beatrice Cheptoo 02:27:09 

Silver medal winner : Veronicah Njeri Maina 02:27:24 

Bronze medal winner : Valentina Mateiko 02:32:15

Men: 

Gold medal winner : Panuel Mkungo 02:10:35 

Silver medal winner : Benard Cheruiyot Sang 02:12:41 

Bronze medal winner : James Kiplagat 02:12:44

A Celebration of Excellence: Prizes Galore

The winners in both the men's and women's categories at the 45th Istanbul Marathon received substantial cash prizes of $30,000 each. Second-place finishers were awarded $15,000, and third-place finishers received $10,000.

The Turkish participants were not left out, with the top finishers in the marathon earning 40,000 Turkish Lira, second-place finishers taking home 30,000 Turkish Lira, and third-place finishers receiving 20,000 Turkish Lira as their rewards.

The 45th Istanbul Marathon once again demonstrated its significance on the international sporting stage and its ability to bring together athletes from across the globe for a remarkable race through Istanbul's breathtaking landmarks.