Organized by Spor Istanbul, a subsidiary of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), the Turkey İş Bankası 19th Istanbul Half Marathon witnessed an unprecedented level of participation. Despite the rainy weather, a staggering 10,129 runners took part in the event, held on the historic peninsula of Istanbul. In the men's category, Moroccan athlete Hicham Amghar claimed victory with a remarkable time of 59:47, while in the women's category, Kenyan athlete Sheila Chelangat emerged triumphant, clocking in at 1:06:47.

Hicham Amghar, who finished second in last year's Turkey İş Bankası Istanbul Half Marathon, achieved the victory he sought this year. Sheila Chelangat, the fastest female athlete, delivered her best half-marathon performance of her career.

The champions of the Istanbul Half Marathon were also awarded a prize of $15,000 each.

Ethiopian Dominance In Silver And Bronze

In a race known for its speed, categorized as one of the 11 Gold Label events globally and 4 in Europe, Ethiopian athletes Dinkalem Ayele and Gemechu Bute secured second and third place in the men's category with times of 59:55 and 1:00:03, respectively. Among the women, Kenyan Miriam Chebet claimed second place with a time of 1:07:14, while Ethiopian Zewditu Aderaw secured third place with a time of 1:08:17.

Eduardo Terrance Garcia from the Virgin Islands set a national record with his time of 1:03:53 in the men's category.

Record-Breaking Start To The Marathon

Despite the rainy weather, this year's Turkey İş Bankası Istanbul Half Marathon witnessed a 15% increase in participation, with 10,129 runners taking part. The event attracted significant attention, featuring both intense sporting competition and vibrant spectacles. Runners arrived at Yenikapı as the first light of dawn broke. The 10K race started at 08:00, followed by the 21K race at 09:15.

68 Elite Athletes Tour The City!

The marathon, where 68 elite athletes competed for the top prize, began at Yenikapı and followed the Sarayburnu-Sirkeci-Eminönü coastline. After crossing the Galata Bridge, athletes turned towards Cibali. Upon reaching the Haliç Bridge, they made a U-turn at Balat, completing a circuit of the Historic Peninsula before finishing back at Yenikapı for the 19th time.

Turkish Half Marathon Champions Also Emerge

The Turkey İş Bankası 19th Istanbul Half Marathon also determined the Turkish half-marathon champions. Ali Kaya finished first in the men's category with a time of 1:02:44, while Özlem Kaya claimed victory in the women's category with a time of 1:13:34.

16-Year-Olds Runs First Marathon

The Turkey İş Bankası 19th Istanbul Half Marathon marked a historic moment as 16-year-olds ran their first half marathon in Turkey.

Millions In Prizes Distributed

Approximately 8 million Turkish Lira prizes were distributed at the Turkey İş Bankası 19th Istanbul Half Marathon. Additionally, Turkish athletes competing in the Turkish Half Marathon Championship received 200,000 Turkish Lira each. All elite athletes in the top 8 and Turkish athletes in the top 5 received prize money. Furthermore, Turkey İş Bankası awarded a total of 200,000 Turkish Lira to the top 5 Turkish male and female athletes in the 21K race.

Elite Athletes Top 10 Ranking

The top 10 rankings in the 21K category of the Turkey İş Bankası 19th Istanbul Half Marathon were as follows:

Men's Category

1- Hicham Amghar – Morocco – 59:47

2- Dinkalem Ayele – Ethiopia – 59:55

3- Gemechu Bute – Ethiopia – 1:00:03

4- Antony Kimtai – Kenya – 1:00:16

5- Benard Biwott – Kenya – 1:00:18

6- Solomon Kipchoge – Kenya – 1:00:19

7- Mathew Samperu – Kenya – 1:00:27

8- Cameron Levins – Canada – 1:00:38

9- James Kipkogei Kipkoech – Kenya – 1:00:43

10- Edward Zakayo Pingua – Kenya – 1:01:08

Women's Category

1- Sheila Chelangat – Kenya – 1:06:47

2- Miriam Chebet – Kenya – 1:07:14

3- Zewditu Aderaw – Ethiopia – 1:08:17

4- Betelihem Afenigus – Ethiopia – 1:08:33

5- Ftaw Zeray – Ethiopia – 1:08:39

6- Betty Chepkemoi Kibet – Kenya – 1:08:39

7- Gladys Chepkurui – Kenya – 1:08:50

8- Aberash Shilima – Ethiopia – 1:08:52

9- Ruth Jebet – Bahrain – 1:09:10

10- Meseret Dinke – Ethiopia – 1:09:53

Top 3 In The Turkish Athlete Category

The top 3 rankings among Turkish athletes in the Turkey İş Bankası 19th Istanbul Half Marathon were as follows:

Men's Category

1- Ali Kaya – 1:02:44

2- Ramazan Özdemir – 1:03:48

3- Hüseyin Can – 1:05:11

Women's Category

1- Özlem Kaya – 1:13:34

2- Remziye Erman – 1:20:51

3- Dilan Atak – 1:23:41