Thousands run from Asia to Europe in Istanbul marathon
Istanbul hosts transcontinental marathon to remember those who sacrificed their lives resisting the July 15 coup attempt in Turkey.
Athletes and thousands of people take part in the 38th Vodafone Istanbul Marathon, the world's only race where people run from Asia to Europe, at the July 15 Martyrs' Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey on November 13, 2016. Image: AA.
Thousands of people in Istanbul participated in a marathon on Sunday, where they walked and ran in honour of those who had sacrificed their lives resisting Turkey's July 15 coup attempt.
The transcontinental marathon from Asia to Europe hosted 90 elite athletes including 28 of Turkey's top runners, as well as thousands of others who were willing to challenge themselves by running 42 kilometres (26 miles).
Turkey's Sports Minister Akif Cagatay Kilic, Family Minister Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya, Istanbul Governor Vasip Sahin and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Kadir Topbas gave the starting signal at 9.00 am local time (0600 GMT).
A starter pistol was not used to start the race, to show respect for the hundreds of martyrs killed in the deadly coup attempt. Over 240 people died and almost 2,200 others were injured during the events of the coup.
Sports Minister Kilic said, "Our people are together. Those who have different opinions and favour different political parties are in unity."
The Istanbul Marathon is an international athletics event organised by the metropolitan municipality in Istanbul, every year on a Sunday in October since 1979. In 2012, the month was changed from October to November. Istanbul, Turkey, November 13, 2016. Image: Mehmet Dikbayir
The course is asphalt, mostly flat and is free of traffic. It is the only course in the world where the marathon includes two continents, Asia and Europe, in the one race. Istanbul, Turkey, November 13, 2016. Image: Mehmet Dikbayir
The races begin on the Asian side of the July 15 Martyrs' Bridge, formerly known as the Bosphorus Bridge, and finishes on the European side. Istanbul, Turkey, November 13, 2016. Image: AA.
The Istanbul marathon also features 15 km and 10 km events. Istanbul, Turkey, November 13, 2016. Image: AA.
A free 8km Heroes Run saw people casually race or just walk along the Bosphorus. Istanbul, Turkey, November 13, 2016. Image: AA.
A race for wheelchair-bound competitors also went underway. Istanbul, Turkey, November 13, 2016. Image: AA.
Kenyan-born Azerbaijani runner Evans Kiplagat finished first in the 38th Vodafone Istanbul Marathon's men's race. Istanbul, Turkey, November 13, 2016. Image: AA.
Ethiopian athlete Shura Kitata Tola finished second and Kenyan runner Peter Kiptoo Kiplagat came in at third. Istanbul, Turkey, November 13, 2016. Image: AA.
Kenyan athlete Agnes Jeruto Barsosio won the women's marathon with a time of two hours, 28 minutes and 24 seconds. Ethiopian runner Sechale Adugna Dalasa came second and her compatriot Rahma Tusa Chota finished third. Istanbul, Turkey, November 13, 2016.
The marathon ends in Sultanahmet Square; the 15 km and 10 km races finish in the nearby Eminonu district. The Heroes Run will end in front of the Ottoman-era Dolmabahce Palace. Istanbul, Turkey, November 13, 2016. Image: Mehmet Dikbayir
This year's elite athletes were mostly from Turkey, Belarus, Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Africa, Kenya, Russia and Ukraine. Istanbul, Turkey, November 13, 2016. Image: Mehmet Dikbayir
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