Turkish broadcasters said at least 100,000 people, most carrying umbrellas, took part in the annual event despite cold and rainy weather. Authorities allowed up to a maximum of 25,000 people to walk on the bridge at one time due to safety reasons.
Participants filled İstanbul's Bosporus Bridge, which links the Asian continent to Europe, as well as some of the city's major roads, as they ran the 15-kilometer race course. The event consists of the marathon itself (42.195 kilometers), plus a 15-kilometer race, and an 8-kilometer fun run without timing or ranking.
The marathon starts on the Asian side of İstanbul, crosses the Bosporus Bridge and then the Golden Horn bridge and passes under the Valens Aqueduct, on the way to a beach on the Marmara Sea. For professional athletes, the marathon finishes on the European side at the Hippodrome -- one of the oldest racetracks in the world, situated in the historic district of Sultanahmet, which has an abundance of ancient monuments and sites. For participants in the public race, the marathon ends near the Beşiktaş İnönü Stadium in Dolmabahçe. Free transportation was provided for participants from Taksim (in front of the Atatürk Cultural Center) and from Sultanahmet (near Hagia Sophia).
Kenyan athlete Vincent Kiplagat won the top title in men's category for the second time in a row after passing the finish line in 2:10:58 hours. He was followed by Ethiopian athletes Tariku Jufar with 2:11:31 and Tsegay Gebreselassie with 2:13:39.
In womens' category, Ethiopian athlete Alemitu Abera clinched the first spot with 2:27:56. Two other Ethiopians, Fatuma Sedo and Tsega Gelaw, finished the race in the second and third spot with 2:28:01 and 2:28:38, respectively. |
Source : ftnnews.com
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