The Istanbul Half Marathon is a World Athletics Gold Label race that takes runners along the European shore of the Bosphorus — the narrow strait that divides Europe and Asia. The course runs from the old city walls near Yenikapı along the waterfront to Dolmabahce Palace and back, offering jaw-dropping views of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and the Istanbul skyline with its minarets and domes. Istanbul is one of the world's great cities, straddling two continents, and combining thousands of years of history with a vibrant modern culture that makes it an unforgettable race destination.
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Race day gear matters. A half marathon deserves the right shoes — see our best half marathon running shoes for data-backed recommendations.
The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Istanbul Half Marathon 2027 |
| Date | Sunday, November 15, 2027 |
| Venue | Start & Finish: Yenikapi, Istanbul |
| Address | Yenikapi Sahil Yolu, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey |
| Airport | Istanbul Airport (IST) |
Mid-November in Istanbul brings cool, autumnal weather with temperatures between 7-14°C (45-57°F). Rain is possible, and the Bosphorus winds can make exposed sections feel cooler. Good conditions for a half marathon.
The Venue: Yenikapi Waterfront
The start and finish area is located along the Yenikapi waterfront on the southern shore of the European side of Istanbul, near the ancient city walls. The flat, coastal course heads northeast along the Bosphorus shoreline. The Marathon Expo is held in the days before the race near the start/finish area.
What's nearby:
- Sultanahmet (Old City) — the historic heart of Istanbul with the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, a 15-minute walk or short tram ride northeast
- Grand Bazaar — one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets, about 20 minutes on foot from Yenikapi
- Yenikapi Marmaray Station — a major transport hub connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul via undersea rail tunnel
- Kumkapi — a lively neighbourhood just north of the venue, known for its seafood restaurants
Important: The Expo is where you collect your race number and timing chip. Bring your registration confirmation and a valid photo ID. The area around Yenikapi is well served by the Marmaray commuter rail and the T1 tram line.
Race Expo
The Istanbul Half Marathon Expo is typically held at Kanyon AVM (shopping mall), a modern shopping centre in the Levent business district. You must collect your race bib and timing chip at the Expo before race day.
When to visit: The Expo usually runs Friday and Saturday before the race. Friday is less crowded. Allow at least an hour for bib collection and browsing.
What to bring: Your registration confirmation email and a valid photo ID.
Getting there: Levent (Metro M2, direct exit into the mall).
Where to Stay
The best areas to stay are Sultanahmet (closest to the start/finish and all major sights), Beyoglu/Taksim (vibrant nightlife and dining), or Kadikoy on the Asian side (trendy, affordable, connected by ferry). The T1 tram line and Marmaray rail make getting to the venue easy from all central locations.
Getting There
From Istanbul Airport (IST)
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Havaist Bus | ~60-90 min to Sultanahmet/Taksim | 130 TRY | Frequent; routes to various city districts |
| Istanbul Metro (M11) | ~40 min to Gayrettepe + transfer | 20 TRY | New metro line, connect to M2 for Taksim |
| Taxi / Ride-hail | ~45-60 min | 600-900 TRY | Metered; longer in rush hour traffic |
Istanbul Airport is located about 40 km north of the city centre. The Havaist bus is reliable and comfortable. The M11 metro line now connects the airport to the city's metro network. Taxis are affordable but Istanbul traffic can be severe, especially during rush hours.
From Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen is Istanbul's second airport, on the Asian side about 55 km from the city centre. Many budget carriers fly here.
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Havaist Bus | ~60-90 min to Taksim | 150 TRY | Direct shuttle to Taksim Square; runs every 30 min |
| Taxi/Rideshare | ~50-80 min | 600-900 TRY | Faster but expensive; heavy traffic possible |
The Havaist shuttle bus is the best option for most travellers. From Taksim, take the funicular and tram to reach the race venue area.
Public Transport
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Single ride (Istanbulkart) | 20 TRY |
| Transfer (within 2 hours) | 12 TRY |
| Istanbulkart (reloadable card) | 100 TRY (card + balance) |
Istanbul's transport network includes the Metro, tram, funicular, Marmaray commuter rail, buses, and ferries — all accessed with the Istanbulkart contactless card. Buy one at the airport or any Metro station. The T1 tram along the old city is especially useful for tourists.
Where to Eat
Sultanahmet & Eminonu — the historic centre has a mix of tourist restaurants and genuine local spots. The Eminonu waterfront is famous for balik ekmek (fish sandwiches) sold from boats on the Golden Horn. Kadikoy (Asian side) — a short ferry ride across the Bosphorus brings you to Istanbul's best food market, vibrant meze restaurants, and a more local, less touristy dining experience.
Istanbul Food to Try
- Balik Ekmek — a grilled mackerel fillet in crusty bread with onion and salad, best from the boat restaurants at Eminonu
- Lahmacun — thin, crispy flatbread topped with spiced minced meat, rolled up with parsley and lemon juice
- Iskender Kebab — sliced doner meat over pita bread, drenched in tomato sauce and melted butter with yogurt on the side
- Simit — a sesame-crusted bread ring sold by street vendors everywhere; the ultimate cheap snack
- Turkish Breakfast (Kahvalti) — an elaborate spread of cheeses, olives, eggs, honey, tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh bread; the best way to start a rest day
Budget eating: Istanbul is very affordable for eating out. A lahmacun or doner wrap costs 60-100 TRY (2-3 USD), a full kebab meal at a lokanta (local eatery) runs 150-250 TRY, and an elaborate Turkish breakfast for two can be had for 300-500 TRY.
Essential Istanbul Tips
Currency. Turkish Lira (TRY). Cash vs card. Card acceptance is widespread in Istanbul, especially at restaurants, shops, and transport. However, smaller vendors, street food stalls, and some taxi drivers prefer cash. Carry some lira for small purchases. Tipping. Round up the bill at casual restaurants, or leave 10% at sit-down restaurants. Small tips for hotel porters and taxi drivers are appreciated. Language. Turkish is the official language. English is spoken at hotels and tourist-focused restaurants, but basic Turkish phrases are appreciated and helpful in local neighbourhoods. Weather in November. Average highs of 12-14°C (54-57°F) and lows of 7-9°C (45-48°F). Overcast and rainy days are common. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket. Safety. Istanbul is generally safe for tourists. Be aware of common tourist scams (overly friendly strangers inviting you to bars) and pickpockets in crowded areas like the Grand Bazaar. Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps.
What to See
- Hagia Sophia — the 1,500-year-old architectural wonder that has served as a church, mosque, museum, and mosque again; one of the world's most important buildings
- Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) — the iconic six-minareted mosque with stunning blue tile interiors, directly opposite Hagia Sophia
- Topkapi Palace — the opulent Ottoman palace overlooking the Bosphorus, home to sultans for nearly 400 years
- Grand Bazaar — one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, with over 4,000 shops selling everything from carpets to spices
- Bosphorus Ferry — take a public ferry up the Bosphorus strait for stunning views of the city, palaces, and fortresses from the water
- Basilica Cistern — a breathtaking underground Byzantine water cistern with 336 marble columns, eerily lit beneath the streets of Sultanahmet
Quick Reference
| Need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | Istanbul Airport (IST), ~60-90 min by bus |
| Venue | Yenikapi Waterfront |
| Nearest station | Yenikapi (Marmaray / Metro M1/M2) |
| Transport to venue | Havaist bus or Metro to city, then Marmaray/T1 tram |
| Currency | Turkish Lira (TRY) |
| Cash needed? | Sometimes — carry lira for small vendors |
| Language | Turkish (English spoken in tourist areas) |
| Weather | 7-14°C (45-57°F), cool with rain possible |
| Tipping | Round up or 10% at restaurants |
| Emergency | 112 |
Race Preparation:
- What Is a Good Half Marathon Time? — Half marathon percentiles and benchmarks
- How Weather Affects Marathon Performance — What race-day conditions mean for your pacing
Gear:
- Best Half Marathon Running Shoes — Data-backed picks for race day
Training Plans:
- Half Marathon Training Plan — Structured programme for every goal time
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: May 2027.