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21 km · 74 m climbing · on a record-friendly asphalt course in the Historic Peninsula, running from Yenikapı over the Galata Bridge and along the Golden Horn

Istanbul Half Marathon

Istanbul Half Marathon is a road race held on a record-friendly asphalt course in the Historic Peninsula, running from Yenikapı over the Galata Bridge and along the Golden Horn on 18 April 2027.

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Time to race
Date & start
18 April 2027 · 08:00Sunday
Location
IstanbulStart: Langa bus stop in front of the Yenikapı Rally Area (Yenikapı Miting Alanı), Fatih, Istanbul
Distances
10K / 21K2 courses
Entry fee
1,000–1,600 TL (depending on the registration period)
Registration deadline
12 April 2027167 days left

Istanbul Half Marathon is a road race held on a record-friendly asphalt course in the Historic Peninsula, running from Yenikapı over the Galata Bridge and along the Golden Horn on 18 April 2027. The event offers 10K and 21K courses; the start time is 08.00. Registration has not opened yet.

This race has 2 coursesAll on 18 Apr 2027 · Istanbul
DistanceLengthStart
21K09:15›
10K08:00›
OrganiserİBB Gençlik ve Spor Daire Başkanlığı (Spor İstanbul)
Source

Details were checked against the organiser’s page on 27 October 2026.

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Istanbul Half Marathon

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Which information?

Race Note
Each distance is capped at 10,000 runners; you must be 16 by 18 April 2027 (runners aged 16–18 hand in a parental consent form at kit collection). No cancellations, deferrals, refunds or category changes. Start and finish are at Yenikapı; the 21K course runs via Kennedy Caddesi, Sarayburnu and the Galata Bridge along the Golden Horn to Ayvansaray and back the same way. The 21K has a food station every 5 km with water and sponge stations in between; the 10K has water stations at km 4.6 and 7.1. The course is closed to traffic 04:30–13:30; the award ceremony is at 11:00.
01 · Courses

Course, map and GPX

21K

21.2 km · +74 m · start 09:15
Open 21K on the map
Start: Langa bus stop in front of the Yenikapı Rally Area (Yenikapı Miting Alanı), Fatih, Istanbul
Distance
21.2 km
Total climbing
↑ 74 m
Total descent
↓ 73 m
Altitude range
1–14 m
Climbing per kilometre
4 m
Flat sections
99%
Km-effort · ITRA scale (calculated)
22 · XXS
Difficulty rank in the calendar
56 / 101
Elevation profile
Steep climb 8%+Climb 3–8%FlatDescent 3–8%Steep descent 8%+
05010005101520km5K kesme noktası · 5 km · Cut-off 45 min10K kesme noktası · 10 km · Cut-off 1 h 35 min15K kesme noktası · 15 km · Cut-off 2 h 25 minFinish (Yenikapı) · 21.1 km · Cut-off 3 h 25 min

Over 21.2 km there is 74 m of climbing, 4 m per kilometre. Essentially flat: a course for holding a steady pace. The value is close to a category boundary: with the organiser’s stated distance and climbing it may fall into the XS category.

Course section by section

Course section by section

The most climbing is between km 10.1 and 15.0 (+23 m). The highest point is at km 10.8 (14 m).

SplitClimbDescentNetPoints
0.0–5.0 km+15 m−15 m0 m
5.0–10.1 km+20 m−16 m+4 m5K kesme noktası (km 5.0 · cut-off 45 min · water, beslenme)
10.1–15.0 km+23 m−26 m−3 m10K kesme noktası (km 10.0 · cut-off 1 h 35 min · water, beslenme)
15.0–20.0 km+14 m−14 m0 m15K kesme noktası (km 15.0 · cut-off 2 h 25 min · water, beslenme)
20.0–21.2 km+3 m−3 m0 mFinish (Yenikapı) (km 21.1 · cut-off 3 h 25 min)
Checkpoints and Cut-offs4 points
  1. 0
    Start
  2. 5
    5K kesme noktasıwaterbeslenme
    45 minthis leg 9:00 min/kmTightest leg
  3. 10
    10K kesme noktası+5 kmwaterbeslenme
    1 h 35 minthis leg 10:00 min/km
  4. 15
    15K kesme noktası+5 kmwaterbeslenme
    2 h 25 minthis leg 10:00 min/km
  5. 21.1
    Finish (Yenikapı)+6.1 km
    3 h 25 minthis leg 9:50 min/km
Cut-off pace

To reach Finish (Yenikapı) at km 21.1 within the cut-off, an average pace of 9:43 min/km is enough. The tightest section is Start – 5K kesme noktası: there you need an average of 9:00 min/km. This is a flat calculation; climbs and aid-station stops take extra time.

Sources12

Runners who do not reach a point by its cut-off time are taken out of the race.3

02 · Registration

Registration periods and fees

Registration periods

  1. Period 11,000 TL29 October 2026 – 3 January 2027Not open yet
  2. Period 21,250 TL4 January 2027 – 7 March 2027Not open yet
  3. Period 31,600 TL8 March 2027 – 12 April 2027Not open yet
03 · Requirements

Entry requirements

Medical certificate

Entry criterion for the 21K: within the last two years, finishing a TAF-approved, road-measured 42K in 6:20 or a 21K in 3:25, or within the last year a 10K in 1:30 or a 15K in 2:15. If the result is not in the Spor İstanbul system, upload a certificate or an official result screenshot when registering (approved within 3 working days at the latest). The organiser recommends a medical check-up before the race.

04 · Preparation

When should you start training?

The race is 24 weeks away. Choose what you can do today and we will show the published plan that fits you and the latest date to start it.

1 · Distance
2 · What can you do today?

10K · I can’t run 30 minutes non-stop yet

Start by
20 December 2026
You have time · 7 weeks to spare
1 · NHS Couch to 5KOpen plan ↗
Length
9 weeks
Per week
3 runs
By the end
30 min continuous running
  1. Week 1Each run: 5-min walk warm-up, 7 × (1 min run + 1.5 min walk), 1 min run, 5-min walk
  2. Final weekThree 30-min continuous runs
  3. Who it is forStarts from zero; ends with 30 minutes of continuous running
2 · England Athletics 10K (Tom Craggs)Open plan ↗
Length
8 weeks
Per week
3 runs + optional cross-training
Longest run
60–70 min · week 6
  1. Week 13 × 5 min hard (effort 7/10), 20–30 min easy, 40 min easy with walk breaks
  2. Final week3 × 3 min hard, 20 min easy, 10K race on Saturday
  3. Who it is forStated requirement: able to run 20–30 minutes continuously

Doing two plans back to back is not an official recommendation of any organisation; there is no single official timeline for a complete beginner. England Athletics 10K (Tom Craggs) — Stated requirement: able to run 20–30 minutes continuously

10K · I can run 20–30 minutes non-stop

Start by
21 February 2027
You have time · 16 weeks to spare
England Athletics 10K (Tom Craggs)Open plan ↗
Length
8 weeks
Per week
3 runs + optional cross-training
Longest run
60–70 min · week 6
  1. Week 13 × 5 min hard (effort 7/10), 20–30 min easy, 40 min easy with walk breaks
  2. Final week3 × 3 min hard, 20 min easy, 10K race on Saturday
  3. Who it is forStated requirement: able to run 20–30 minutes continuously

10K · I run 3–4 days a week; my longest run is about 40 minutes

Start by
21 February 2027
You have time · 16 weeks to spare
England Athletics 10K (Tom Craggs)Open plan ↗
Length
8 weeks
Per week
3 runs + optional cross-training
Longest run
60–70 min · week 6
  1. Week 13 × 5 min hard (effort 7/10), 20–30 min easy, 40 min easy with walk breaks
  2. Final week3 × 3 min hard, 20 min easy, 10K race on Saturday
  3. Who it is forStated requirement: able to run 20–30 minutes continuously

10K · I run 4–5 days a week; my longest run is 40 minutes or more

Start by
21 February 2027
You have time · 16 weeks to spare
England Athletics 10K Improver (Tom Craggs)Open plan ↗
Length
8 weeks
Per week
4 sessions
Longest run
70–80 min · weeks 3, 5 and 6
  1. Week 14 × 5 min hard (effort 7/10), 30–45 min easy, 30-min progression run or cross-training, 60–70 min easy
  2. Final week3–4 × 3 min hard, 30 min easy, 10K race on Saturday
  3. Who it is forWritten requirement: running regularly and able to run continuously for 45–60 minutes or more

Alternative: NYRR 10K — Intermediate · 12 weeks · start by 24 January 2027

NYRR 10K — IntermediateOpen plan ↗
Length
12 weeks
Per week
4–6 days
Longest run
11–14.5 km · week 10
  1. Week 14 × 800 m at 10K pace, tempo and easy runs; 31–40 km in total
  2. Final weekShort runs and strides; 10K race on Sunday
  3. Who it is forNo written entry requirement; week 1 already includes 31–40 km of running

Half marathon · I can’t run 30 minutes non-stop yet

Start by
25 October 2026
Not enough time · 1 week short
1 · NHS Couch to 5KOpen plan ↗
Length
9 weeks
Per week
3 runs
By the end
30 min continuous running
  1. Week 1Each run: 5-min walk warm-up, 7 × (1 min run + 1.5 min walk), 1 min run, 5-min walk
  2. Final weekThree 30-min continuous runs
  3. Who it is forStarts from zero; ends with 30 minutes of continuous running
2 · Royal Parks Half — BeginnerOpen plan ↗
Length
16 weeks
Per week
3 runs + strength work
Longest run
2 h 30 min · week 14
  1. Week 120 min, 20 min and a 30-min long run
  2. Final weekShort easy runs and strides; race on Sunday
  3. Who it is forNo stated requirement; week 1 includes 20–30 minutes of continuous running

Doing two plans back to back is not an official recommendation of any organisation; there is no single official timeline for a complete beginner. Royal Parks Half — Beginner — No stated requirement; week 1 includes 20–30 minutes of continuous running

Half marathon · I can run 20–30 minutes non-stop

Start by
27 December 2026
You have time · 8 weeks to spare
Royal Parks Half — BeginnerOpen plan ↗
Length
16 weeks
Per week
3 runs + strength work
Longest run
2 h 30 min · week 14
  1. Week 120 min, 20 min and a 30-min long run
  2. Final weekShort easy runs and strides; race on Sunday
  3. Who it is forNo stated requirement; week 1 includes 20–30 minutes of continuous running

Half marathon · I run 3–4 days a week; my longest run is about 40 minutes

Start by
7 February 2027
You have time · 14 weeks to spare
NYRR Half Marathon — ConservativeOpen plan ↗
Length
10 weeks
Per week
4 runs + cross-training
Longest run
110 min · week 8
  1. Week 120 min, 30-min tempo, 30 min and 40 min
  2. Final weekThree 20-min runs; race on Sunday
  3. Who it is forStated requirement: running 3–4 days a week, longest run about 40 minutes

Alternative: Royal Parks Half — Beginner · 16 weeks · start by 27 December 2026

Royal Parks Half — BeginnerOpen plan ↗
Length
16 weeks
Per week
3 runs + strength work
Longest run
2 h 30 min · week 14
  1. Week 120 min, 20 min and a 30-min long run
  2. Final weekShort easy runs and strides; race on Sunday
  3. Who it is forNo stated requirement; week 1 includes 20–30 minutes of continuous running

Half marathon · I run 4–5 days a week; my longest run is 40 minutes or more

Start by
7 February 2027
You have time · 14 weeks to spare
NYRR Half Marathon — ConservativeOpen plan ↗
Length
10 weeks
Per week
4 runs + cross-training
Longest run
110 min · week 8
  1. Week 120 min, 30-min tempo, 30 min and 40 min
  2. Final weekThree 20-min runs; race on Sunday
  3. Who it is forStated requirement: running 3–4 days a week, longest run about 40 minutes

Alternative: Royal Parks Half — Beginner · 16 weeks · start by 27 December 2026

Royal Parks Half — BeginnerOpen plan ↗
Length
16 weeks
Per week
3 runs + strength work
Longest run
2 h 30 min · week 14
  1. Week 120 min, 20 min and a 30-min long run
  2. Final weekShort easy runs and strides; race on Sunday
  3. Who it is forNo stated requirement; week 1 includes 20–30 minutes of continuous running

Sources456789

05 · FAQ

Istanbul Half Marathon: frequently asked questions

When is Istanbul Half Marathon and what time does it start?

It takes place on 18 April 2027; the start is at 08:00. Start times by distance: 10K 08:00 · 21K 09:15.

Where does Istanbul Half Marathon start?

Start: Langa bus stop in front of the Yenikapı Rally Area (Yenikapı Miting Alanı), Fatih, Istanbul.

What distances does Istanbul Half Marathon offer?

There are 2 distances: 10K, 21K.

Who organises Istanbul Half Marathon?

The race is organised by İBB Gençlik ve Spor Daire Başkanlığı (Spor İstanbul). Advenway does not organise races or take registrations; it compiles the details from the organiser’s announcements.

What is the official website of Istanbul Half Marathon?

Official website: istanbulyarimaratonu.com. Registration is handled via event.spor.istanbul.

How much is the entry fee for Istanbul Half Marathon?

Registration periods: Period 1 1,000 TL (not open yet); Period 2 1,250 TL (not open yet); Period 3 1,600 TL (not open yet).

Is registration for Istanbul Half Marathon open?

Registration has not opened yet. Registration is handled on the organiser’s official page; the «Official Registration» button on this page links there.

How long are the Istanbul Half Marathon courses and how much climbing do they have?

21K: 21.2 km, 74 m of climbing · 10K: 10.0 km, 33 m of climbing. Values are measured from the organiser's published course files.

How do the Istanbul Half Marathon courses rank by difficulty?

From easiest to hardest: 10K (km-effort 10, XXS) → 21K (km-effort 22, XXS). Ranked by km-effort (kilometres plus 1 for every 100 m of climbing), measured from the course files.

How hard is the Istanbul Half Marathon 21K course?

Over 21.2 km there is 74 m of climbing in total, 4 m per kilometre. About 99% of the course is flat. Essentially flat: a course for holding a steady pace. Km-effort is 22, which puts it in the XXS category on the ITRA scale. This value is calculated from the course file. Official ITRA scores are awarded only by ITRA, and only to races registered and certified with it; this number is not that score. The value is close to a category boundary: with the organiser’s stated distance and climbing it may fall into the XS category. By km-effort it is harder than 42 of the 101 courses whose files we have measured in the calendar; difficulty rank: 56.

How steep is the Istanbul Half Marathon 21K course?

Share of the distance: 100% flat. Gradient was measured at equal intervals from the elevation in the course file.

Where are the climbs on the Istanbul Half Marathon 21K course?

Splits where the climbing is concentrated: 0.0–5.0 km +15 m; 5.0–10.1 km +20 m; 10.1–15.0 km +23 m; 15.0–20.0 km +14 m. The most climbing is between km 10.1 and 15.0 (+23 m). The highest point is at km 10.8 (14 m).

Is the Istanbul Half Marathon 21K course a loop or an out-and-back?

Start and finish are at the same point; the course is a single loop.

How hard is the Istanbul Half Marathon 10K course?

Over 10.0 km there is 33 m of climbing in total, 3 m per kilometre. About 98% of the course is flat. Essentially flat: a course for holding a steady pace. Km-effort is 10, which puts it in the XXS category on the ITRA scale. This value is calculated from the course file. Official ITRA scores are awarded only by ITRA, and only to races registered and certified with it; this number is not that score. By km-effort it is harder than 18 of the 101 courses whose files we have measured in the calendar; difficulty rank: 82.

How steep is the Istanbul Half Marathon 10K course?

Share of the distance: 100% flat. Gradient was measured at equal intervals from the elevation in the course file.

Where are the climbs on the Istanbul Half Marathon 10K course?

Splits where the climbing is concentrated: 5.0–6.0 km +12 m. The most climbing is between km 5.0 and 6.0 (+12 m). The highest point is at km 6.1 (14 m).

Is there a GPX file for Istanbul Half Marathon?

Yes. The organiser's course file is in the Course and Map section on this page; you can load it onto your watch or phone.

What are the cut-off times for Istanbul Half Marathon 21K?

5K kesme noktası (km 5): 45 min; 10K kesme noktası (km 10): 1 h 35 min; 15K kesme noktası (km 15): 2 h 25 min; Finish (Yenikapı) (km 21.1): 3 h 25 min. Runners who do not reach a point by its cut-off time are taken out of the race. To reach Finish (Yenikapı) at km 21.1 within the cut-off, an average pace of 9:43 min/km is enough. The tightest section is Start – 5K kesme noktası: there you need an average of 9:00 min/km. This is a flat calculation; climbs and aid-station stops take extra time.

What are the cut-off times for Istanbul Half Marathon 10K?

Finish (Yenikapı) (km 10): 1 h 30 min. Runners who do not reach a point by its cut-off time are taken out of the race. To reach Finish (Yenikapı) at km 10 within the cut-off, an average pace of 9:00 min/km is enough. This is a flat calculation; climbs and aid-station stops take extra time.

What is the time limit for Istanbul Half Marathon?

Finish cut-off — 21K: 3 h 25 min · 10K: 1 h 30 min. Runners who do not reach the finish by the finish cut-off are not ranked.

Where are the aid stations on Istanbul Half Marathon 21K?

km 5 5K kesme noktası (water, beslenme); km 10 10K kesme noktası (water, beslenme); km 15 15K kesme noktası (water, beslenme). The longest stretch without aid is about 6 km; carry water for it.

Do you need a medical certificate for Istanbul Half Marathon?

Entry criterion for the 21K: within the last two years, finishing a TAF-approved, road-measured 42K in 6:20 or a 21K in 3:25, or within the last year a 10K in 1:30 or a 15K in 2:15. If the result is not in the Spor İstanbul system, upload a certificate or an official result screenshot when registering (approved within 3 working days at the latest). The organiser recommends a medical check-up before the race.

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Sources9 sources
  1. 1
    Courses & GPX · Course section by section · 21K, 10KSections are derived automatically from the elevation profile of the course file. Section values come from a thinned-out profile, so they may differ by a few metres from the total climb above.
    ↩
  2. 2
    Courses & GPX · 21K, 10Kthe organiser's published course file. The file has no elevation data, so altitudes come from a satellite elevation model (Copernicus DEM). Values are measured from the file and may differ slightly from the climbing the organiser states. Last calculated: 27.10.2026.
    ↩
  3. 3
    Courses & GPXthe organiser's race information
    ↩
  4. 4
    Training planDates are counted back from race day by the plan’s length in weeks. This isn’t training advice; it’s the length and stated starting requirements of plans published by these organisations.
    ↩
  5. 5
    Training planNHS Couch to 5K
    ↩
  6. 6
    Training plan— the plan is published on the website of Runderwear, a sportswear retailerEngland Athletics 10K (Tom Craggs) (Training plan)England Athletics 10K Improver (Tom Craggs) (Training plan)
    ↩
  7. 7
    Training planNYRR 10K — Intermediate
    ↩
  8. 8
    Training planRoyal Parks Half — Beginner
    ↩
  9. 9
    Training planNYRR Half Marathon — Conservative
    ↩
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