The world’s only intercontinental footrace, the 42nd Istanbul Marathon started on Sunday with attendance of limited 4,000 athletes due to the coronavirus pandemic.
SAFE AREA APPLICATION WAS IMPLEMENTED
The marathon started at 9 a.m. local time [0600GMT] on the European side of the metropolis and will end at the same point, with the runners crossing the Bosphorus bridge twice for the first time in the event’s history.
This year’s starting point of the marathon is the Yenikapi Event Venue on the European side, instead of the July 15 Martyrs Bridge on the Asian side.
The runners will cross the bridge offering a spectacular view of the Bosphorus and tour many historic sites, including the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
The safe area application is implemented for the first time as part of coronavirus measures.
The runners and employees entered the area with a code from Hayat Eve Sigar, a mobile application designed to minimize the virus risk.
In addition to this event, a virtual race is organized for 5 km (3.1 mi), 10 km (6.2 mi) and 15 km (9.3 mi) with the slogan “Run Alone With Us.” Participants could register online for it and complete their distance at any place. But there is a quota limitation due to coronavirus measures.
KENYAN ATHLETES WIN ISTANBUL MARATHON
Kenyan runners Benard Cheruiyot Sang and Diana Chemtai Kipyogei won the Marathon. Sang finished the 42 km (26 miles) run in 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 49 seconds in the men’s category, while Kipyogei completed the path in 2 hours, 22 minutes and 6 seconds in the women’s race.
Felix Kimutai, another Kenyan runner, trailed 11 seconds behind Sang, whereas Zewudu Hailu Bekele from Ethiopia came third, 34 seconds behind the leader in the men’s race.
In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Hiwot Gebrekidan came second, covering the distance in 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 30 seconds. She was followed by Tigist Memuye from Ethiopia in 2 hours, 37 minutes and 52 seconds.