Record Pursuit and Fierce Competition Set the Stage for the Istanbul Marathon
The Istanbul Marathon on Sunday aims to break the men's course and Turkish Allcomers' records, featuring top contenders like Ethiopia's Abebe Negewo and Kenya's Kenneth Kipkemoi, both with personal bests under 2:05. The elite field includes eleven athletes who have completed marathons in under 2:10. Kenyan Sharon Cherop, a World Championship bronze medalist in 2011, and Ethiopia's Sintayehu Lewetegn, both with times under 2:23, headline the women's race. They face competition from Ruth Jebet of Bahrain, the 2016 Olympic Steeplechase champion. Five additional women have posted times under 2:25, highlighting the strong field in Turkey's premier long-distance race.
Approximately 7,500 marathon participants will start from Asia, crossing to Europe to finish at Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet Square. With additional shorter races, the event anticipates 42,500 participants. The race, classified as a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, begins at 9 AM and will be live-streamed globally.
Men's favorites Negewo and Gezahegn are poised to challenge the 2:09:44 course record set by Daniel Kibet in 2019. Conditions look favorable, with dry weather and mild temperatures expected, although winds could be a factor. Negewo, 40, remains confident in his form and readiness to tackle his first Istanbul Marathon, while 28-year-old Gezahegn aims to capitalize on his training and previous successes to break the record.
The women’s competition is tightly contested, with Cherop, at 40, still a strong contender. Having placed second in Hannover earlier this year, she feels her condition may have improved. Lewetegn and Jebet, a marathon newcomer yet undefeated at the distance, also aim to best their times. Jebet, transitioning from steeplechase, has rapidly adjusted to marathon demands, targeting a personal best this Sunday.
Emerging talent Betty Kibet could surprise many in her marathon debut, boasting an impressive half marathon time of 66:37, signaling her potential in Istanbul’s challenging field.
ELITE MEN
- Abebe Negewo ETH 2:04:51
- Kenneth Kipkemoi KEN 2:04:52
- Dejene Debela ETH 2:05:46
- Kelkile Gezahegn ETH 2:05:56
- Mohcin Outalha MAR 2:06:49
- Frederick Kibii KEN 2:08:09
- Wilfred Kigen KEN 2:08:39
- Sezgin Atac TUR 2:08:40
- James Kiplagat KEN 2:09:08
- Benard Kipkorir KEN 2:09:26
- Mathew Samperu KEN 2:09:54
- Elijah Cheruiyot KEN 2:10:27
- Yavuz Agrali TUR 2:10:41
- Abraham Kipyatich KEN 2:10:51
- Benard Sang KEN 2:10:59
ELITE WOMEN
- Sharon Cherop KEN 2:22:28
- Sintayehu Lewetegn ETH 2:22:36
- Urge Diro ETH 2:23:05
- Ruth Jebet BRN 2:23:08
- Margaret Agai KEN 2:23:28
- Zenebu Bihonegn ETH 2:24:16
- Muluhabt Tsega ETH 2:24:23
- Ayantu Abdi ETH 2:24:45
- Gladys Jerono KEN 2:32:50
- Betty Kibet KEN Debut
- Christine Kioko KEN Debut
