Istanbul’s Half Marathon to Go Ahead with Strong Fields After Earthquake

Saturday, 26 April 2025

The 20th Türkiye İş Bankası Istanbul Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, just four days after an earthquake shook the city. Spor Istanbul, known for keeping major road races running even during COVID-19 lockdowns with strict safety protocols, once again moves forward. The earthquake caused limited damage and no casualties, and Spor Istanbul’s tested organization ensures the race will proceed. The Türkiye İş Bankası Istanbul Half Marathon, Türkiye’s premier road race and a World Athletics Gold Label event, has assembled excellent fields.

Bankası Istanbul Half Marathon Live Stream

“Yesterday an earthquake occurred in Istanbul, and we are grateful there were no casualties or significant damage. Life continues across all sectors, including sports. All events will go ahead as planned. This Sunday, we proudly host the 20th Türkiye İş Bankası Istanbul Half Marathon with a record number of participants. There’s no cause for concern," said Race Director Renay Onur. Organizers expect around 17,000 athletes across the half marathon and the parallel 10k race.

The race starts at 9:15 a.m. local time. A livestream with English commentary is available at: https://www.istanbulyarimaratonu.com/en/

In the men’s race, the course record of 59:15 is a target. Ethiopia’s Haftu Teklu, who won the Seoul Marathon in March with 2:05:42, tops the start list with a half marathon personal best of 59:06. Kenya’s Alex Matata, who won February’s Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon in windy conditions with a PB of 59:20, is also a favorite.

Matata requested pacemakers for a sub-59:00 attempt in Istanbul. The 27-year-old, who grew up in Nairobi and trains in Eldoret, said he plans to stay focused on the half marathon before moving up to the marathon distance. “Not for two years,” Matata said. “I still want to run faster at the half marathon, into the 58 or even 57 minutes.” Istanbul could be where he breaks the 59-minute barrier.

Ethiopia’s Berehanu Tsegu is another contender, with a 59:42 personal best from 2019 in Lisbon. He finished second at the Dubai Marathon in January with 2:05:14, suggesting he may be ready for a new half marathon PB.

The women’s race is expected to feature a head-to-head between defending champion Sheila Chelangat and fellow Kenyan Judy Kemboi, following Winfridah Moseti’s withdrawal due to injury. “I am ready for Istanbul,” said Chelangat, recalling last year’s heavy rain when she still improved her PB by nearly three minutes to 66:47. She later clocked a career-best 66:06 in Valencia in October. “I am happy to return to Istanbul,” she added, with forecasts predicting better conditions this year.

However, Judy Kemboi comes in as the fastest woman on the start list. She broke through in 2024, running 65:43 to finish second in Copenhagen and 66:34 in Ras Al Khaimah earlier this year. "I am in good form and will try to lower my PB," said Kemboi, who will be paced by her fiancé, Crispus Korir.

With six more women holding sub-67:00 personal bests, the women’s field runs deep. However, Ruth Chepngetich’s 2021 course and world record of 64:02 will remain safely out of reach.

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