30,000 to run in transcontinental Istanbul marathon

By Fatih Erel

ISTANBUL (AA) - Around 30,000 professional runners from more than 100 countries will take part in the 40th Vodafone Istanbul Marathon on Nov. 11.

This year's event -- the world's only transcontinental marathon from Asia to Europe -- is held under the banner "Run Istanbul For a Healthy Future".

The organization features a 42-km (26-mile) marathon, and three other races on 15km (9.3-mile), 10km (6.2-mile), and 8km (4.9-mile) courses. A wheelchair racing is also included.

The marathon will start on the Asian side of Istanbul’s July 15 Martyrs’ Bridge, formerly known as the Bosphorus Bridge. The finish is at the historic Sultanahmet Square on the city’s European side.

Vodafone is the main sponsor of the race organized by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and Spor Istanbul.

Last year, French Abraham Kiprotich won the men's category and in women's race Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich claimed the title.