Istanbul:Kenya's Philimon Kiptoo Kipchumba set a new men's course record at the 48th Istanbul Marathon on Sunday, completing the 42.195-kilometer course in 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 44 seconds. This achievement broke the previous record of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 44 seconds set by fellow Kenyan Daniel Kibet in 2019. Ethiopia's Kasanesh Ayenew Baze emerged victorious in the women's race.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, the marathon, organized by Spor Istanbul and sponsored by Trkiye Is Bankasi, is renowned as the world's only intercontinental marathon. It began on Istanbul's Asian side, 250 meters behind the July 15 Martyrs Bridge, and concluded at Sultanahmet Square.
In the men's race, Ethiopia's Sufaro Woliyi Kebeto finished second, while Kenya's Vincent Kipyegon Ronoh secured third place. In the women's category, Ethiopian athletes dominated the podium, with Azmera Abreha Gdey finishing second and Diribe Hirko Alemu taking third place.
Turkish athlete Huseyin Can finished 11th in the elite men's category with a time of 2 hours, 17 minutes, and 53 seconds. Other Turkish athletes, including Mert Girmalegesse, Halil Yasin, and Ahmet Alkanoglu, followed closely behind, securing the 12th, 14th, and 15th positions, respectively. Yavuz Agrali completed the race in 16th place.