2015 Running Race & Marathon Calendar for Istanbul and more

I still love running, and try my best to go out for running in different places with various groups.

My favorite tracks are..

Belgrad Forest Neset Suyu

Ayvand Forest

Kurucesme-Bebek Coast

Caddebostan-Kartal Coastline

Hidiv Kasr-ı

Running groups: “Adım Adım” is very crowded, focused on regular beginner / advanced training & race organization, also aims to run for charities. “TeamIstRunbul” meets in Bebek at 6! It is great to see approximately 30-40 people waking up very early in the morning to run before going to work. “Hareket Candır” also meets regularly for running. You may follow them from Facebook.

In 2014, I compiled a list of the nationwide races all over Istanbul & Turkey, so here are some recommendations:

“Geyik koşuları” organized in Belgrad Forest, is great fun if you love deep forest, trail runs! Follow the signs carefully. Do not forget your trail shoes especially during rainy days. If not, you would enjoy falling into mud.

“Runtalia” is a very big event! It is organized in Antalya city, which is located in south next to sea. Has a very flat track by seaside, so is a good choice for first half/full marathons.

“İznik dağ marathon” 42k and longer tracks have great nature: lake and mountain views are incredible! Also Iznik city is famous with its cini (pottery), historically important with the church where first consul meeting occurred. If you go there, do not miss old Turkish bath, hamam.

Hope to see you also out, somewhere!