Winners of the Istanbul Half Marathon announced

The 21st Istanbul Half Marathon, designated as a "Gold Label" event by World Athletics, has taken place. The race, which featured a total of 55 elite athletes, began with the start signal given at the Yenikapı Event Area.

Athletes followed the Kennedy Avenue route, passing through Kumkapı, Cankurtaran, Çatladıkapı, and Sarayburnu before reaching Eminönü via Sirkeci. Proceeding toward Karaköy, the runners made a "U" turn after crossing the Galata Bridge and continued the race in the opposite direction along the same route. After passing the Unkapanı, Cibali, and Ayvansaray stages, the runners made a second turn to re-enter the coastal road, finishing the race in Yenikapı.

NO CHANGE AT THE TOP FOR MEN

Last year's champion, Kenyan athlete Alex Matata, reached first place once again with a time of 1:00:01. Matata's twin brother, Charles Matata, took second place with a time very close to the same mark (1:00:01). Turkish athlete Ali Kaya finished the race in third place with a performance of 1:00:12.

PURITY GİTONGA WINS WOMEN'S RACE

In the women's category, Kenyan athlete Purity Gitonga secured first place with a time of 1:06:50. Ethiopian athlete Ftaw Zeray finished second with 1:06:57, while South African Glenrose Xaba took third place with 1:07:03.

TURKISH CHAMPIONSHIP GOES TO ALİ KAYA

Ali Kaya, who finished the race in third place in the general classification, also topped the standings in the Turkish Half Marathon Championship, achieving the best time of his career.

MEN (TURKISH CHAMPIONSHIP)

1- Ali Kaya – 1:00:12

2- Ramazan Baştuğ – 1:02:21

3- Ömer Amaçtan – 1:02:52

WOMEN (TURKISH CHAMPIONSHIP)

1- Nursena Çeto – 1:11:27

2- Pınar Demir – 1:13:49

3- Yayla Kılıç Gönen – 1:16:37

RECORDS WERE ALSO BROKEN

In the women's category, South Sudanese athlete Stella Mami Clement Lokhiri, who finished the race in 9th place, broke her national record with a time of 1:11:17.

In the men's category, Kazakhstani athlete Shadrack Kimutai Koech, who placed 17th, became the new holder of the Kazakhstan record with a time of 1:03:25.