Kenya's Kilimo and Ethiopia's Aderra Win 47th Istanbul Marathon
Kenya’s Rhonzas Lokitam Kilimo and Ethiopia’s Bizuager Aderra secured victory at the 47th Istanbul Marathon, the only race in the world that crosses two continents.
Kilimo won the men’s category with a time of 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 12 seconds, while Aderra led the women’s race, finishing in 2:26:19.
Event Overview and Course
The World Athletics Gold Label event transformed Istanbul into a grand sports arena, welcoming about 42,000 runners across four categories:
- 42K marathon
- 15.5K run
- Corporate run
- 8K public race
The race started on the July 15 Martyrs Bridge, where runners crossed from Asia into Europe. The route followed the scenic Beşiktaş coastal road, then looped through Galata Bridge and Bakırköy, concluding in front of Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet Mosque.
Men’s Marathon Results
In the men's race, Kilimo was closely followed by Ethiopia’s Dejene Debela, who finished in 2:10:23, and Sufaro Woliyi Kebato in third place with 2:10:26.
Among Turkish competitors, Hüseyin Can stood out with a fifth-place finish at 2:10:58. Halil Yaşın and Yavuz Ağralı ended in ninth and 11th place with times of 2:19:50 and 2:23:24, respectively.
Women’s Marathon Standings
Ethiopian runners dominated the women’s podium. Bizuager Aderra narrowly beat fellow Ethiopian Sofia Assefa, who finished just two seconds later at 2:26:21. Kenya’s Joan Jepkosgei Kilimo took third place with a time of 2:26:36.
"The Istanbul Marathon, spanning two continents, remains a unique and thrilling event for runners worldwide."
Author's summary: The 47th Istanbul Marathon saw strong performances from Kenya and Ethiopian athletes, highlighting the race's international prestige and iconic cross-continental course.