The 34th Istanbul Marathon is set to feature a strong contingent of Ethiopian athletes. Alemitu Abera, the defending women’s champion, will face tough competition from Eastern European athletes and fellow Ethiopians Koren Jelala and Amane Gobena. Among the men, Mergersa Bacha will aim for victory against Kenyan runners Evans Kiplagat and Geoffrey Birgen. The Istanbul Marathon is the only long-distance event that connects two continents, Asia and Europe, spanning the Bosphorus Bridge. The race starts on the Asian side, crosses the bridge, and finishes at the square of the ancient Roman hippodrome in Sultanahmet. The marathon is known for its unique course and is the only opportunity for the public to walk the Bosphorus Bridge, which is usually closed to pedestrians.
ISTANBUL MARATHON: ETHIOPIA IN FORCE
