[7] In 2013, around 20,000 local and foreigner athletes participated at the road race in different categories, among them wheelchair runners.

Two years before, the running crowd on the Bosphorus Bridge caused dangerous instability by self-induced vibrations in the structure which could result in its failure.

In order to avoid stopping for taking pictures, the outmost lanes of the bridge were blocked by barriers.

[a] The marathon starts on the Asian side of the city, shortly before the First Bosphorus Bridge, crosses the bridge giving an outstanding view of the Bosphorus and Istanbul, passes many historic sites including the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and ends in the İnönü Stadium in the European part.

In 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic, the course was altered to begin and end in Yenikapı and cross the Bosphorus Bridge twice, so runners would start and finish the marathon in Europe, but both enter and exit Asia during the run.

[9] To register for the marathon, participants must be 18 years of age or older on the race day.

In 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic, athletes over the age of 65 were disallowed from participating in the marathon.

Prize money (both for men and women):[citation needed] 36th marathon was held on November 16, 2014.

[24] NB Original race winner Abraham Kiprotich was disqualified for a doping offence.

Motto: "Sigarasız Bir Dünya İçin Koşuyoruz" (Smoke-Free World) 27th marathon was held on October 2, 2005.