Sheila Jerotich and Victor Kiplangat win the İstanbul Marathon

* Photos and news: Anadolu Agency (AA)

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The 43rd İstanbul Marathon, known as the "only intercontinental marathon of the world" and categorized as a "gold label marathon" by the World Olympics, was held in the metropolitan city yesterday (November 7).

Organized by the Spor İstanbul, an affiliate of the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İMM), this year's İstanbul Marathon has been won by Sheila Jerotich from Kenya and Victor Kiplangat from Uganda.

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Chair Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, İYİ Party Chair Meral Akşener and İstanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu gave the start signal of the marathon.

Kiplangat finished the 42-kilometer (26 miles) run in two hours, 10 minutes, and 18 seconds in the men's category.

Kenya's Robert Kipkemboi trailed five seconds behind Kiplangat to be the runner-up and Solomon Mutai from Uganda came third as he finished the men's race seven seconds behind the leader.

In the women's category, Sheila Jerotich from Kenya came first in two hours, 24 minutes, and 15 seconds.

Jackline Chepngeno from Kenya finished in second place, covering the distance in two hours, 24 minutes, and 21 seconds. She was followed by Ayantu Abdi from Ethiopia in two hours, 24 minutes, and 45 seconds.

A total of 20,000 people participated in the public run categories, while 54 elite athletes ran in the competition.

The İstanbul Marathon, a long-distance running race between Asia and Europe, was held in three categories: the 42,195 meters (138,435 feet) run, as well as the 15-kilometer (9.3 miles) and eight-kilometer public run. Those who finished first, second and third in men's and women's categories got 35,000 USD, 20,000 USD, and 10,000 USD, respectively.

About Intercontinental İstanbul Marathon

The idea of running from Asia to Europe, first proposed in 1973, was realized in 1979 upon the initiative of a group of tourists from Germany.

Included in the "Gold Label Road Races" of the World Athletics Association (IAAF), it is among the most popular marathons in the world.

The race kicked off at 9 a.m. local time in the Altunizade neighborhood in Üskudar district on the Asian side of the metropolis, and ended at Sultanahmet Square, on the European side. (RT/SD)