A total of 5,447 people took part in the event, which was held in Yenikapı. Participants ran along 5K and 10K routes, experiencing one of Istanbul’s major transport and meeting points in a completely different way.
Yenikapı Turns into a Running Route for a Day
Yenikapı holds an important place in Istanbul’s daily life. Used by thousands of people every day thanks to its metro, Marmaray, ferry and other transport connections, the large public space took on a very different character during the event.
The area became increasingly lively from the early hours as runners gathered at the starting point. Bringing together people of different ages and levels of running experience, the event also showed that the race was not limited to professional athletes.
One of the most striking aspects was seeing a space normally associated with everyday urban movement transformed, for a day, into a large-scale outdoor event area.
Another Way to Experience the City
Istanbul can be explored on foot, by bicycle or by public transport. Running, however, offers a slightly different way of experiencing the city.
In this sense, “Istanbul’u Koşuyorum” stands out not simply as a race, but also as an opportunity to experience different parts of the city while on the move. For participants, it was a few hours of running, but it also showed how Istanbul’s open spaces can be used for sport and social activity.
In large cities especially, spaces where people can spend time outdoors, stay active and come together are becoming increasingly valuable. Events like this open these spaces up to a different kind of experience beyond their everyday use.
Sport, the City and Social Life on the Same Route
Bringing thousands of people together for the same event also highlighted the social side of running, beyond its individual nature as a sport.
For some participants, the goal was to achieve a personal time. For others, it was about starting the day actively, running with friends or simply spending a different kind of day in Istanbul. The result was simple: people came together to move through the city and share the experience.
In this respect, the European Leg of “Istanbul’u Koşuyorum” offered another reminder that Istanbul’s public spaces are more than just places people pass through. With the right events, they can become part of the city’s sporting, social and everyday life.
While Istanbul’s fast-paced urban life continued around it, thousands of people in Yenikapı joined that rhythm with their own steps on the morning of 4 October.
