Thousands run in 39th Vodafone Istanbul

ISTANBUL, TURKEY - NOVEMBER 12 : Award ceremony after Istanbul Marathon where this year’s theme is “We are running for the future of our children” on November 12, 2017. Marathon hosts 86 elite athletes as well as thousands of people who just want to challenge themselves by running 8 kilometers (4.97 mile). The Istanbul road race has five categories: a 42 km 195 m marathon (app. 26 mile), as well as 15km (9.3-mile), and 10km (6.2-mile). There is also a category for wheelchair-bound participants. A Free 8km public run, also starting in July 15 Martyrs Bridge, will finish in Dolmabahce Palace in Besiktas district. The races started on the Asian side of the July 15 Martyrs’ Bridge, formerly known as the Bosphorus Bridge, and will end at the historic Sultanahmet Square on the city’s European side. The marathon will end in Sultanahmet Square; the 15km will finish in Yenikapi district, while 10km race will see the end in the nearby Eminonu district. This year's elite athletes are mostly from Turkey, France, Belarus, Serbia, Lithuania, Ethiopia, Kenya, Azerbaijan and Ukraine. In the men's category, Turkish runners Kaan Kigen Ozbilen and Mert Girmalegesse, Kenyan Paul Lonyangata, Jacob Kendagor, Ezekiel Kemboi Omullo and Paul Koech; Ethiopians Bazu Worku and Azerbaijani Evans Kiplagat are among the top runners. In the women's category, Kenyan athletes Agnes Jeruto Barsosio and Visiline Jepkesho, Ethiopian Letebrhan Haylay and Meseret Mengistu are the names to watch. A total of $1 million will be distributed as award at the end of the marathon. Vodafone is the main sponsor of the race organized by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and Spor Istanbul. (Footage by Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)