Kenya's Kilimo and Ethiopia's Aderra Triumph at the 47th Istanbul Marathon
Kenya’s Rhonzas Lokitam Kilimo and Ethiopia’s Bizuager Aderra captured victory on Sunday at the 47th Istanbul Marathon — the world’s only race that crosses two continents. Kilimo secured the men’s gold in 2:10:12, while Aderra dominated the women’s category with a time of 2:26:19.
The prestigious World Athletics Gold Label event transformed Istanbul into a vast sports stage, welcoming around 42,000 participants across four race categories: the 42K marathon, 15.5K run, corporate challenge, and 8K public race.
Course Highlights
The route began on the July 15 Martyrs Bridge, where runners moved from Asia to Europe. Competitors then followed the scenic Beşiktaş coastal road, looping through Galata Bridge and Bakırköy before concluding in front of the historic Sultanahmet Mosque.
Men’s Marathon Results
- Rhonzas Lokitam Kilimo (Kenya) – 2:10:12
- Dejene Debela (Ethiopia) – 2:10:23
- Sufaro Woliyi Kebato (Ethiopia) – 2:10:26
- Hüseyin Can (Turkey) – 2:10:58, 5th place
- Halil Yaşın (Turkey) – 2:19:50, 9th place
- Yavuz Ağralı (Turkey) – 2:23:24, 11th place
Women’s Marathon Results
- Bizuager Aderra (Ethiopia) – 2:26:19
- Sofia Assefa (Ethiopia) – 2:26:21
- Joan Jepkosgei Kilimo (Kenya) – 2:26:36
The Istanbul Marathon remains the only event in the world where athletes literally race from Asia to Europe, celebrating the city’s unique geography and global spirit.
Author’s Summary
Kenya’s Kilimo and Ethiopia’s Aderra shone at the 47th Istanbul Marathon, uniting continents through sport in a dramatic and competitive display of endurance.