Being the world's only intercontinental marathon, the 46th Istanbul Marathon kicked off early on Nov. 3.

In his speech before the start, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu said, "I wish it to be a beautiful run with love and peace. Starting a race is easy in the first step, then it gets harder and harder, but in this marathon, which is like a life struggle, I applaud you all in advance for your run in this noble sport."

The runners passed through historic sites such as the Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn, the Spice Bazaar, the Topkapı Palace, the Gülhane Park, and the Sultanahmet Mosque. The marathon ended in front of the Sultanahmet Hippodrome. Many main roads were closed off for the race.

Bahraini Ruth Jebet and Ethiopian Dejene Debela won the 46th Istanbul Marathon on Nov. 3 in women's and men's categories respectively.