Kenya's Kilimo and Ethiopia's Aderra Win 47th Istanbul Marathon
Kenya’s Rhonzas Lokitam Kilimo and Ethiopia’s Bizuager Aderra claimed first place at the 47th Istanbul Marathon, the unique race spanning two continents.
Kilimo finished the men’s event in 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 12 seconds. Aderra won the women’s race with a time of 2:26:19.
The World Athletics Gold Label marathon transformed Istanbul into a grand sports arena, hosting about 42,000 runners in four categories:
- 42K marathon
- 15.5K run
- Corporate run
- 8K public race
The race started at the July 15 Martyrs Bridge, crossing runners from Asia to Europe. The route followed the scenic Beşiktaş coastal road, passed the Galata Bridge and Bakırköy, and ended 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
Among Turkish runners, Hüseyin Can secured fifth place with a time of 2:10:58. Halil Yaşın and Yavuz Ağralı finished ninth and eleventh respectively, with times of 2:19:50 and 2:23:24.
Women’s Marathon Results
Ethiopian runners dominated the women’s event:
- Bizuager Aderra – 2:26:19
- Sofia Assefa – 2:26:21
- Joan Jepkosgei Kilimo (Kenya) – 2:26:36
“The Istanbul Marathon is the only race globally that connects two continents, giving runners a remarkable experience crossing Asia and Europe.”
The event showcased elite international competition and vibrant local participation.
Summary: The 47th Istanbul Marathon highlighted outstanding performances by Kenya’s Kilimo and Ethiopia’s Aderra, with tens of thousands competing along a unique transcontinental course.