wellness
Best Running Routes in Istanbul 2026
Istanbul offers flat coastal running on both the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus, plus the forested Neşet Suyu loop in Belgrad Forest, all overlooked by the İş Bankası Istanbul Marathon, the only marathon run across two continents.
How we reported this
Istanbul splits its running scene across two continents, with flat coastal promenades on both the European and Asian sides and a genuine forest escape north of the city. Here are the best running routes in Istanbul for 2026.
Caddebostan Coastal Path, Asian Side
The Caddebostan coastal path, on the Asian side around Kadıköy and Suadiye, runs roughly 7 kilometres one way on a flat, paved waterfront promenade shared with cyclists, with views over the Sea of Marmara toward the Princes' Islands. It is considered the most reliably runner-dense stretch on the Asian side, busy with locals morning and evening.
The Bosphorus Waterfront, European Side
Between Kuruçeşme and Bebek, a roughly 6 kilometre stretch of road shoulder, waterside path and park sections follows the Bosphorus past waterfront mansions and cafes, flat throughout, and is one of the few spots in the city where runners regularly cross paths with each other.
The Golden Horn Waterfront
From Galata Bridge to Yenikapı, a smooth paved path runs 6.3 to 8.5 kilometres depending on the endpoint chosen, flat and urban, passing the historic Golden Horn shoreline and making it a solid option for a longer tempo run through the old city.
Belgrad Forest
North of the city in Sarıyer, Belgrad Forest offers the Neşet Suyu loop, about 6 kilometres around a lake and spring inside a 5,300 hectare Ottoman-era forest reservoir catchment, marked every 500 metres with roadside exercise stations along the way. Its gently rolling terrain makes it Istanbul's main trail-running alternative to the flat coastal routes, and a popular way to escape summer heat.
Running the Istanbul Marathon Route
The İş Bankası Istanbul Marathon is the only marathon in the world run across two continents, starting on the Asian side and crossing the Bosphorus via the 15 July Martyrs Bridge into Europe before finishing near the historic Hippodrome in Sultanahmet, passing Dolmabahçe Palace and the Galata Bridge along the way. The 2026 edition is scheduled for 1 November.
Practical Guide to Running in Istanbul
The Caddebostan and Bosphorus waterfront routes are the most reliable choices for a flat, scenic run on either side of the city; Belgrad Forest is worth the trip out for anyone wanting genuine trail terrain and shade.