order to avoid stopping for taking pictures, the outmost lanes of the bridge were blocked by barriers. Course The course is asphalt, mostly flat and is free of traffic. It is the only course in the world where the marathon includes two continents, Asia and Europe, in one race. The marathon starts on the Asian side of the city, shortly before the First Bosphorus Bridge, crosses the bridge giving an outstanding view of the Bosphorus and Istanbul, passes many historic sites including the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and ends in the İnönü Stadium in the European part. In all, the race crosses three bridges, one over the Bosporus and two over the Golden Horn. The course changed three times over the years, therefore winning scores differ. In 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic, the course was altered to begin and end in Yenikapı and cross the Bosphorus Bridge twice, so runners would start and finish the marathon in Europe, but both enter and exit Asia during the run. Qualification To register for the marathon, participants must be 18 years of age or older on the race day. In 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic, athletes over the age of 65 were disallowed from participating in the marathon. Prizes Money prizes are given to the first 25 male athletes and 15 best female athletes in the marathon category, the first 3 ranks receiving US$35,000, US$15,000 and US$10,000 respectively. An athlete, who broke the course record, is awarded with a bonus of US$5,000. Bonuses exists also for times run between 2:14:00 and 2:04:55 or better for men and between 2:33:00 and 2:15:25 or better for women, scaled from US$500 up to US$100,000. Prizes are also provided for the best ranking athletes in other competition categories. In 2013, the total amount of the money prizes was US$1 million. Winners Key: Course record (in bold) By country Recent results 2016 38th marathon was held on November 13, 2016 2015 37th marathon was held on November 15, 2015. Prize money (both for men and women): Winners: US$50,000 Runner-up: US$25,000 Third place: US$15,000 2014 36th marathon was held on November 16, 2014. 2013 35th marathon was held on November 17, 2013. NB Original race winner Abraham Kiprotich was disqualified for a doping offence. 2012 34th marathon was held on November 11, 2012. 2011 33rd marathon was held on October 16, 2011. 2010 32nd marathon was held