Over 100,000 runners take part in 39th Vodafone Istanbul Marathon

Thousands of people are participating in the 39th Istanbul Marathon, the world's only cross-continental race held for the future of the children this year.

Abraham Kiprotich of France won the men's race with a time of 2:11:22. Kenyan runner Jacob Kendagor, who finished five seconds later, secured the second, while Ethiopia's Bazu Worku came in third (2:11:39).

Meanwhile, Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich's running time of 2:22:36 was enough to win the women's race. Her fellow Kenyan Visiline Jepkesho won second place (2:22:40), while Letebrhan Haylay, an Ethiopian athlete, won third (2:25:14).

The marathon started near the July 15 Martyrs' Bridge in Altunizade district early Sunday.

Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak, Family and Social Policies Minister Fatma Betül Sayan Kaya, AK Party Deputy Chairman Hayati Yazıcı, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mevlüt Uysal, and numerous other officials participated in the marathon.

"We are running for our children, martyrs and a strong Turkey," Minister Bak told reporters before the marathon started.

Numerous institutions, companies and non-governmental organizations are also taking part in the marathon.

There are reportedly over 100,000 participants from over 100 countries in this year's marathon.