In many locations around Istanbul, and on many Istanbulite phones, is a map that shows the blocked or chronically blocked arteries of Istanbul's road network. Short journeys in Istanbul can take hours and the traffic brings a kind of constant low (to high) level desperation to every day life for many. That is why the day of the Istanbul Eurasia Marathon is one of my favourite days of the year. The marathon is famous for its route across the Bosphorus Bridge which connects the continents of Europe and Asia, and is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the views from the bridge at running pace, or, like many, at tea drinking pace. The race ends amidst the drama of Sultanahmet. We however, with our three little ones, just watched the action in Beşiktaş for a rare chance to enjoy clear, un-clogged roads in an area that often torments me. And I shall say again, as I have said every year, next year I will actually run! So Chris Cooke lets get planning.....

   














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