- Donating to a foundation or association through the Adım Adım platform
If you want to do something beneficial in life, you can work on behalf of others through institutions and organizations like associations or foundations. Thanks to Adım Adım, a wonderful social initiative that will guide you to valuable civil society organizations, you can choose one of the civil society organizations listed at https://ipk.adimadim.org/nonprofit/index, launch a campaign on their behalf, and raise funds for a worthy cause. Trust me, you’ll feel much better when you raise funds for an organization that matters to you. For more details about Adım Adım, you can visit http://www.adimadim.org/. I also launched my campaign this year for TIDER, of which I am the founding president. If you’d like to read this article and support my campaign, you can do so at https://ipk.adimadim.org/kampanya/CC12976. I shared the content of my campaign in last week’s article: Hand in hand to support tens of thousands!
- Kindness is contagious, let it spread!
When you’re among so many people pursuing goodness, both individually and corporately, you’re inevitably impressed, and you’re motivated to do something yourself. There’s a famous motto among those involved in civil society: “Kindness is contagious.” It’s truly true. Just think, you see people pushing wheelchairs, people holding the hands of people with Down syndrome, and everyone striving for a different noble cause. It’s impossible not to be impressed. You can’t help but question your approach to human values or your own life, and you want to do something. Let’s all run for good!
- The Benefits of Sport for Your Health
With the preparations and training for the run, the effort you’ll put into the Istanbul Marathon, and the routine you’ll establish afterward, you can get into great shape without even realizing it. I personally lost 6 kilos in a month through regular exercise, and believe me, I did this without changing my eating and drinking habits. I feel much fitter, and thanks to this campaign, I’m very happy to be back in the shape I used to be when I was working out. Overall, I feel much better. Moreover, after participating in such events, training can become a routine, helping you maintain healthy lifestyle habits.
- Gazing at the most beautiful view from a bridge
Thanks to the Istanbul Marathon, you have the opportunity to enjoy the view from a bridge you often cross. It’s always possible to observe the Anatolian side of Istanbul from the European side, and the European side from the Anatolian side. However, while on the bridge, you have a magnificent view of Istanbul from a very special perspective overlooking both sides. Some might be wondering, “Well, this was a run, are we going there just to admire the view?” Well, I say, it’s your choice. There are many people standing on the bridge taking selfies, dancing, and celebrating various events. It’s called a run, but most people actually come there to have fun and unwind. You can either crawl (just kidding), walk, run, or take lots of pictures. It’s your choice. The important thing is to enjoy the moment.
- A great opportunity to socialize
At the Istanbul Marathon, you’ll find yourself surrounded by TIDER supporters, various campaign participants from the Adım Adım platform, and lovely people who are there for various reasons. In this positive atmosphere, everyone’s here to enjoy the moment, jokes fly, and you start running with great enthusiasm. I know many people who have met new people thanks to this run and continue to see each other in other settings. The bonding between these people, who share common ground, is quick and natural. Sometimes, you might unexpectedly bump into a friend or acquaintance you haven’t seen in a while, amidst all the crowd. I’ve experienced this myself. It’s a joy to meet someone you love on such a fun platform.
- Enjoying every step
There are many fun moments before, during, and after the run. Everyone is enthusiastically singing songs and anthems, applauding. You’ll often start your run dancing or screaming in the midst of a large crowd. During the run, you’ll often see spectators cheering you on or applauding. Of course, you laugh at some of the funny things you encounter along the way, and you continue running with a smile on your face. Sometimes, you yourself become a part of these funny situations.
For example, I got incredibly stuck in the Istanbul Marathon I last participated in. As we approached Karaköy, desperately searching for a solution, I suddenly noticed a hotel on my right and, without hesitation, ran through the door. As I ran through the lobby, I asked the receptionists where the restroom was, and they pointed out, “It’s right behind.” Without losing my cool, I hurried to the restroom and thanked the hotel staff as I left. I’d managed to complete my route through the hotel without sacrificing my pace, and those who witnessed it were laughing out loud at me. I might have lost a minute or two, but the fun was well worth it.
And at the finish, a medal is hung around your neck, and you’re immediately given water and snacks, and while you wait for your friends, you can lose yourself in the enthusiastic music playing at the end. Chatting with your friends as they complete the race is also enjoyable. So, I can easily say that the race was fun from start to finish.
- A unique Istanbul tour
When you run or walk a route you might normally take every day by car or public transport, you have the chance to appreciate Istanbul’s beauty even more and appreciate it. In fact, I’ve often said, “Oh, this is what they have here too?” while running. Of course, the beauty of the route is also a crucial factor (I can comment on this because mine was 15 K Marathon runners’ routes will vary). You cross the bridge, then descend Barbaros Boulevard to Beşiktaş, continue to Dolmabahçe (10 K is completed here), then run to Karaköy, and continue under the Unkapanı Bridge. After passing the Greek Church in Balat, you’ll leave the marathon route with a turn in front of the Yusuf Şücaattin Anbari Mosque.
The race continues along the coast and ends in Eminönü, in front of Istanbul Commerce University.
- Experiencing the world’s only race run between two continents
One of the most important things that gives meaning to life is experiencing different things. It might seem routine for Istanbulites, but especially for those coming from abroad, running across continents is an invaluable experience. As foreigners put it, you’re running from Asia (Anatolia) to Europe. Just the thought of it is exhilarating. Of course, the ever-changing Bosphorus view, the tree-lined avenue leading to Dolmabahçe, and the historic peninsula make this experience unique.
- The Unbearable Lightness of Finishing the Race
The race is challenging for most. In such important races, simply finishing is crucial. That’s why everyone who crosses the finish line is awarded a medal. After all that effort, successfully finishing a race is an invaluable feeling. Of course, every great joy comes at a price. If you’re untrained or have pushed yourself too hard, your legs may ache for a day or two. However, this alone is a source of pride, as it reminds you that you’ve overcome the challenges you’ve faced.
- Taking the Stage in Istanbul’s Best Advertisement
Such sporting events receive extensive coverage, especially in the international media. This is because, in addition to Istanbulites, many professional and amateur runners from abroad participate in the race. When media outlets cover the event, they naturally showcase the city’s most beautiful areas and capture the runners there. Wouldn’t you like to take part in such a scene, even if only briefly, and showcase the beautiful and smiling face of Türkiye?
In conclusion, even if you haven’t registered for the Istanbul Marathon yet, it’s not too late; you can register a day or two before the race at the race kit distribution location. I’ve listed 10 reasons to participate. If you’re interested, come and find us (TIDER supporters). Let’s enjoy it together.
May your breath always be fresh.
