Where Do You Run in Istanbul?

Today some of us walked from Cihangir to Ortaköy, and others ran around Sarayburnu. Istanbul, suggested Miguel as we ran, needs a runner’s manual for novices (where to run, running clubs in the area, a calendar of road races, etc.). So as we begin to put the guide together, we ask you, What are your favorite routes? Please let us know!

And join us each Sunday, 8:00am, in front of the Cihangir Sports Center (above the Dia Supermarket), on Siraselviler Street.

Now, back to our runner's guide to Istanbul . . . three of my favorite places to run – all accessible from Beyoğlu on foot. . .
THREE ROUTES from BEYOĞLU
1. Sarayburnu: Today’s run followed the side street from Tophane to Karaköy, crossed the Galata Bridge and then ran along the wide path that circles around Sarayburnu, below Topkapı Sarayı. We ran as far as the radar tower, where we turned back. One could as easily run to Atatürk Bulvarı and return to Beyoğlu by way of Aksaray, passing under the Aqueduct of Valens and crossing the Golden Horn on the Atatürk Bridge. The full circle from Tophane, around Sarayburnu and under the acqueduct and back is close to 12 km.

The springtime photos say nothing of today’s strong lodos wind!

Run It Any Time: Given that the Galata Bridge has a wide pedestrian way and the path around Sarayburnu is well protected from traffic, the path from Tophane to the radar tower is a decent route for any time of day. (Also, you can stretch at the radar tower, which is decorated with ceramic tiles by my friend Mustafa Pilevneli and his son Yavuz.)

2. Maçka Park: The lower end of Maçka Park has a well-maintained unpaved running path, and I like it for speed intervals. From Taksim, head down past Gümüşsuyu to the İnönü Stadium and stay right as you ascend the hill (on appropriately named Bayıldım Caddesi) to Nişantaşı, passing by the Swissôtel. You can enter the lower end of Maçka Park across the street from the Swissôtel, or for a longer hill work-out, follow the road (which now becomes Abdi İpekçi Caddesi) to the top of the hill – to Vali Konağı Caddesi – and enter the top end of the park at Harbiye (saluting the Sultans) and run back down through the park to the paths in the lower end.

Twilight Run: Maçka Park may not be the best destination for a run in the dark, but it’s not bad in the twilight hours. To avoid the evening traffic between Gümüşsuyu and Dolmabahçe, cut from Taksim to Harbiye on Taşkışla Caddesi – the road that runs behind the Hilton Hotel and in front of the Engineering Faculty. Careful as you cross traffic!

3. Eyüp: A series of smooth pedestrian paths leads up the Golden Horn from the Galata Bridge to Eyüp. This is an early morning or weekend run, due to congestion at the Eminönü bus stop and the need to cross traffic under Atatürk Bulvarı. After these messy spots, however, it’s a clear path (excepting occasional simit vendors) up to Eyüp and even as far as Santralİstanbul (the new Bilgi University Campus).

Where do you like to run? Do you get a good work-out on Istanbul’s streets? Or have you resigned yourself to the treadmill for mid-week runs?