Who rules Istanbul? If you have been here for longer than a day, you already know the answer is obvious: CATS. They are everywhere – with access to every space and of course encouraging people to pet and feed them. I wouldn’t complain. However, there is another subgroup which seems to run this city as well and eventually, they might overrun the cats: City runners.
Since my last piece was written almost two years ago, many things have changed. It seems that many people have realized that running out of money, running to the metro or running to get a free seat on the Metrobus (I confess, for the last example, Kung fu might be more appropriate) are not the only forms of ‘running’. Nor are they the most pleasant ones. I would recommend running with a group of nice people – it is safer, more stimulating, and also more amusing.
If you are thinking about starting a new hobby or want to make new friends, practice your Turkish in an unusual manner (shortness of breath can be a good excuse of your shortness of words), or just need some motivation for running, then this list of running groups in Istanbul is perfect for you. These running groups run on both sides of the city, every day of the week. (Yes, now you have run out of excuses. Uff ya!)
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
- Adidas Runners Istanbul (Early morning run in Bebek)
- Asics Run Turkey (Early morning run)
- Nike Running Club (NRC)
- Adım Adım
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
- Bal Kaymak Runners & Walkers – Forest run & breakfast
- Asics Run Turkey
- Kadiköy Runners
- Adım Adım
Sunday
- Adidas Runners Istanbul
- Rundamental – trail run
- Asics Run Turkey
- Beat Run Crew
- Istanbul Expat Runners
Most of the groups are yabangee friendly and participation is free of charge, but sometimes a registration is required. For an exact schedule and other logistics, please check their Instagram accounts or official pages. There are many running groups also out of Istanbul. My knowledge here is limited, but I still know some of them. In Izmir you can run with Volt Floyd and Adım Adım. Runners in Ankara can join Adım Adım or Ankara Koşuyor. Adım Adım is also present in Bursa and Antalya. Besides these, you can also join Antalya Runners.
Where and with who do you like to run? Let us know in the comments!
