A great wilderness escape, 15 km north of Istanbul. Belgrade Forest is 13,500 acres with many km of trails that are great for running. There are lots deciduous trees and opportunities for shady running, which is especially nice in summer. It’s a popular spot for walking, hiking, and running. There are nine nature parks and many recreational areas in the Forest. Note: There have been improvements to the park of late, including better trail maintenance and markings.
Atatürk Arboretum
One of the best running options is the 7 km jogging track around the lake that begins at a fountain by the Neset Suyu (Neset Spring), with exercise equipment stationed along the way for public use. Another treat is the Atatürk Arboretum, which is 2.5 km from the spring.
Belgrade Forest is easiest to reach by car, but the the small town of Bahçeköy, located in the center of the forest, is served by public buses and is a good spot to start a run. Note that there aren’t any good public maps of the forest.
A great wilderness escape, 15 km north of Istanbul. Belgrade Forest is 13,500 acres with many km of trails that are great for running. There are lots deciduous trees and opportunities for shady running, which is especially nice in summer. It’s a popular spot for walking, hiking, and running. There are nine nature parks and many recreational areas in the Forest. Note: There have been improvements to the park of late, including better trail maintenance and markings.
Atatürk Arboretum
One of the best running options is the 7 km jogging track around the lake that begins at a fountain by the Neset Suyu (Neset Spring), with exercise equipment stationed along the way for public use. Another treat is the Atatürk Arboretum, which is 2.5 km from the spring.
Belgrade Forest is easiest to reach by car, but the the small town of Bahçeköy, located in the center of the forest, is served by public buses and is a good spot to start a run. Note that there aren’t any good public maps of the forest.
Essentials
Many km of paths. There is a dedicated 6.5 km (4 mile) jogging track.
Jogging track starts at Neset Spring. Town of Bahçeköy, near the Arboretum, is good departure point for trails
A quick 5k loop in the old-town Sultanahmet area, combining some sites, parks, and a good stretch along the Bosphorus river, paralleling the Kennedy Caddesi shore road. Can be combined with our other route in the Sultanahmet.
A quick 5k loop in the old-town Sultanahmet area, combining some sites, parks, and a good stretch along the Bosphorus river, paralleling the Kennedy Caddesi shore road. Can be combined with our other route in the Sultanahmet.
Run between Asia and Europe! This Bosphorus River route is almost all along the water, over the modern Galata Bridge, and then along the water to the Yenikapi Ferry Terminal. Can use transport to make it a one-way run.
There aren't too many large parks in Istanbul. This loop includes stately, tree-filled Gezi Park, and a nearly 1.5 mile loop around the perimeter of hilly Maçka Park. The area of Taksim Square has several major hotels in this tony part of Istanbul.
One of the most popular places to run in Istanbul is along the Bosporus River, from Kuruçeşme to Bebek. It's not a seamless waterfront path, but there are some great sections. A long-ish option is from the first to second bridges, nearly 6km.
A waterside run along the Golden Horn, with many options for distance. Up to 8.5km (5.3 miles) from the Galat Bridge all the way to the Bilgi University Campus. There are good, smooth paths along the water for a majority of the run.
A fantastic waterside run on the Asian side. It's possible to run 27 km from Fenerbahçe to Pendik, mostly through palm-lined parks with great views of the water. A great opportunity to rack up some miles.
Camlica Hill is the highest point in Istanbul, at 227 meters. There are great views from the summit, as well as a picnic area, cafes, and a few trails. Our route is 3.8 km from the Kısıklı subway, with a longer option to Millet Park.
Emirgan Park is a pleasant park for running near İstinye, about 15 km north of Istanbul and reachable by ferry. ~3 km of paths around lovely green space. Combine with ~1 km path along the İstinye marina.
A new and wonderful recent addition to the running scene in Istanbul! This forest park is 20 minutes from central Istanbul and features marked running trails of 3.4k, 5k, & 10k. Great shade option. Numerous other facilities.
A great run if you want an excursion! Reachable by ferry, this CAR-FREE island has many km of roads/paths for running, with great water views. Run the 11.8 km (7.3 mile) perimeter road, or some of the interior trails of the National Park. Note - hilly!!
This 3,000-hectare green space located 30 km northeast of Istanbul is a lovely, shady spot for a destination run. A 5 km jogging course plus additional paths & trails. Mainly wooded landscape.
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Essentials
Many km of paths. There is a dedicated 6.5 km (4 mile) jogging track.
Jogging track starts at Neset Spring. Town of Bahçeköy, near the Arboretum, is good departure point for trails
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