The Oral-B Istanbul Bosphorus Triathlon is evolving into an international brand race, showcasing Turkey's strength in sports tourism.
Bayram Yalçınkaya, President of the Turkish Triathlon Federation, stated that the Oral-B Istanbul Bosphorus Triathlon, which will be held for the 6th time on Sunday, August 16, is progressing towards becoming an 'international brand race.'
Today, in the race organized as the world's first and only intercontinental triathlon event, athletes will complete a 2.2-kilometer swimming segment, followed by a 40-kilometer bike ride over the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, crossing from Asia to Europe, and finish the course with a 10-kilometer run. This year, for the first time, an aquathlon event consisting of a 2.2-kilometer swim and a 10-kilometer run will also be held as part of the organization.
In a statement to an AA reporter, Bayram Yalçınkaya emphasized that they see the Istanbul Bosphorus Triathlon as a 'vision and brand race,' and noted: 'Istanbul is our organization that shows both all of Turkey and the strength and vision of Turkey to the world. Because there is no other location like this; everyone who comes is amazed. Last year, we held the Asian and European championships together for the first time in the world. This had never been done in any other sport; we accomplished it for our discipline. Believe me, when I go to different races or meetings abroad, they still talk about Istanbul. As a country, we are really good at organizing events. This year, we are holding the 6th edition. This year, we will also show the location for 2027 to the delegates coming from abroad. Next year, the European Games will also be held at the same location.'
Yalçınkaya emphasized the importance of making the race in Istanbul sustainable for international athletes, stating, 'We are still the only intercontinental triathlon race. I am proud of both my federation and my country for the Istanbul organization. Because a brand is being born there; it will be a brand race. The continuity of such organizations and their consecutive execution also affects the reliability and corporateness of the organization. Athletes can add it to their calendars by saying, 'Istanbul is held every year.' Some races may not be included in the athletes' calendars because they have not yet established that corporateness in their first, second, or third years. However, we are currently holding the 6th edition, and we can say that its corporateness has been established.'
'We have a very important location in terms of sports tourism.'
Yalçınkaya explained that the organization is also significant for the promotion of Istanbul and sports tourism, expressing that the race has a considerable impact in international triathlon circles: 'Istanbul is already a perfect city known worldwide. Therefore, everything done there must be worthy of Istanbul, of high quality and at a superior level. We pay attention to this. We strive to hold races at the highest level that befit Istanbul and our country, and I believe we have succeeded. Our athletes swim in the Bosphorus, pass over the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, then return to Küçüksu, running through the historical Yalı houses and feeling the history of Istanbul in a magnificent view. We have a very important location in terms of sports tourism.'
Yalçınkaya conveyed that they expect the newly included aquathlon to bring a different dynamism to the organization, concluding his remarks: 'We have included the aquathlon, which consists of swimming and running, in this organization for those who do not have a bike but want to swim in the Bosphorus and run through historical areas. There will be both triathlon and aquathlon. We will try the aquathlon in Istanbul for the first time, and I believe it will significantly increase participation. There will be a different organization within the same start. While one group goes for biking, another group will start running. It will be a new experience for us as well. We had events on Saturday during the registration day, and I believe everyone participating in the organization on Sunday will have a great time.'
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
