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Posted

They dodged a bullet in 2020 when they finished runners-up with Tokyo ultimately hosting the Olympics that year a year late and behind closed due to COVID and the pandemic impacting the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. 

It will be their 4th Olympic bid after bidding for 2000, 2008 and 2020 losing on all 3 occassions. Would like to see them get another chance and hopefully they win after decades of trying since the turn of the century. 

  • Like 1
Posted

 46 thousand people ran in the world's only intercontinental marathon in Istanbul. Many of them run for charity though because companies donate for different causes per runner. 

Posted
2 hours ago, texan said:

46 thousand people ran in the world's only intercontinental marathon in Istanbul. Many of them run for charity though because companies donate for different causes per runner. 

Except for its geographic uniqueness, the other qualities you state are pretty much standard for all the other major city marathons around the world.  So, it's not truly unique.  Also, the NYC marathon had 50,000 runners. 

Next weekend, Istanbul's rival, Athens, will be staging its 41st Authentic Marathon-to-Athens race.  If I were a runner, between the two, I think I'd want to run the Athens race first over the Europe-to-Anatolia run (or is it the reverse?).  

Posted
1 hour ago, baron-pierreIV said:

Next weekend, Istanbul's rival, Athens, will be staging its 41st Authentic Marathon-to-Athens race.  If I were a runner, between the two, I think I'd want to run the Athens race first over the Europe-to-Anatolia run (or is it the reverse?).  

I'd choose Istanbul tbh, gives you bragging rights that you "ran between two continents"

  • Like 1
Posted
13 minutes ago, Bear said:

I'd choose Istanbul tbh, gives you bragging rights that you "ran between two continents"

But see, once I crossed to the other side, I would just quit because then I would've done the 2 continent X-over.  B) (BTW, which I've already done in 2012 when I visited Turkey -- probably the 2nd best vacation tour I have ever taken.)

Posted
4 hours ago, baron-pierreIV said:

Except for its geographic uniqueness, the other qualities you state are pretty much standard for all the other major city marathons around the world.  So, it's not truly unique.  Also, the NYC marathon had 50,000 runners. 

Next weekend, Istanbul's rival, Athens, will be staging its 41st Authentic Marathon-to-Athens race.  If I were a runner, between the two, I think I'd want to run the Athens race first over the Europe-to-Anatolia run (or is it the reverse?).  

But that's the whole point. Nobody claims that this is the best marathon in the world however, this is the only one where you could say I literally ran from Asia to Europe in a marathon. Istanbul also has an intercontinental swimming race in Bosphorus. Also, Athens is not Istanbul's rival. Athens could be in the level of Ankara level by population, being the capital, and the level of boringness lol. Istanbul could be in the level of Tokyo, NYC, London, Rio, etc. This is just my opinion. 

 

 

Posted
5 hours ago, baron-pierreIV said:

But see, once I crossed to the other side, I would just quit because then I would've done the 2 continent X-over.  B)

but see, at least for Istanbul I have that motivation for bragging rights... in Athens I wouldn't even be bothered to start the marathon at all 🤣

Posted (edited)
5 hours ago, Bear said:

but see, at least for Istanbul I have that motivation for bragging rights... in Athens I wouldn't even be bothered to start the marathon at all 🤣

That's why there are more than 20 major city marathons to choose from.  Not that I would ever run one.  Not unless you paid me to.  (BTW, the annual Athens marathon actually starts in the village of Marathon --and ends up at the historic Panathanaikos stadium of 1896 fame.)

 

Edited by baron-pierreIV
Posted
9 hours ago, baron-pierreIV said:

Here ya go.  The Top 20 marathons --from at least someone who has run them . . .  the Great Wall is the craziest one!! 

 

Isn't this very subjective? Also, what's the point? None of them takes you from one continent to the other :) 

Posted
2 hours ago, texan said:

Isn't this very subjective? Also, what's the point? None of them takes you from one continent to the other :) 

Yes, that's what it said.  He just shared his experiences.  You don't have to like them if you don't.  And NONE of them promised taking anyone from one continent to the other.  🙄 No one is taking that away from Istanbul.  Sheesh.  

  • Haha 1
Posted
On 11/12/2024 at 3:44 PM, Sir Rols said:

Okay, to settle this somewhat, this article lists the Marathon “Majors”, which are: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, and now, Sydney.

 

Sydney marathon joins likes of New York, London and Tokyo as ‘major’ event

Which are pretty much the "A" List cities of the western world.  These are cities where a runner / fan / friends can all go and still have a big party after the event -- and with the most frequent airline connections to.  Probably the biggest swag bags afterwards as well. 🤪

Posted

I asked ChatGPT about Istanbul's 2036 bid:

Turkey's Strengths

  1. Geopolitical Significance: Istanbul's location as a bridge between Europe and Asia gives it a unique geopolitical advantage. The city symbolizes unity and diversity, aligning with the Olympic values of global inclusion.
  2. Infrastructure Development: Turkey has invested heavily in sporting and transportation infrastructure in recent decades. Istanbul has hosted numerous international events, including the UEFA Champions League Final and the World Athletics Indoor Championships, showcasing its readiness to host large-scale events.
  3. Previous Bids: While Turkey has bid unsuccessfully for several Olympics (most notably for 2020), these experiences have enhanced its understanding of the bidding process and IOC requirements. Each attempt has brought Turkey closer to securing the Games.
  4. Political Will and Public Support: The Turkish government has consistently expressed strong interest in hosting the Olympics. Public enthusiasm for sports and large-scale events could further bolster Turkey's bid.

Challenges to Consider

  1. Competition from Wealthy Gulf Nations: Countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar bring immense financial resources to the table, enabling them to make ambitious promises regarding infrastructure and event execution.
  2. Global Perception: Turkey may face challenges related to political concerns or broader geopolitical dynamics. However, this could also work in its favor if the IOC aims to promote inclusion and regional balance.

Why Turkey Could Win

  • Timing: The IOC might see 2036 as an opportunity to expand its footprint into a region that has long sought to host the Games.
  • Strategic Appeal: Awarding the Games to Istanbul could reflect the IOC's commitment to cultural diversity and peacebuilding by selecting a city that unites East and West.
  • Persistence and Experience: Turkey's sustained efforts to host the Olympics show resilience and a long-term vision, which could resonate with IOC decision-makers.
  • Like 1
Posted

Not bad responses from AI. I'd even argue he challenges are not that formidable. Sure there's some geopolitical dynamics but not enough for the IOC to say no to Erdogan not to mention as successful European Games (a likely test-run for a potential Olympics) and a successful co-hosting of the Euros gives Turkey enough experience not to mention they have most of the infrastructure in place (satisfies the New Norm stuff). I know space has been mentioned as a concern but the old Ataturk Airport provides more than enough space for a potential Olympic Village.

I'd argue the presence of the likes of Qatar or KSA actually could benefit the bid. For one, an Istanbul bid means the IOC doesn't have to play with the political football of Israel and a potential ban of the Israeli team should the likes of Doha or Riyadh host (I'm seeing more and more analysts saying Israel is entering "forever war" territory the way the U.S. did with Afghanistan and I could easily see Israel still fighting Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon in 2036). Turkey can also throw its own money around since they are promising a 100,000 seat stadium on the Bosphorus since Ataturk Stadium will be reconstructed as a football only venue. In terms of inclusivity and diversity, Turkey can cross the Muslim world off the list for the IOC without the political and Sharia issues.

  • Like 2
Posted

The Mayor of İstanbul presented the city's 2025-2029 budget and underscored İstanbul's will to host the 2036 Olympics. I don't think any other cşty works as much as İstanbul for the 2036 Olympics.

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Posted

I forgot to say: He mentioned that last week, the Ministry of Sports, İstanbul municipality, and the Turkish NOC presented the 2036 İstanbul bid to the IOC. (First presentation) I could only find this video:

 

 

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Posted (edited)

They're working like a city that knows they're going to be awarded the Games next year...strong Brisbane vibes about this now - in the sense of the city knowing it'll be theirs & soon, not the sense of not knowing where the stadium is. In fact thinking about what we've seen over the last few days, & a couple of comments I've seen elsewhere I'm starting to wonder whether Bach has choreographed this to perfection with Istanbul & Cape Town, to award 36 & 40 as the first Middle East & first African Olympics at his last session. One last legacy & the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize in his bag...

(Reading back this sounds a bit too negative about it. They're both reasonable choices. As many of us have said before, better Turkey than Qatar or Saudi for the first Middle East & Islamic country Olympics, & Istanbul is one of the great cities of the world. As for Cape Town I just hope they get properly supported for what'll be a big project. Hopefully the IOC don't dump them like a brick as soon as things get rocky like the CGF did to Durban.)

Edited by yoshi
Posted
53 minutes ago, yoshi said:

They're working like a city that knows they're going to be awarded the Games next year...strong Brisbane vibes about this now - in the sense of the city knowing it'll be theirs & soon, not the sense of not knowing where the stadium is. In fact thinking about what we've seen over the last few days, & a couple of comments I've seen elsewhere I'm starting to wonder whether Bach has choreographed this to perfection with Istanbul & Cape Town, to award 36 & 40 as the first Middle East & first African Olympics at his last session. One last legacy & the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize in his bag...

(Reading back this sounds a bit too negative about it. They're both reasonable choices. As many of us have said before, better Turkey than Qatar or Saudi for the first Middle East & Islamic country Olympics, & Istanbul is one of the great cities of the world. As for Cape Town I just hope they get properly supported for what'll be a big project. Hopefully the IOC don't dump them like a brick as soon as things get rocky like the CGF did to Durban.)

South Africa is practically broke and and I don't think the IOC has any desire to go to a third world country that couldn't afford to host the CWGs but I agree on the Istanbul vibes. Security costs for Istanbul will be through the roof but manageable. I see 2040 right now as India's on the condition they host a successful 2030 YOGs. 

Posted (edited)
1 hour ago, yoshi said:

Hopefully the IOC don't dump them like a brick as soon as things get rocky like the CGF did to Durban.)

Ya know, RSA has hosted a FIFA World Cup and an All-Africa Games.  Those 2 are no small feats.  As for the failed CGF of Durban, better to have backed out of a Games rather than rendered them shambolic like India on a 2nd try no less.  

3rd factor, of course, which future host will have a more stable and reliable political setting/partner building up to and during the Games?  

Edited by baron-pierreIV
Posted
7 minutes ago, baron-pierreIV said:

So, it might boil down to which one will present higher pro-Games referenda?  Which will be a safer host? 

If there is one country, in my opinion, where a referendum on the organization of the Olympic Games would see the "yes" win for sure, it is Turkey I think.

Do we have a map or a document that summarizes the facilities planned for Istanbul 2036? Whether they exist or to be built?

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