Istanbul Marathon turns orange to say no to violence against women

The theme for this year’s Istanbul marathon was to end violence against women. Turkish Minister of Youth and Sport and Minister of Health, Mayor of Istanbul and UN Women Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Ingibjorg Gisladottir kicked off the 37th Istanbul Marathon. About 100,000 people participated in this year’s marathon including 30,000 runners who competed in 10 km, 15 km and 42 km runs. The color theme for the marathon was orange, in response to UN Secretary General’s SayNO - UNiTE to End Violence Against Women Campaign call to “Orange the World: End Violence Against Women and Girls”. The marathon hosted not only some of the world’s most elite athletes but also thousands of people who all united to say no to violence against women.