Out of the past two thousand years there is no civilization greater than the eastern roman empire. Largely lost to western history is the amazing story of vaulting political ambitions, royal intrigues, and an extraordinary religious history. For over a thousand years the Byzantine empire was the seat of world power and what is left of it is now known as Turkey. It is a land that saw many of the greatest rulers that have ever lived and some of the most oppressive mean spirited, manipulative and conniving schemers that would defy your imagination.

Through it all the artisans persisted. They built the greatest buildings, soaring cathedrals, amazing carvings, statues, sculptures. When the west finally invaded her walls during the fourth crusade, they were shocked at the immensity, and scope of it’s grandeur.

What you will see on the 2011 Istanbul marathon tour is what is left of that great empire. Much of the splendid structures are in existence today. You will see the great cathedrals, and roam the streets of what was Constantanople where dozens of languages were spoken. It was the center of trade from all over the civilized world where diverse cultures melded together in a fusion of empire building and artistic creation. They left in their wake a cultural diversity that persists today.

You will see the ancient city of Ephesis, once buried in the mud and now restored. It is where Paul wrote the letter to the Epesians and it is said that the Virgin Mary walked those very streets. In Capadocia you will visit the land where a thousand years ago, the second greatest city in Christendom ruled. You will feel the history hear the stories and see what they left. If you are not stunned by what you see then you are devoid of a nervous system.

You will have the opportunity to run the Istanbul Marathon. You will pass across the narrow straights of the Bosphorus where ancient armies once passed on their way to conquest. All of European trade with the east passed by this route. You’ll start your race in Asia Minor and end it in europe, traveling the route of thundering armies, merchants, and artisans.

You’ll stay in the great cities, see the sights, taste the foods and bargain with exotic shopkeepers. Best of all, you’ll travel, dine and run the ancient by-ways with your friends and teammates, the Pasadena Pacers!