London to Istanbul Speed Run Challenge

A fastest-known time attempt, before Beyond the Bosphorus
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Istanbul skyline


Set a record, your own way

This self-directed challenge gives you the chance to set a record for the fastest known time (FKT) taken to travel from London to Istanbul on public transport, competing against other racers with a group start line.

With no fixed route and no checkpoints, you'll follow your own journey between the start and finish lines, in accordance with our rules.

Those participating will meet in central London at 09:30 for a 10:00 start on Tuesday 31 August 2027. After the challenge, you'll have a couple of rest days and optional Thursday and Friday socials in Istanbul, as the Lupine team gears up for Saturday's Beyond the Bosphorus start line.


The Record

Best time from start to finish, hand on stone at both ends.

Start

One hand on the base of Nelson's Column, Trafalgar Square, London

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Finish

One hand on the railing around the Walled Obelisk (Örme Dikilitaş)), Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul

Any legal means of public transport is fair game, and our standard Lupine Racing rules for long distance transport apply.

One exception: taxis are completely banned for self-directed FKT attempts, even where our normal rules would allow them. Your travel will be verified by an invigilator before your time is confirmed.


London to Istanbul, any way you like
Format
FKT / Speed Run, no fixed route, no checkpoints
Start Line
Meet from 09:30 for a 10:00 start, central London location TBA
Date
Tuesday 31 August 2027
Pricing
£85 per person, covering setup on our tracking system and invigilation of your attempt. Entries are limited to 10 places, though we may expand this if there's sufficient demand.

Beat the record and we'll send you a free framed certificate. Certificates are available for a fee for confirmed lower placings.
League Points
Since everyone sets off together (unlike a standalone FKT attempt), points are based on your finish and standing within the challenge. Finish and you'll earn 35 league points, with a bonus on top for the podium: +10 for 3rd, +20 for 2nd and +30 for 1st.


  • check_circleIncludes
    • Tracking for your attempt
    • Access to a chat group running throughout the challenge
    • Online coverage of attempts
    • Official verification of your attempt
    • A free framed certificate if you take the outright record (certificates for other confirmed rankings available for a fee)
    • A trophy for the winner of the 2027 Istanbul Speed Run Challenge
  • infoGood to Know

    This is a bonus challenge alongside our usual races. There's no set itinerary beyond the start and finish points, and no checkpoints to visit. It's simply about getting from Nelson's Column to the Dikilitas obelisk as quickly as you can by any legal means, while following our standard race rules.

    This event is for anyone who fancies racing alongside others and being part of the Istanbul socials before Beyond the Bosphorus begins.

    Our team won't be at the finish line to greet you in person, this is a self-directed challenge and your finish is confirmed from your tracking data afterwards.

If you'd rather take this challenge on solo at a time of your choosing, you can enter a self-directed fastest known time attempt.