Istanbul, Oct 17 - Driving rain and chilly winds did not deter thousands of people, young and old, professional and amateur, from participating in the world's only marathon to span two continents in Turkey's largest city Istanbul.

An estimated 100,000 people joined the 33rd edition of the Eurasia Marathon at various categories Sunday.

Kenya's Vincent Kiplagat won the full marathon, repeating his last year's feat in the men's race while Ethiopian Alemitu Abera won the women' s event, reports Xinhua.

The 15 km event was dominated by athletes from Ethiopia, Atsedu Tsegai winning the men's event and Sosena Gezau taking top honour in the women's race.

It is one of the few times in the year that one of the two iconic Bosphorus bridges connecting the Asian and European sides of Istanbul is opened to pedestrian traffic.

The highest interest was in the free walk, open to amateurs with about 80,000 people registering to participate in the event.

In the professional categories, prize money of $50,000 each was available for the winner in the men's and women's full marathon of 42 km, $4,000 each for the winner in the men's and women's 15 km run and $5,000 each for the winners in the men's and women's wheelchair marathon. (IANS)