PRESS RELEASE 05 November 2025
At the 47th Istanbul Marathon, the Suns of TOHUM, running on behalf of the TOHUM Autism Foundation, took steps for the education of children with autism.
The Türkiye İş Bankası 47th Istanbul Marathon, one of Turkey’s most widely attended sporting events, brought thousands of athletes and non-governmental organizations together with the same goal. Running for the TOHUM Otizm Vakfı (Autism Foundation), Güneşleri TOHUM also took steps this year to support the education of children with autism.
In Turkey, 1 in 31 children are diagnosed with autism. The only known cure for autism is early diagnosis and special education. For this reason, the TOHUM Autism Foundation supports the access of children with autism to quality education through its projects and continues to raise awareness across society.
In this year’s marathon, 819 volunteers, including Boyner Holding Board Member and TOHUM Otizm TOHUM Vakfı Board Member Ümit Boyner and Shell & Turcas CEO Emre Turanlı, drew attention to autism for the Otizm Vakfı with the support of 33 institutions, and also collected donations to help children with autism access quality education.
TOHUM Selin and Cem, students from the Otizm Vakfı Eğitim Kurumları, also took to the streets for their autistic friends. Selin and Cem’s donation campaigns are still ongoing, and anyone who wishes to can contribute to their campaigns until November 17.
To donate to Selin Önal’s campaign Click here.
To donate to Cem Sezgin’s campaign Click here.
TOHUM Burçak Karakaya, General Manager of the Autism Foundation, said the following in his assessment after the marathon:
“We thank all the runners who have dedicated their steps to the education of our autistic children and the institutions that support them. These supports make a great contribution to the education of our children, their acquisition of independent living skills, and their stronger participation in society.”
This year at the TOHUM marathon, the Autism Foundation set a goal of 6 million TL for the education of children with autism.
Every donation collected will directly contribute to the access of children with autism to quality education. The donation campaigns will continue until November 17. .
At the TOHUM event, many national and international brands representing the Autism Foundation came together to advocate for access to quality education for children with autism.
TOHUM Organizations that Support Autism Foundation
3D Logistics, Abdi İbrahim Pharmaceuticals, Accor Hotels, Akçalı Paint – Permolit Paint, Anadolu Insurance, Aon Turkey, APLUS Energy, Beckers Group, Cengiz Holding, Commencis Technology, FläktGroup, Gözen Holding, Kariyer.net, Netlog Logistics, Occlutech, Otokoç Automotive, ÖzdilekPark, PBS Information Technology, Prisync, Şişli Vocational High School, Sisal Hub Turkey, smartPulse, SmartWare, Tekfen Generator, TSKB (Turkish Industrial Development Bank), Türk Nippon Insurance, Türkiye Finans Participation Bank, Vefa Pharmaceuticals, Videojet, Volvo Group, Wunder, Zoetis Turkey.
TOHUM The Autism Foundation aims to raise awareness in the community while providing resources for the education of children with autism through a marathon every year.