Venice Marathon 2024
Book nowphoto : Matteo Bertolin
- Next eventย :ย Sun, October 27, 2024Date confirmed
- Last eventย :ย Sun, October 22, 2023
The event in a few words
Comfortably seated in your armchair? Beware, the performance is about to start... Backstage, there's a buzz of activity. Everyone's bustling to present you with a show worthy of the greatest playwrights ๐ญ. Illusion, lights, and fountains, everything's set for the spectacle. It's in October ๐, that the actors will take to the stage to passionately perform the 37th edition of the Venice Marathon! ๐ค
The scene is set in Venice, the "Serenissima" as it's fondly called. Capital of the Veneto region, it's perched on the Adriatic Sea ๐. It was Piero Rosa Salva in 1986, who chose this city of art, culture, and romance to host the spectacle of the Marathon of Venice. At that time, large crowds already traveled to witness this unprecedented play! Today, this sporting and festive event has become one of the major gatherings in the European running scene. On stage, runners will be the protagonists, shining brightly on a course as fascinating as it is enchanting, weaving through city and seafront. But off-stage, the excitement will also reach fever pitch with the Venice Marathon Expo Village, located in the heart of the San Giuliano Park (fun fact: it's the second-largest park in Europe, you learn something new every day with Finishers ๐). It serves as a headquarters for running enthusiasts who can stroll through different exhibitors' stands and discover their latest products. ๐
With the exposition scene set, let's dive into the heart of the matter. The distances and routes of the Venice Marathon will be featured in this act 1๏ธโฃ. First and foremost, we spotlight the flagship event of this festival: the famous Marathon. From the banks of the Brenta at Stra, to the finish line at Riva Sette Martiri, on the picturesque seafront of the Saint Mark's Basin, you'll race through the streets of this Venetian mosaic ๐โโ๏ธ! The 18th-century homes, including the impressive Villa Pisani, the Zattere quays along the Giudecca Canal, the bridge over the Grand Canal, the St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace will be your backdrop. All the motivation you need to give it your all and conquer those 42.195 km ๐. Along your journey, you may be cheered on by Venetians shouting โDuri i banchiโ (roughly โhold strong, youโll make it throughโ), or accompanied by choirs harmonizing your strides with music ๐ถ! A side note: be prepared for possible improvisation similar to the 2018 edition, running with feet in water due to the 'acqua alta' (high water) phenomenon that often floods the city in late October-early November ๐ฎ, that's part of the Venetian charm too. Anyway, back to the main story. The marathon is not the only protagonist of this event. You'll also find a half-marathon and a 10 km run that will take you through the city's winding alleys, canals, bridges, and churches. And the day before all these races, a family run of 4 km (Family Run) ๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ awaits you on the stage of the San Giuliano Park!
After the climax and twists of your run, you can drop the mask and join the Venetians and visitors to fully enjoy your time in Veneto. To extend the pleasure, you might embark on one of the historic gondolas ๐ฃ navigating the city's six historic districts, or visit one of the small islands in the lagoon (Murano, Burano, San Michele, Lido...) ๐. And if hunger strikes, the city's typical fish ๐ and seafood ๐ recipes will naturally quell your stomach's rumblings: Risotto o Pasta al Nero di Seppia, Sarde in Saor, Baccalร Mantecato, Folpeti, Italian delicacies that make your mouth water! ๐
From Marco Polo to Casanova, through Shakespeare, Petrarch or Hemingway, many artists and travelers have fallen for the charms of Venice, and now it's your turn, runner, to be tempted by the spectacle that the Venice Marathon offers! โค๏ธ
If you're craving even more running adventures in the Boot Country, you can head to the Rome Marathon (there's also a half-marathon) or the Florence Marathon! ๐
6 reasons to join this race
A distance for every taste
- MarathonTOP
- Half Marathon
- 10โkm
- Kids
- Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 9:40 AM
- Elevation gainย :ย 140mD+
A few more words
A key feature of this event, the marathon course is relatively flat and fast. The curtain rises at Stra, a quaint countryside town located 25 km west of Venice. The Villa Pisani sets the scene for this grand opening ๐. You'll then dazzle onlookers for about twenty kilometers along the Brenta River, passing through various municipalities of the region (Dolo, Mira, Oriago...). This part of the course unfolds in an environment rich in history, culture, and magnificent buildings ๐. Indeed, you will be able to admire the numerous 18th-century villas built by Venetian nobles for their holidays, such as Villa Badoer, Villa Venier, and Villa Foscari โฑ. Midway through, you'll already be at the gates of the Venice Lagoon, passing through the centers of Marghera and Mestre before setting foot in Saint-Julien Park where you'll enjoy bands, refreshments, and the surrounding greenery.
After this brief interlude, the Ponte della Libertร will take center stage, showcasing its straight 4 km length. Soon, Venice will come into view! The moment you step onto its ground, emotions will undoubtedly overwhelm you. The port area will be your first stop ๐ค. Then, the most beautiful part of your journey awaits. You'll follow the Giudecca Canal, passing by the Church of Santa Maria del Rosario, the Venice Academy of Fine Arts, and the Church of Santo Spirito. Once past the 40th kilometer, you'll glimpse the Punta della Dogana, where you'll cross the Grand Canal on a pontoon specially constructed for the event. You'll then pass near the Royal Gardens, and your final kilometers will be unforgettable. Indeed, they will spotlight Venice in all its glory โจ! The Piazza San Marco and the columns of San Marco and San Teodoro, the Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, the Palazzo delle Prigioni will give you the strength to cross your finish line, before taking a final bow at Riva dei Sette Martiri in a panoramic position facing the lagoon. ๐
Half Marathon
Road Running- Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 9:00 AM
- Elevation gainย :ย 50mD+
A few more words
Exciting news for the 36th edition of the Venice Marathon: a half-marathon is being organized for the first time ever!
Similar to the 42 km and 10 km races, the half-marathon will kick off on solid ground ๐ค. You'll start from Mestre, at the Ferretto Square, just a stone's throw away from the St Mark's Clocktower. The first kilometers will take you through the heart of the renovated Piazzetta Coin area and past the new M9 museum complex. After crossing the XXVII October Square (Place Barche), you'll join the traditional Venice Marathon course. Once past the Salso Canal and the verdant avenues of San Giuliano Park, it's the Liberty Bridge you'll have to cross to get into the heart of Venice. An exceptional race finish awaits, where you'll tackle the extraordinary waterside route all the way to the finish line at the Riva dei Sette Martiri ๐. The St Mark's Square, the Columns of San Marco and San Teodoro, the Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, the Palazzo Delle Prigioni, are just some of the wonders you'll marvel at in your final kilometers.
Road Running 10โkm
Road Running- Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 8:25 AM
- Elevation gainย :ย 20mD+
A few more words
Another star of the Venice Marathon is the 10 km race. If you opt for this distance, the opening scene unfolds on solid ground, in the San Giuliano Park located in Mestre ๐. You'll then continue your showcase on the 4 km-long Freedom Bridge, making your way to Venice and its new port area ๐ค. The heart of the action quickly arrives as you step onto the historic city center's soil. Indeed, the most breathtaking and spectacular part of your race awaits there ๐. Similar to the marathon route, you'll run alongside the Giudecca Canal, passing by the Church of Saint Mary of the Rosary, the Venice Academy of Fine Arts, and the Church of the Holy Spirit, eventually reaching the Punta della Dogana. You will then cross the Grand Canal via a bridge specifically constructed for the event. Before your majestic arrival at Riva dei Sette Martiri, on the picturesque waterfront of the Bassin of Saint Mark ๐, Saint Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace will come into view for a feast to your eyes! Beware of the adventures on the last 3 kilometers; the route, consisting of large stone slabs, can be quite tricky. ๐
Any more questions?
You can collect your race bib at the Venicemarathon ExpoSport Village (located in San Giuliano Park in Mestre):
On Friday, October 20th from 9am to 8pm
On Saturday, October 21st from 9am to 8pm
To pick up your bib, you will need to present an ID and your confirmation email.
The start times for the races are as follows:
- 10 km: 8:30am
- Marathon (42 km): 9:30am
- Half Marathon (21 km): 9:00am
Specific cut-off times are set for each race distance:
- 10 km: max 1hr 45min
- Marathon (42 km): max 6hrs
- Half Marathon (21 km): max 2hrs 30min
Water stations will be available every 5 km (starting from km 5) across all races. For the Marathon and Half Marathon, sports drinks, fruits, and biscuits will be available at the 20th km.
Starting corrals will be set up for the different races. Your specific corral will be clearly indicated on your bib by a particular color.
A team of pacers will indeed be at your disposal to help you finish the marathon according to your target time! So before the start, look for your pacer and get ready to follow their balloon!
The cancellation policy allows you to cancel your participation without any reason until October 7th, 2023 inclusive, and to receive a refund for your bib. Beyond this date, it will not be possible to request a refund. The refund of the bib amount (excluding booking fees, insurance fees, and paid options) will occur between 3 and 5 days after the Venice Marathon.
If you wish to cancel your participation, please contact us before October 7th, 2023 at 11:59pm at the following email address: contact@finishers.com.
The month of October in Venice will offer ideal running conditions. With temperatures that can vary between 7ยฐC and 15ยฐC, you'll avoid the high summer heat.
You can find various accommodation options here.
Foreign athletes will need to hand in a liability waiver (the "waiver form") to the organizer. If you want to run in the Elite corral and/or appear in the general ranking with a position, you will need to provide a medical certificate and an FFA license less than 12 months old.
You can add all these documents once your bib is reserved and before the race starts in the runner's personal area on Finishers. These documents will be validated by the race organizer as the race approaches.For the Marathon:
โฌ62 for the 1st to 4000th participant
โฌ72 for the 4001st to 6000th participant
โฌ82 from the 6001st participant onwards
For the Half Marathon:
โฌ42 for the 1st to 1000 participant
โฌ47 for the 1001st to 2000th participant
โฌ50 from the 2001st participant onwards
For the 10 km:
โฌ30 for the 1st to 4000th participant
โฌ35 for the 4001st to 6000th participant
โฌ40 from the 6001st to 6500th participant
If you're the organizer of this race and want to enhance your page's content, claim it here.
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