Venice Marathon 2026
- Next eventย :ย Sun, October 25, 2026Date confirmed
- Last eventย :ย Sun, October 26, 2025
The event in a few words
Comfortably seated at the back of your chair? ๐บ Attention, the curtain is about to rise... Behind the scenes, there is a buzz of activity. Everyone is getting ready to present you a play worthy of the greatest playwrights ๐ญ. Illusions, lights, and fountains, everything is set for the show. It is at the end of October ๐ that the actors will take the stage to passionately perform the 40th edition of the Venice Marathon! ๐ค
The stage is set in Venice, in Italy, the "Serenissima" as it is nicknamed ๐ค. Capital of the Veneto region, it is set on the Adriatic Sea ๐. Everything is for the eye in this theater: the black waters and alabaster walls. It was Piero Rosa Salva in 1986, who chose this city of art ๐ผ๏ธ, culture and romance to host the spectacle of the Venice Marathon ๐ฃ. At the time, large crowds were already moving to attend this original show-preview! ๐ Today, this sporting and festive ๐ฅณ event has become one of the major meetings in the running world in Europe ๐. On stage, the runners will be the protagonists and shine brightly ๐ฅ on a route connecting Stra to Venice โ๏ธ, as fascinating as it is captivating oscillating between city and shore. But offstage, the excitement will also be at its peak with the Venice Marathon Expo Village, located in the heart of the San Giuliano Park ๐ณ (for the record, it's the second largest park in Europe, yes we learn something new with Finishers every day๐). It's a true headquarters ๐๏ธ for running enthusiasts who can come stroll between the various exhibitors' stands and discover their latest products ๐.
With the presentation stage completed, let's now get into the heart of the matter ๐. The distances and courses of the Venice Marathon will be highlighted in this act 1๏ธโฃ. We first give the line to the main event of this occasion: the famous Marathon. From the banks of the Brenta in Stra, to the finish at Riva Sette Martiri, on the picturesque waterfront of the St. Mark's Basin, you'll pound the cobblestones of this Venetian mosaic! ๐ The 18th-century residences including the impressive Villa Pisani ๐ , the quays of Zattere along the Giudecca Canal, the bridge over the Grand Canal, the St. Markโs Square and the Doge's Palace will serve as your backdrop. Enough to motivate you to break through and complete these 42.195 km ๐. During your long monologue, you may be interrupted by Venetians cheering you on and shouting "Duri i banchi" (which can be roughly translated as: "hold firm you will make it") ๐, or by choirs that will set the rhythm of your steps with music! ๐ถ Small aside: you may have to improvise as during the 2018 edition, and run with your feet in water due to the acqua alta (high tide) phenomenon that often floods the city from late October โ early November ๐ฎ, this is also the Venetian charm. Anyway, back to the main play ๐. The marathon won't be the only star of this event. You can also find in the list of actors a half-marathon or a 10 km that will take you through the tortuous alleys, canals, bridges ๐, and churches of the city โช. And on the eve of all these events, it's a family run of 4 km (Family Run) ๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ that will be firmly awaiting you on the San Giuliano Park stage!
After the resolution and the events of your race, you can drop the mask and join the crowd of Venetians and visitors to fully enjoy your stay in Veneto ๐. To prolong the pleasure, you can board one of the historic gondolas ๐ฃ that roam the six historic districts of the city, or visit one of the small islands of the lagoon (Murano, Burano, San Michele, Lidoโฆ) ๐๏ธ. In case of a little hunger, the city's typical recipes based on fish ๐ and seafood ๐ will naturally quiet the rumbling of your stomach ๐คค: Risotto o Pasta al Nero di Seppia, Sarde in Saor, Baccalร Mantecato, Folpeti, Italian sonorities that already make your mouth water ! ๐
From Marco Polo to Casanova, through Shakespeare, Petrarch or Hemingway, many artists and travelers have fallen under the charms of Venice, and runner, will you be tempted by the show offered by the Venice Marathon? โค๏ธ
If you want even more running in the Boot country, you can come and do the Rome Marathon (there is 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 25, 2026 at 9:40 AM
- Elevation gainย :ย 78mD+
- 1 loopx42.195โkm
A few more words
An essential figure of this event, the marathon course is relatively flat and fast ๐๏ธ.
The curtain will fall at Stra, a small country town located 25 km west of Venice. And it is the Villa Pisani that will serve as the backdrop for this opening scene ๐. You will then perform for about twenty kilometers along the Brenta river crossing different towns in the region (Dolo, Mira, Oriago...). This part of the course will take place in an environment rich in history, culture, and magnificent buildings ๐. Indeed, you will be able to admire on your way the many 18th-century villas that noble Venetians built for their holidays like the Villa Badoer, the Villa Venier, or the Villa Foscari ๐๏ธ. Midway through the performance, you will already be at the gates of the Venetian lagoon as you pass through the centers of Marghera and Mestre before treading the ground of Saint-Julien Park where you can enjoy the orchestras, refreshments, and greenery all around you.
After this short pause, it will be the turn of the Bridge of Liberty ๐ฝ to take the stage, showcasing all its straightness in its 4 km. In the distance, you will quickly spot Venice! Once you set foot on its ground, there is no doubt you will be overwhelmed with emotion ๐ฅน. The port area will be your first stop ๐ค. Then, the most beautiful part of your route awaits you. You will follow the Giudecca Canal passing in front of the Church of Santa Maria del Rosario, the Venice Academy of Fine Arts, and the Church of Spirito Santo. Once you pass the 40th kilometer, you will catch sight of the Punta della Dogana, where you will cross the Grand Canal on a pontoon specially constructed for the event ๐คฏ. You will then pass by the Royal Gardens ๐, and your final kilometers will be unforgettable. Indeed, they will shine the spotlight on Venice in all its splendor! โจ
The Piazza San Marco and the Columns of San Marco and San Teodoro, the Doges' Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, the Palazzo Delle Prigioni will give you the strength to cross your finish line, before a final bow at Riva Sette Martiri in a panoramic position facing the lagoon. ๐
Half Marathon
Road Running- Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 8:45 AM
- Elevation gainย :ย 74mD+
- 1 loopx21.0975โkm
A few more words
Welcome to the little sister of the main event of the Venice Marathon: the half marathon!
Just like the courses of 42 km and 10 km, the half marathon event will start on solid ground ๐ค. Indeed, you will take off from Mestre, on Ferretto Square, just a few steps from the Saint Mark's Clock Tower. The first kilometers will lead you through the heart of the renovated area of Piazzetta Coin and past the new M9 museum complex. After crossing XXVII Ottobre Square (Barche Square), you will join the traditional Venice Marathon route. Once past the Salso Canal and the green avenues of San Giuliano Park, it's the Bridge of Freedom ๐ฝ that you will have to cross to enter the heart of Venice. An exceptional end to the race where you will tackle the extraordinary course at the water's edge up to the finish line on 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 so many wonders you can admire on your last kilometers ๐คฏ.
Road Running 10โkm
Road Running- Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 8:00 AM
- 1 loopx10โkm
A few more words
Another protagonist of the Venice Marathon: the 10 km.
If you choose this distance, the opening scene will take place on solid ground, in the San Giuliano Park in the locality of Mestre ๐๏ธ. Then, on the Bridge of Liberty ๐ฝ, 4 km long, you can continue your performance to reach Venice and its new port area ๐ค. The heart of the action will come quickly when you set foot in the city's historic center. It is clearly the most beautiful and spectacular part of your race waiting for you there ๐. As in the route of the marathon, you will run along the Giudecca Canal, passing in front of the Church of Santa Maria del Rosario, the Academy of Fine Arts of Venice ๐ผ๏ธ or the Church of Spirito Santo โช, and you will subsequently reach the Punta della Dogana. You will then cross the Grand Canal by the bridge built especially for the event. Before your majestic arrival at Riva Sette Martiri, on the picturesque waterfront of the Basin of San Marco ๐, St. Mark's Square and the Doges' Palace will take the stage to the delight of your eyes!
Beware of the twists and turns in the last 3 kilometers, as the road made of large stone slabs can play tricks on you ๐.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Youโll be able to collect your bib on 23 and 24 October 2026, from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, at the Expo Sport Venice Marathon Village, Blu (Blue) Gate, located in Parco San Giuliano in Mestre.
For the Marathon:
start at Villa Pisani in Stra at 9:40 am
For the Half Marathon:
start at Piazza Ferretto in Mestre at 8:45 am
For the 10K:
start in Parco San Giuliano in Mestre at 8:00 am
For the Marathon:
maximum time to pass the half-marathon point (km 21.097) is 2h45
maximum time to pass km 30 is 3h50
maximum time to finish the race is 6h
For the Half Marathon:
maximum time is 2h30, with the 10K split no later than 1h10
For the 10K:
maximum time to finish the race is 1h45
There will be 8 aid stations in total, located at km 5, 10, 15, 21, 25, 30, 35 and 40. Youโll find water at every station, and from km 20 onwards youโll also get seasonal fruit, energy biscuits, bananas, apples and sports drinks.
Yesโstarting corrals will be set up for each race. Your assigned corral will be clearly indicated on your bib with a specific color.
Yes! A team of pacers will be there to help you hit your target time. Before the start, find your pacer and get ready to follow their balloon.
Yes. Free shuttle buses will be provided for runners, including to get back to the start area. To reach the start area from Venice, buses will depart from Venice Tronchetto and go to Mestre Stazione / Forte Marghera / Parco San Giuliano or to the start area in Stra:
For the 10K:
Venice Tronchetto (in front of the ferry stop: Tronchetto, 5 minutes from Piazzale Roma) from 5:50 am to 6:40 am
Venice Mestre โ Piazzale Favretti (outside the station, on the right, 150 meters away) from 5:50 am to 6:50 am
For the Half Marathon:
Venice Tronchetto (in front of the ferry stop: Tronchetto, 5 minutes from Piazzale Roma) from 6:20 am to 7:00 am
Venice Mestre (railway station โ old post office โ 50 meters to the right when exiting the station) from 6:35 am to 7:15 am
For the Marathon:
Venice Tronchetto (opposite the ferry stop: Tronchetto, 5 minutes from Piazzale Roma) from 6:50 am to 7:20 am
Venice Mestre (railway station) from 6:40 am to 7:20 am
To head back to the mainland, there will be a boat from Venice Giardini to Venice Tronchetto from 9:15 am to 11:00 am and from 12:15 pm to 4:00 pm.
Yes. You can leave your belongings with the organizers in the official bag youโll receive when you pick up your bib. No other bags will be accepted!
Marathon and Half Marathon: you must be at least 20 years old on race day
10K: no age restriction
October in Venice usually offers great running conditions. Temperatures typically range from 7ยฐC to 15ยฐC, so youโll avoid the peak summer heat.
Youโll find a range of accommodation information here.
As an international runner, youโll need to provide either:
a license issued by your countryโs Athletics Federation
if you want to register in the โcompetitiveโ category: a RunCard (membership requiredโโฌ15 for one year), which is useful for races across Italy. Youโll also need to upload a medical certificate stating you have no contraindication to competitive running (issued less than one year before race day)
if you want to register in the โnon-competitiveโ category: a liability waiver confirming you are fit to run on race day. You can download the form directly from the race website. Note: if you only provide this waiver, you wonโt be included in the overall rankings with other runners and you wonโt be eligible for podium places
If you need more details, please refer to the blog article about the Rome Marathon registration system (available here), as the same rules apply to races held in Italy.
By entering the Venice Marathon, youโll receive:
a bag with technical goodies
a bib number and timing chip
medical support, refreshments and sponge stations along the course
bag drop transport
transportation before and after the race
an official program and information materials
And if you cross the finish line, youโll also get:
a medal
a finisherโs certificate to download from the organizerโs website
your results sent by email
You can check the race rules here
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