Venice Marathon 2026

Venice Marathon

Founded in 1986 on an idea by Piero Rosa Salva, the Venice Marathon is one of Italy’s best-loved road races and an IAAF Bronze Label event. It runs from the Brenta riviera into the Venetian lagoon, and it is one of the most scenic marathons in Europe. It is held in Venice, Italy.

The marathon takes place each autumn and is capped by organisers, with demand regularly exceeding the available places. The classic 42.195 km distance is joined by shorter races, so runners and supporters of all levels can be part of the weekend.

Marathon Highlights:

• The Course: The race starts at the Villa Pisani in Stra, passes through Marghera and Mestre, crosses San Giuliano Park and reaches Venice over the Ponte della Libertà. It finishes at Riva dei Sette Martiri, facing the lagoon.
• Bridges & Canal Views: The final kilometres include a series of small bridges over Venetian canals, which are unusual and tough on tired legs.
• Shorter Races: A half marathon (21K) and a 10K run alongside the marathon, so there is a distance for every runner.
• Family Run & Expo Village: A 4K Family Run draws thousands of local schoolchildren, and the Expo Village at San Giuliano Park is where runners collect their race packs.

Tips for Visitors & Trip Planning:

• Registration: Entries are limited and fill up, so register early through the official website. Collect your race pack at the Expo Village before race day.
• Race-Day Logistics: Runners are taken to the start by shuttle, so follow the organisers’ instructions for transfer times and bag drop.
• Getting There: Marco Polo Airport is close to Venice, and Venezia Mestre and Santa Lucia stations are the main rail hubs. Take the vaporetto or water bus across the lagoon, and remember cars can’t enter the historic centre.
• What to Wear: Late-autumn mornings by the lagoon can be cold and damp, so wear layers at the start and keep a warm jacket for after you finish.
• Accommodation: Marathon weekend is busy and Venice is expensive, so booking well in advance is strongly recommended. Hotels in nearby Mestre are a cheaper alternative.
• Explore Venice: After the finish, take a gondola ride, visit St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace or take a boat trip to Murano and Burano — browse top Venice tours and activities here.

The full race programme, route map and registration details are published on the marathon’s official website. See details below, under “Event Related Information” section.