Wizz Air Venice Marathon
The Lowdown
The Venice Marathon, first held in 1986, has grown into one of Europe's most scenically unique long-distance events, combining mainland running with a dramatic entry into the floating city. Traditionally starting in the town of Stra on the Riviera del Brenta, the race follows a largely flat, fast route past historic Venetian villas and canals before crossing the long Ponte della Libertà into Venice proper. Over its history the event has attracted elite international fields as well as thousands of recreational runners and is celebrated for its blend of sport, culture and Venetian tradition. Runners experience a memorable finish through the car-free streets and waterfront of Venice, culminating on the Riva dei Sette Martiri with views toward St. Mark’s Basin. The course showcases villa-lined riverbanks, lagoon vistas and the unique sensation of racing into a UNESCO World Heritage city, with enthusiastic crowds, live music and local hospitality along the way. The Venice Marathon is AIMS-certified, listed with World Athletics (label status), and accepts Boston Marathon qualifying times, making it both a picturesque destination race and a legitimate championship-qualifying course.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Venice Marathon 2026 registration opens
Jun 15, 2025Organizers opened online registration for the 2026 Venice Marathon (scheduled for 2026-10-25), with early-bird entry fees, updated charity bib options, and expanded wave starts to improve flow across the city’s bridges.
Venice Marathon announces new sustainability measures
Nov 5, 2024The Venice Marathon released a sustainability plan to reduce single-use plastics, introduce compostable aid-station supplies, and implement enhanced waste sorting and recycling at race villages for future editions.
This race qualifies for the Boston Marathon
Race Weekend
Other distances available
Notable Landmarks
Stra
Start area near the Grand Canal with views of the historic Villa Pisani and Riviera del Brenta villas
Riviera del Brenta
Scenic stretch past elegant 16th–18th century Venetian villas lining the canal
Ponte della Libertà
The long causeway bridge that links the mainland (Mestre) to the historic island of Venice
Piazzale Roma
The main vehicular gateway to Venice where runners enter the car-free city
Riva degli Schiavoni
Iconic waterfront promenade along St. Mark’s Basin with views of the lagoon
Piazza San Marco
The race approaches the world-famous square dominated by St. Mark’s Basilica and the Campanile
Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs
Historic Gothic palace and adjacent bridge visible near the finishing area
Venice, Italy
IT
Based on nearby accommodations
The race offers a booking portal with partner hotel options
- Must be at least 20 years old on race day
- Possess a valid race entry and registered bib number
- Provide a valid medical certificate of fitness for competitive running (certificato di idoneità agonistica) or equivalent medical clearance as required by Italian regulations
- Be able to complete the course within the official time limit of 6 hours
- Foreign participants must present a valid passport or national ID at bib pickup
- No bib transfers allowed; entries are non-transferable
- Venice marathon liability waiver form (non-competitive)
- Medical certification (competitive)
- Sports Federation membership proof (competitive)
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator/Travel Package
- Club/Federation Entry
- Elite/Invitation
Cancellation & Refunds
Policy details
Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable
Optional insurance available for fee reimbursement in case of justified absence
The course starts on the Brenta Riviera in Stra and follows a largely flat route along the Brenta Canal before crossing the Ponte della Libertà and finishing on the Riva dei Sette Martiri with views of the lagoon and St. Mark’s area.
Finishers receive a custom medal and a technical finisher shirt, and there is a post-race refreshment area with hot drinks, snacks and a recovery zone; a pasta party and race expo are held on the weekend before the race.
Aid stations are frequent (roughly every 3–5 km) with water and sports drink, and medical support and baggage drop/collection points are available at the start and finish; shuttle buses connect Mestre and Stra for participant logistics.
The route is known for its scenic villas on the Brenta Riviera and a fast, flat profile, but runners should prepare for cobbled/stone sections near the finish and arrive early because security checks and limited boat/transport schedules can cause delays.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
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