EuropeItaly

Venice Marathon

A scenic course climaxing on a pontoon bridge over the Grand Canal into St. Mark's Square.

1.5/10 Difficulty
49m Elevation Gain
1986 Founded

Course Map

Elevation Profile
km
mi

Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.

About this Race

The Venicemarathon is a scenic point-to-point race that runs along the mainland Riviera del Brenta past Palladian villas before its unforgettable climax: crossing a temporary pontoon bridge over the Grand Canal into the heart of historic Venice and St. Mark's Square. The largely flat course is reasonably fast, with the magical floating-city finish as the headline. Held in October, it offers mild autumn conditions and incomparable scenery. The Venice finale defines the day. It suits runners who want a fast-leaning course and one of the most unique and beautiful finishes in all of marathoning.

point-to-point flat scenic bridges iconic destination

Course Insight

Venice is a flat point-to-point along the Brenta riviera that saves a singular sting for the end: a final stretch crossing a string of bridges over the canals into the city, each ramp jolting tired legs. Pace the long flat approach with the bridge-laden finish in mind. The run into Venice itself is unforgettable. Acqua alta and wind are occasional variables. Save your legs for the bridges and the iconic finish becomes a reward.

Pro tip: Pace the long flat approach with the bridge-laden finish in mind, and save your legs for the canal crossings into the city.

Difficulty Breakdown

1.5/10

Mostly due to very flat.

Elevation
1.1
Hill Placement
2.0
Weather
1.6
Turns
2.3

How we calculate difficulty →

Course Details

Course type
Point-To-Point
Elevation gain
49m
Elevation loss
47m
Highest point
9m
Net elevation
+2m
Start
Stra (Villa Pisani)
Cutoff time
6h 0m

Race History

The Venicemarathon was first held in 1986, a scenic point-to-point running along the mainland Riviera del Brenta past Palladian villas before its unforgettable climax: crossing a pontoon bridge over the Grand Canal into the heart of Venice. Its magical floating-city finish defined its character. From its founding it became a celebrated event. Held each October, it draws a field to one of marathoning's most unique finishes.

Plan Your Trip

Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.

Nearest airport(s)
Venice Marco Polo (VCE), Treviso (TSF)
Best area to stay
The Mestre mainland for value hotels and easy race logistics, San Marco for atmospheric island stays near the finish, and Cannaregio for quieter canal-side options.
Getting to the start
It's point-to-point along the Brenta; take the official buses from Venice/Mestre out to the Stra start, finishing in the city.

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