Course Map
About this Race
The Rio de Janeiro Marathon is a flat, coastal race that hugs the Atlantic shoreline of the Brazilian city, running past the famous sands of Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon with the mountains and the sea in constant view. The largely level seaside course is fast by profile, though the open coastal exposure brings wind and sun into play. Held in the southern-hemisphere winter for milder air, it still leans warm and draws a festive, beach-city field. The spectacular ocean scenery rather than dense crowds provides the atmosphere. It suits runners who want a sun-soaked, scenic coastal race in one of the world's most photogenic settings.
Course Insight
Rio runs in the mild Southern-Hemisphere winter along the Atlantic seafront, a flat, fast course tracing the famous beaches with ocean views the whole way. The level coastal terrain leaves pacing discipline to you on the long open straights. Sea breeze and sun are the main variables to manage. The scenery is a constant, gorgeous distraction from the clock. Pace it evenly and the beachfront run-in rewards the patient.
Difficulty Breakdown
A balanced marathon with no single defining challenge.
Course Details
- Course type
- Point-To-Point
- Elevation gain
- 138m
- Elevation loss
- 145m
- Highest point
- 45m
- Lowest point
- 5m
- Net elevation
- -7m
- Start
- Praia da Reserva
- Cutoff time
- 6h 0m
Course Records
- Men's
- 2:10:22 — Tsegaye Getachew (Ethiopia), 2026
- Women's
- 2:25:47 — Gadise Mulu Demissie (Ethiopia), 2026
Race History
The Rio de Janeiro Marathon, established in its modern form in the early 2000s, traces the Atlantic shoreline of the Brazilian city past the famous sands of Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon. Its flat, scenic coastal route framed by mountains and sea defined it as one of South America's most photogenic marathons. From its founding it grew into a popular destination drawing international runners. Held in the milder southern-hemisphere winter, it now welcomes a large field to the seaside city.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Rio de Janeiro/Galeão (GIG), Santos Dumont (SDU)
- Best area to stay
- Copacabana for beachfront hotels on the course, Ipanema for upscale seaside stays, and Flamengo or Botafogo for quieter, better-value options near the finish.
- Getting to the start
- The start is up the coast (often around Recreio); take the official shuttle or metro/bus toward the start, with the finish at Flamengo.