The Venice Marathon is a certified 42.195 km race held every October (2025’s date is set for the 26th), attracting runners from around the world to experience one of Italy’s most scenic and well-organised events. Starting from the mainland town of Stra and finishing on the lagoon edge of Venice’s historic centre, the course offers a mix of urban roads, countryside, and iconic city views. With professional timing, pacers, aid stations, and even temporary ramps to cross bridges, it’s a race designed for both serious competitors and those running for the experience.
Whether you’re going for the full marathon Venice, a snappy 10k, or you were hoping for the 21k half-marathon (hard luck, that one’s already sold out), there’s something here for everyone.
History
The Venice Marathon had its first outing in 1986, dreamt up by Piero Rosa Salva and a team of optimistic organisers who believed people would love running across ancient bridges and through Venetian fog. Turns out, they were right. Over the decades, the race has grown from local event to international fixture, picking up an IAAF Bronze Label along the way.
It’s seen high tides, record breakers, and even a pandemic edition with only three runners on the ground and thousands running virtually across the globe. Not bad for a course that requires wooden ramps to be custom-built every year. Oh, and it’s not all personal bests and power gels. The marathon also supports local charities and celebrates with a week-long festival of running, eating, and general merriment.
Course Overview
The full marathon in Venice is 42.195 km of surprisingly flat ground (until Venice proper, where bridges make their presence known). It kicks off at Villa Pisani in Stra and follows the Brenta Riviera past elegant old villas in towns like Dolo and Mira.
You’ll hit Marghera and Mestre before heading into San Giuliano Park, which acts as a lively halfway point with enthusiastic crowds and much-needed refreshments. From there, things get properly exciting as you cross the 4km-long Ponte della Libertà, the bridge that whisks you from mainland to island. This is where Venice really begins to show off.
The final stretch follows the Giudecca Canal and takes runners over specially-built ramps covering bridges (28 of them!) before finishing at Riva dei Sette Martiri, hopefully with dry feet and a sense of triumph. If tides are in your favour, you’ll even run through Piazza San Marco itself. Few finish lines are this photogenic.
If a full marathon feels a bit much, the 10k offers a shorter, still-scenic route. The 21k was popular enough to sell out quickly, so take that as a hint to register early next time.
Registration and Preparation Tips
Signing up for the Venice Marathon is straightforward but does include a few Italian formalities to keep you on your toes. For competitive entries, you’ll need either proof of membership with a World Athletics federation or a FIDAL Runcard and medical certificate. For non-competitive types (the “I’ll run for pizza” crowd), a tourist-sporting waiver does the trick.
Bib collection happens at Exposport Venicemarathon Village in San Giuliano Park, Mestre:
- Friday 24 October, 9am–8pm
- Saturday 25 October, 9am–8pm
Important! Don’t forget your ID, confirmation email, and any medical paperwork.
Venice Marathon 2025 entry fees are currently:
- €105 from 1st July to 31st August, 2025
- €120 from 1st September, 2025
You can register for the Venice Marathon on the official website.
Preparation tips
- Train for the distance: If you’re running the full marathon Venice, aim to build up your weekly mileage gradually. A 15- to 16-week training plan is ideal, and it’s smart to include some long runs that mimic race conditions, including your breakfast and hydration strategy.
- Practice your nutrition: Try to replicate your race day fuel and hydration during training. Use gels, energy drinks, or fruit as you would on the course, and consider taking a pre-race supplement or gel about 10–15 minutes before your long runs to train your gut.
- Plan your carb-loading: The days leading up to the marathon, increase your carbohydrate intake to top up your glycogen stores, but stick to familiar foods to avoid digestive issues.
- Know the time limits: The Venice Marathon has a 6-hour time limit. Checkpoints at the half marathon (2h45) and 30km (3h50) ensure you stay on pace.
What to Expect on Race Day
Race day for the marathon Venice starts early. Shuttles to the start line begin zipping out of Mestre and Venice before sunrise. The start line buzzes with nervous energy and the smell of sports gel and espresso. Start time is approximately 9:40 a.m.
The course is well-stocked with hydration points and medical staff, and you’ll find enthusiastic locals cheering you on, some even shouting in operatic tones (seriously). As you near Venice, the famous wooden ramps come into play. Yes, they help—but no, they don’t remove the challenge entirely. Bridges still require some effort.
At the finish, you’ll receive a medal with all the elegance you’d expect from Venice, a goody bag and plenty of refreshments. A free Venice Transport ticket is also included, which is quite handy for a post-run gelato boat ride.
Spectator Information and Events
Running not your thing? You’ll still be well entertained. The marathon weekend kicks off at the Expo Village with food, gear, and general cheer. There are also 4km Family Runs that take place in nearby towns on the weeks running up to the main Venice marathon. The 2025 dates haven’t been announced yet but keep an eye on the Alí Family Run website for updates.
On race day (October 26), spectators can cheer from various points, but the finish at Riva dei Sette Martiri is where the magic happens. Expect a great atmosphere, grand views, and the best chance to spot your runner in full sprint/stagger mode. Just get there early if you want a good spot and have your camera at the ready.
Join the Venice Marathon
Whether you’re going for a PB, ticking off a bucket-list race, or just in it for the scenery and snacks, the Venice Marathon offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience. With its historical backdrop, floating streets, and well-run event infrastructure, it’s hard to beat.
And once you’ve crossed the line and collected your medal, where better to collapse than in a stylish Venetian apartment? Dimora Italia’s properties offer you exactly that: beautiful, comfortable accommodation just a stone’s throw from Venice’s most iconic sights.
Book with Dimora Italia, lace up those shoes, and we’ll see you on the start line!
