The Venice Marathon 2026 is set to take place on Sunday, 25 October 2026, marking the 40th edition of the Wizz Air Venicemarathon. This iconic 42.195 km course begins at the historic Villa Pisani in Stra, traces the Riviera del Brenta toward Mestre and Venice, and culminates at Riva Sette Martiri beside St. Mark’s Basin.
The marathon has already reached full capacity, with registrations across the marathon, half marathon, and 10K surpassing 23,000 athletes. Even without a race bib, the event is a must-see, offering spectators the chance to witness runners traverse the temporary floating bridge across the Grand Canal and navigate the narrow streets of Venice to the waterfront finish line.
"The Venice Marathon is not just a race; it's a journey through history, beauty, and endurance."
The Story of the Venice Marathon
Venice's Iconic Running Tradition
The 2026 race is particularly special as it commemorates the 40th edition of the Venicemarathon. Over four decades, it has become one of Italy’s most recognizable international marathons, combining a largely flat route with one of the world's most unusual and beautiful finishes.
Known for its scenic route, the marathon features:
- A start beside Villa Pisani
- Brenta Riviera scenery
- Flat mainland running
- Mestre city sections
- The Ponte della Libertà causeway
- The temporary Grand Canal floating bridge
- Venice’s narrow streets and bridges
- A finish beside St. Mark’s Basin
- Strong international participation
- Autumn weather
- A major running expo in Mestre
The race may be physically demanding, but it rewards every runner with a finish few marathons can match.
What to Expect on Race Day
The Programme and Schedule
The confirmed dates and times for the race weekend are:
- Sunday, 25 October 2026: 40th Wizz Air Venicemarathon 42K
- Sunday, 25 October 2026: Venice Half Marathon 21K
- Sunday, 25 October 2026: Venice 10K
- Thursday, 22 October 2026: Opening of Expo Sport Venice Marathon Village
- Friday, 23 October 2026: Expo Sport Venice Marathon Village and bib collection
- Saturday, 24 October 2026: Expo Sport Venice Marathon Village and bib collection
The marathon begins at:
- Start: Villa Pisani, Stra
- Start time: Approximately 9:40 a.m.
- Finish: Riva Sette Martiri, Venice
- Distance: 42.195 km
- Race cap: 10,000 marathon athletes
The official marathon route is certified by AIMS and World Athletics.
Exploring the Marathon Route
From Historic Villas to Venice's Heart
The 42.195 km Venicemarathon route begins in Stra, east of Padua and west of Venice. The race starts outside Villa Pisani, one of the grandest villas along the Riviera del Brenta. Built in the 18th century for the powerful Pisani family, the villa is known for its monumental architecture, gardens, and famous maze, giving the marathon an elegant, historic opening.
At approximately 9:40 a.m. on Sunday, 25 October 2026, runners begin their journey toward Venice.
Early kilometers follow the Riviera del Brenta, an area known for:
- Venetian villas
- Canals
- Tree-lined roads
- Historic estates
- Quiet towns
- Flat terrain
This section is ideal for settling into a rhythm. Runners should avoid starting too fast, even though the early landscape can feel calm and easy.
The Iconic Finish
Where History and Running Converge
After reaching Venice, the route enters a world unlike any other marathon course. Runners negotiate narrow streets, stone paving, small bridges, public squares, canal-side paths, crowded spectator areas, and historic Venetian architecture.
The route is flat overall, but Venice’s bridges require short climbs and descents. Organizers install ramps or temporary coverings on many bridges to make them more manageable.
One of the most famous features of the Venicemarathon is the temporary floating bridge across the Grand Canal.
The pontoon bridge allows runners to cross a section of the canal without leaving the race route. It is a thrilling and highly photographed moment, often remembered as the emotional highlight of the entire event.
Venice Marathon 2026 Registration and Entry Fees
Secure Your Spot in a Historic Race
The 40th Wizz Air Venicemarathon is now sold out. The marathon entry fee schedule was:
- €80: Until 31 March 2026
- €90: From 1 April to 30 June 2026
- €105: From 1 July to 31 August 2026
- €120: From 1 September 2026
The marathon was limited to 10,000 athletes, and registration closed once capacity was reached. The total combined participation across the marathon, half marathon, and 10K surpassed 23,000 registered athletes.
If you did not secure a bib, do not buy from unofficial resale sources. Race registrations are personal and subject to official transfer rules. For future editions, register early. Venicemarathon has a reputation for strong international demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Things People Always Want to Know
When is Venice Marathon 2026?
The 40th Wizz Air Venicemarathon takes place on Sunday, 25 October 2026.
Where does Venice Marathon start and finish?
The marathon starts at Villa Pisani in Stra and finishes at Riva Sette Martiri in Venice.
What time does Venice Marathon 2026 start?
The marathon starts at approximately 9:40 a.m. on Sunday, 25 October 2026.
Is Venice Marathon 2026 sold out?
Yes. The 40th Wizz Air Venicemarathon is sold out after combined registrations for the marathon, half marathon, and 10K surpassed 23,000 athletes.
How much did Venice Marathon 2026 cost?
Marathon entry fees ranged from €80 to €120 depending on registration date.
Does Venice Marathon cross the Grand Canal?
Yes. The course includes a temporary floating bridge across the Grand Canal.
What other races take place during Venice Marathon weekend?
The Half Marathon 21K and Venice 10K both take place on Sunday, 25 October 2026.
Verified Information at a Glance
- Event name: 40th Wizz Air Venicemarathon 2026
- Event category: Road marathon, half marathon and 10K running event
- Confirmed date: Sunday, 25 October 2026
- Edition: 40th edition
- Marathon distance: 42.195 km
- Marathon start: Villa Pisani, Stra
- Marathon start time: Approximately 9:40 a.m.
- Marathon finish: Riva Sette Martiri, Venice
- Route highlights: Riviera del Brenta, Mestre, Ponte della Libertà, Venice historic centre and Grand Canal floating bridge
- Marathon entry cap: 10,000 athletes
- Marathon status: Sold out
- Combined event participation: More than 23,000 registered athletes across marathon, half marathon and 10K
- Marathon entry fees: €80 until 31 March, €90 until 30 June, €105 until 31 August and €120 from 1 September 2026
- Half Marathon: 21.097 km, starts at Piazza Ferretto in Mestre at approximately 8:45 a.m.
- 10K: Starts at Parco San Giuliano in Mestre at approximately 8:00 a.m.
- Bib collection: Expo Sport Venice Marathon Village, Parco San Giuliano, Mestre
- Best for: Marathon runners, half-marathon athletes, 10K participants, spectators, families and Venice sports travellers
- Travel tip: Stay in Mestre for easy race logistics, arrive early for bib collection and use vaporetto transport for finish-line access
Plan your Venice Marathon weekend around Sunday, 25 October 2026, celebrate the race’s 40th edition from the Riviera del Brenta to St. Mark’s Basin and experience one of the world’s most remarkable finishes where endurance meets the timeless beauty of Venice.
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