Wizz Air Venicemarathon 2026, Venice, Italy
Overview
The Wizz Air Venicemarathon is one of the most evocative and unique races in the world, taking runners on a spectacular journey from the foothills of the Venetian mainland directly into the heart of the “City of Canals.” The course begins in the elegant town of Stra, at the gates of the magnificent Villa Pisani, and follows the scenic Riviera del Brenta. As athletes run alongside the tranquil waters of the canal, they pass dozens of 18th-century Venetian villas that once served as summer residences for the local aristocracy, offering a historical backdrop that is unmatched by any other urban race.
The final kilometers of the marathon provide an experience that is truly bucket-list worthy. Runners enter Venice via the long Ponte della Libertà bridge and navigate a series of specially designed ramps over the city’s iconic bridges. The route takes participants through the historic Port, across a floating pontoon bridge built specifically for the event across the Grand Canal, and concludes with a breathtaking loop through St. Mark’s Square. The 2026 edition continues this tradition of excellence, blending a fast mainland course with a technical and emotionally charged finish in one of the world’s most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Event Highlights
- Villa Pisani Start: Begin your race at the monumental 18th-century Villa Pisani, an architectural masterpiece that sets a grand tone for the 42 km journey ahead.
- The Grand Canal Crossing: Run across a temporary 170-meter floating bridge constructed specifically for the race, allowing athletes to cross the Grand Canal on foot toward St. Mark’s.
- St. Mark’s Square Loop: Experience the rare privilege of running through the most famous square in Italy, passing the Basilica and the Doge’s Palace before cheering crowds.
- The Fourteen Bridges: Navigate the final stage of the race over 14 Venetian bridges, all of which are fitted with wooden ramps to ensure a smooth transition for the runners’ tired legs.
Why Attend
History buffs and marathon travelers should attend this race to witness the incredible engineering and cultural fusion that makes the Venice Marathon possible. The race is famously flat for the first 30 kilometers, making it a favorite for those who want to build a strong pace before reaching the technical challenges of the islands. It offers a rare opportunity to see the non-tourist side of the Venetian mainland and the rural beauty of the Brenta Canal before the grand entrance into the city itself.
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The 2026 event is perfectly timed for late October, providing crisp autumn air and soft light that makes the Venetian architecture look its best. The organization is world-class, offering three different distances including a 10K and a half marathon to ensure that runners of all levels can participate in the festivities. Whether you are chasing a personal best or simply want to take the most scenic “jog” of your life through St. Mark’s Square, the Venicemarathon delivers a profound sense of accomplishment and a medal that is always a work of art.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: The marathon and associated races are scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2026.
- Start Times: The full marathon typically starts in Stra at 9:40 AM, while the 10K and Half Marathon waves begin earlier from different mainland points.
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Venice, Italy.
- Venue: Start in Stra (Villa Pisani); Finish at Riva Sette Martiri (Venice Waterfront).
- Google Maps Address: Riva Sette Martiri, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Registration is handled online via the official website through the Endu platform; early booking is advised as the race has a strict participant cap.
- Admission Type: Entries are available for the Full Marathon (42 km), Venice Half Marathon (21 km), and the VM10K (10 km).
- Ticket Pricing: Marathon fees range from $95.00 to $125.00 based on registration timing; the 10K race is approximately $38.00 to $50.00.
- Free Admission: Spectators can watch the race for free along the mainland banks and at most points in Venice, including St. Mark’s Square.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Premium hospitality packages are available at the finish line, including buffet service and private bag collection areas for corporate teams.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@venicemarathon.it
- Phone: +39 041 532 1871
- Website: https://www.venicemarathon.it/
- Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/ASDVenicemarathon/
- https://www.instagram.com/venicemarathon_official/?hl=it
- https://twitter.com/Venicemarathon
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJt3oh1Kf2VliUKlWtR09bA
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Venice Marco Polo (VCE), 13 km from the finish area (approx. 20 minutes by bus or water taxi); Treviso (TSF) is approx. 40 minutes away.
- Public Transport: Use the ACTV vaporetto (water bus) services to reach the “Giardini” or “Arsenale” stops near the finish line; trains serve Venice Santa Lucia station.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Land taxis from Marco Polo to Piazzale Roma cost approx. $55.00; a private water taxi to the finish area can cost $130.00 to $180.00.
- Parking: Extremely limited; use the large garages at Tronchetto or Piazzale Roma (approx. $35.00 to $45.00/day) and take the People Mover or a vaporetto.
- Other Access: On race morning, the organizers provide dedicated shuttle buses from Venice and Mestre to transport runners to the remote start line in Stra.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Hotel Danieli (5-star, 0.6 km from finish, legendary luxury on the Riva degli Schiavoni, approx. $850-1,400/night); Hotel Cipriani (5-star, 1.5 km, approx. $900-1,500/night).
- Mid-Range Options: Hotel Indigo Venice – Sant’Elena (4-star, 0.4 km, peaceful location near the finish area, approx. $240-380/night); Hotel Bisanzio (4-star, 0.8 km, approx. $190-310/night).
- Budget Stays: Generator Venice (Hostel, 1.2 km, stylish hostel on Giudecca island, approx. $55-120/night); Anda Venice Hostel (Hostel, located in Mestre near the shuttle buses, approx. $40-90/night).
Reviews
- The ramps over the bridges were a lifesaver for my knees and running through St. Mark’s Square felt like a movie.
- Flawless organization; the bag transport from the start in Stra to the finish in Venice was incredibly efficient.
- Crossing the Grand Canal on the floating bridge was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that made the wall at mile 20 worth it.
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FAQ's
Where do I pick up my race bib and runner's kit?
The Venicemarathon Exposport is the hub for all pre-race activity and is typically located at San Giuliano Park in Mestre. All participants must visit the Expo on the Friday or Saturday before the race to collect their bib number and timing chip. You will also receive the official Wizz Air Venicemarathon technical shirt and a bag containing products from the event sponsors. You must bring a printed copy of your registration letter and a valid ID to the desk.
Is there a specific health requirement for running in Italy?
Yes, Italian law requires all participants in competitive sporting events to provide a valid medical certificate. If you are an international runner not registered with a recognized athletics federation, you must purchase a "Runcard" and upload a medical certificate signed by a doctor confirming you are fit for competitive athletics. A template for this certificate is usually available on the race website and must be valid on the day of the race.
How do I get to the start line in Stra on Sunday morning?
Since the marathon is a point-to-point race, the organizers provide a free shuttle bus service for all participants. Buses depart from Venice (Piazzale Roma) and Mestre (near the railway station) early on Sunday morning. You will be assigned a specific departure time based on your race wave. It is highly recommended to use these buses as there is no public parking available at the start line at Villa Pisani.
What happens to my dry clothes during the race?
When you arrive at the start line in Stra, you will be given a specific bag with your race number on it. You can place your warm-up clothing and personal items in this bag and hand it to the baggage trucks before your wave starts. These trucks will transport your belongings directly to the finish area in Venice (Riva Sette Martiri), where you can collect them after crossing the finish line to stay warm.
What is the maximum time allowed to finish the full marathon?
The official time limit for the Wizz Air Venicemarathon is 6 hours. There are intermediate cut-off points, most notably at the entrance to the Ponte della Libertà bridge (the 30 km mark). If runners do not reach this point within the allotted time, they may be required to stop or move onto the sidewalk for safety reasons as the bridge must be reopened to vehicular traffic heading into Venice.
