Events • 25 OCTOBER 2026
Venicemarathon 2026: the 40th edition runs all the way to Venice
Plan the Venice Marathon on 25 October 2026: 42K, 21K and 10K routes, Expo, race transport and where to stay in Marghera with free private parking.
On Sunday 25 October 2026, Venicemarathon celebrates its 40th edition with the 42K, 21K and 10K races. For international runners and their companions, planning is about more than the course: the marathon starts on the Brenta Riviera, crosses the mainland and finishes in Venice, so accommodation, race transport and official last-minute instructions all matter.
A record-setting 40th edition
The 40th Venicemarathon is a milestone edition of one of Italy's best-known international road races. The weekend includes the 42K marathon, 21K and 10K, with runners arriving from many countries. It is also a travel weekend for partners, friends and families, so it is worth planning the race, accommodation and mainland-to-Venice transport as one itinerary rather than as separate pieces.
From the Brenta Riviera to the lagoon
The 42K starts at Villa Pisani in Stra and follows the Brenta Riviera before reaching the Venetian mainland. Runners pass through central Marghera and Mestre, continue via Parco San Giuliano and the Ponte della Libertà, then enter Venice for the finish at Riva Sette Martiri. That transition from riverside villas to mainland streets, lagoon and historic Venice is one of the race's defining features.
For spectators: where to experience the race
Spectators can experience very different sides of the event. Marghera and Mestre offer accessible mainland sections of the 42K, Parco San Giuliano is a key race-weekend area, and Venice provides the most dramatic final kilometres. Moving between several viewing points can be difficult because of road closures and transport changes, so choose one main area and check the organiser's mobility updates before race day.
Where to stay for the Venice Marathon
Marghera is a practical base for runners and companions, particularly when travelling by car. The 42K passes through Marghera and Mestre, the 21K starts from Piazza Ferretto in Mestre, and the 10K starts from Parco San Giuliano. The 42K start is different: it is at Villa Pisani in Stra, so the apartments are not near the marathon start and it is not walkable from Marghera. Rossi Apartment and Dimora Castelli provide free private parking, equipped kitchens and useful space for runners, families, groups and companions, with public transport links to Mestre and Venice. They are independent accommodation and are not official or affiliated Venicemarathon properties.
Travelling by car? Our practical guide to parking for Venice can help you plan the rest of your stay.
Exposport Venicemarathon Village and bib collection
Exposport Venicemarathon Village takes place at Parco San Giuliano in Mestre, near the Porta Blu entrance, on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October 2026 from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. During the two days before the race it is the event headquarters, Sponsor Village and the location for bib and race-pack collection. For the 42K, bib collection takes place exclusively on those two days and during those hours: bring the digital confirmation letter, an identity document and any missing documentation listed in the letter. The letter does not need to be printed and can be shown on a smartphone or tablet. From Venice, take tram T1 to San Giuliano; from Venezia Mestre railway station, take T2 to Mestre Centro/Piazzale Cialdini and change to T1 for San Giuliano. From Venezia Mestre station, the official page also indicates tram services or ACTV buses 9 and 15. Visitors driving to Exposport are asked to use Porta Gialla and Porta Rossa car parks; these are event-area car parks and are separate from the free private parking at the apartments.
For buses, trains and mainland connections, see our guide to getting to Venice from Marghera.
Practical information for race weekend
Race day is Sunday 25 October 2026. Build in enough time for bib collection, transfers and any pre-start procedures, and check bag-drop rules, access changes, road closures and public transport before leaving. Staying in an apartment also makes it easier to prepare a familiar pre-race breakfast or meal. If you drive to Venice, leaving the car at your accommodation and using public or organiser transport can be simpler than entering areas affected by the race. 21K and 10K runners should follow the specific official instructions for their distance.
Marghera Venice Apartments tip
For the 42K, do not assume that driving to Stra on race morning is the easiest option. Check the official runner shuttles first and confirm current boarding points and times on the Venicemarathon website.
Official information
Programmes, times, availability and conditions may change. Always check variable information with the official source before your visit.
Official Venicemarathon website ↗FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay for the Venice Marathon?+
Marghera is a practical base, especially if you arrive by car, with links to Mestre and Venice and the option to leave your car at the accommodation. The 42K starts at Villa Pisani in Stra, however, so Marghera is not close to or walkable from the marathon start.
Does the Venice Marathon pass through Mestre and Marghera?+
Yes. The 42K runs through central Marghera and Mestre, then Parco San Giuliano before heading into Venice. Always re-check the official course for any last-minute changes.
How do runners reach the 42K start in Stra?+
Venicemarathon provides free participant shuttles to Villa Pisani in Stra from Mestre and Venice. Exact boarding points and times can change, so follow the organiser’s latest instructions.
Where is the Venicemarathon Expo and bib collection?+
Exposport Venicemarathon Village is at Parco San Giuliano in Mestre, near Porta Blu, on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. For the 42K, bib collection takes place only there and during those hours. Bring the digital confirmation letter on your phone/tablet, an identity document and any missing documentation requested in the letter.
Is Marghera convenient if I travel by car?+
Yes. Rossi Apartment and Dimora Castelli have free private parking, so you can leave the car at the accommodation and use public or official race transport. Check race-day road closures and traffic changes before travelling.
A practical base for runners and companions
Running the Venice Marathon 2026?
Stay in Marghera with free private parking, an equipped kitchen and space for runners, family or companions, with convenient connections to Mestre and Venice.