The countdown for the 40th edition of the Wizz Air Venice Marathon has officially begun today with a press briefing held at the M9 Museum of the 20th Century. On Sunday, October 25, the Venice Marathon will celebrate its 40th anniversary with an edition marked by record figures and by the symbol of the Lion of Saint Mark.
Registrations for the three planned distances —the classic marathon of 42 km, the half marathon of 21 km, and the 10 km— closed several months ago after reaching a record 24,000 participants. Of them, 10,200 registered exclusively for the main 42 km event. Also notable is the share of international participants, averaging 55% of the total and reaching 70% in the 42 km distance. These figures testify to the race’s growing international reach and appeal. This growth will generate significant economic value for the Venetian territory, with an estimated impact of over 15 million euros.
ELITE ATHLETES – Ethiopian runner Deribe Robi returns to Venice after last year’s surprising victory that ended a long drought of wins, with a time of 2:08:58, the fifth-best mark in the history of the event. This year he has already posted a time of 2:08:48. Also returning to the lagoon is his compatriot Tafese Delelegn, who finished third in 2022. From Kenya comes Elkana Kipkemei, fourth place at the Wizz Air Milan Marathon last April with a time of 2:08:48. In the women’s category, the leading contenders are Ethiopian Fikrte Wereta, 26, who this year completed the Sydney Marathon in 2:25:18, and Gete Dukale, whose personal best is 2:26:08.
THE THREE STARTS – The first race to start will be the VM10K, at 8:00 a.m., from Parco San Giuliano in Mestre. Next, at 8:45 a.m., the fourth edition of the Venice Half Marathon will begin from the central Piazza Ferretto in Mestre. Finally, the Venice Marathon will start at approximately 9:40 a.m. from Villa Pisani in Stra.
A UNIQUE COURSE – This attractive route traverses the Metropolitan City of Venice and runs along the Riviera del Brenta, an area flanked by grand Venetian villas overlooking the Brenta River. Along the way, it passes through the municipalities of Stra, Fiesso d’Artico, Dolo and Mira.
Beyond the Riviera, the course passes through areas that have undergone urban regeneration, such as Marghera and the Mestre city center, where runners will pass among the vibrant colored walls of the M9 Museum, a project born from urban renewal, before reaching Parco San Giuliano. This park, located on former industrial lands reclaimed, was refurbished in 2004 and since then has become one of the largest urban parks in Europe.
The race continues along the long Ponte della Libertà (Liberty Bridge), toward Venice. It then crosses the renovated Santa Marta port area and proceeds along the picturesque Fondamenta delle Zattere, parallel to the Giudecca canal, until reaching Punta della Dogana.
From there, participants will cross the Grand Canal via a floating bridge 166 meters long, built specifically for the occasion and connecting Punta della Dogana with the Royal Gardens of St. Mark. The excitement will peak with a victory lap around St. Mark’s Square, before finishing, to the cheers of the crowd, at Riva Sette Martiri, near the Biennale Gardens.
The 10 km and 21 km routes will converge on the same course, forming a single colorful festive procession that will turn Venice and its surroundings into a grand celebration. The atmosphere will be even more vibrant and immersive thanks to more than 20 “music points,” with bands from across the region.
THE OFFICIAL JOMA SHOE OF THE VENICE MARATHON 2026
This is the Italian version produced by the Toledo-based company for its R5000 model. The price is 179 euros and you can get them here
