Days
Hours
Min
Sec
The Rio de Janeiro Marathon is South America’s largest running festival, featuring a stunning coastal course that passes through Ipanema and Copacabana before finishing at Aterro do Flamengo.
Course Highlights
The Rio de Janeiro Marathon, often hailed as one of the most picturesque races in the world, offers a breathtaking 42.195-kilometer journey along the Atlantic coast. The race begins at Praia da Reserva, a tranquil and protected natural beach in the Barra da Tijuca region, where runners can enjoy the early morning sea breeze. From there, the course winds through the modern neighborhood of Barra da Tijuca before heading toward the city’s heart. A significant highlight is the passage through the Joatinga Tunnel, which connects the western and southern zones of the city, revealing stunning vistas of the ocean and the Serra do Mar mountains.
As runners enter the “South Zone,” they traverse the iconic coastal avenues of Leblon, Ipanema, and the world-famous Copacabana. This stretch is a sensory delight, with white sandy beaches on one side and the vibrant urban energy of Rio on the other. The final leg of the race takes participants through Botafogo and into the lush Aterro do Flamengo. This sprawling park serves as the grand finale, offering runners a flat finish line beneath the majestic gaze of Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), providing an unforgettable backdrop for post-race celebrations.
Race Details
The 2026 edition of the Rio de Janeiro Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, June 7, 2026. As part of a larger four-day running festival that spans from June 3 to June 7, the event includes a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon (21K), and the grueling “Desafio” (Challenge) where runners complete both the 21K and 42K on consecutive days. The marathon itself starts early at 05:30 AM to capitalize on the cooler morning temperatures, though the tropical sun becomes a factor as the morning progresses. There is a strict six-hour time limit for the full marathon, ensuring a safe and organized experience for all participants.
The event holds the World Athletics Road Race Label, reflecting its high standards of organization and competitive field. Registration typically opens months in advance, and the race often sells out its 45,000+ total slots across all distances. International participants often coordinate their entries through official travel agencies to secure bibs and accommodation. The race expo, held at Marina da Glória (Casa Maratona), serves as the hub for kit pickup and features various local and international running brands, making it a central meeting point for the global running community.
Why Runners Love It
Runners from around the globe are drawn to Rio for its unique combination of natural beauty and festive Brazilian culture. The course is predominantly flat and fast, sitting almost entirely at sea level, which makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a personal best or a first-time marathon finish in a bucket-list location. The sheer scenic variety—from the rugged cliffs of Joá to the urban glamour of Copacabana—keeps the mind engaged throughout the grueling distance. Moreover, the local support is legendary; it is estimated that over 100,000 spectators line the streets to cheer, often accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of samba and local music that provide a quintessentially Carioca energy boost.
Beyond the race itself, the Marathon do Rio is a celebration of the “Cidade Maravilhosa” (Marvelous City). Many runners choose to extend their stay to visit landmarks like the Christ the Redeemer statue or take a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain. Historically, the race has grown from a local event in 1979 into the largest street racing festival in Latin America, now significantly contributing to local charities and promoting sports tourism in Brazil. The finish line at Aterro do Flamengo, with its open spaces and cooling ocean breeze, provides one of the most rewarding and visually stunning conclusions to any marathon worldwide.
At a Glance
- Location: Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro — Brazil
- Next Date: 2026-06-07
- Distances: 5K, 10K, 21K, 42K, Challenge (21K + 42K)
- Start Time: 05:30
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.maratonadorio.com.br/en/
The Rio de Janeiro Marathon is South America’s largest running festival, featuring a stunning coastal course that passes through Ipanema and Copacabana before finishing at Aterro do Flamengo.
Course Highlights
The Rio de Janeiro Marathon, often hailed as one of the most picturesque races in the world, offers a breathtaking 42.195-kilometer journey along the Atlantic coast. The race begins at Praia da Reserva, a tranquil and protected natural beach in the Barra da Tijuca region, where runners can enjoy the early morning sea breeze. From there, the course winds through the modern neighborhood of Barra da Tijuca before heading toward the city’s heart. A significant highlight is the passage through the Joatinga Tunnel, which connects the western and southern zones of the city, revealing stunning vistas of the ocean and the Serra do Mar mountains.
As runners enter the “South Zone,” they traverse the iconic coastal avenues of Leblon, Ipanema, and the world-famous Copacabana. This stretch is a sensory delight, with white sandy beaches on one side and the vibrant urban energy of Rio on the other. The final leg of the race takes participants through Botafogo and into the lush Aterro do Flamengo. This sprawling park serves as the grand finale, offering runners a flat finish line beneath the majestic gaze of Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), providing an unforgettable backdrop for post-race celebrations.
Race Details
The 2026 edition of the Rio de Janeiro Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, June 7, 2026. As part of a larger four-day running festival that spans from June 3 to June 7, the event includes a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon (21K), and the grueling “Desafio” (Challenge) where runners complete both the 21K and 42K on consecutive days. The marathon itself starts early at 05:30 AM to capitalize on the cooler morning temperatures, though the tropical sun becomes a factor as the morning progresses. There is a strict six-hour time limit for the full marathon, ensuring a safe and organized experience for all participants.
The event holds the World Athletics Road Race Label, reflecting its high standards of organization and competitive field. Registration typically opens months in advance, and the race often sells out its 45,000+ total slots across all distances. International participants often coordinate their entries through official travel agencies to secure bibs and accommodation. The race expo, held at Marina da Glória (Casa Maratona), serves as the hub for kit pickup and features various local and international running brands, making it a central meeting point for the global running community.
Why Runners Love It
Runners from around the globe are drawn to Rio for its unique combination of natural beauty and festive Brazilian culture. The course is predominantly flat and fast, sitting almost entirely at sea level, which makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a personal best or a first-time marathon finish in a bucket-list location. The sheer scenic variety—from the rugged cliffs of Joá to the urban glamour of Copacabana—keeps the mind engaged throughout the grueling distance. Moreover, the local support is legendary; it is estimated that over 100,000 spectators line the streets to cheer, often accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of samba and local music that provide a quintessentially Carioca energy boost.
Beyond the race itself, the Marathon do Rio is a celebration of the “Cidade Maravilhosa” (Marvelous City). Many runners choose to extend their stay to visit landmarks like the Christ the Redeemer statue or take a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain. Historically, the race has grown from a local event in 1979 into the largest street racing festival in Latin America, now significantly contributing to local charities and promoting sports tourism in Brazil. The finish line at Aterro do Flamengo, with its open spaces and cooling ocean breeze, provides one of the most rewarding and visually stunning conclusions to any marathon worldwide.
At a Glance
- Location: Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro — Brazil
- Next Date: 2026-06-07
- Distances: 5K, 10K, 21K, 42K, Challenge (21K + 42K)
- Start Time: 05:30
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.maratonadorio.com.br/en/