Maratona Do Rio

Location: Rio de Janeiro
Country: Brazil
Website: https://www.maratonadorio.com.br/
2025 Marathon Date: 22/06/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 21/06/2026
Winning Time 2025: 02:14:18
% Sub-3s: 2–5%
# Sub-3s: 100–499
Total Runners: 10k+

The Maratona Do Rio is Brazil’s premier city marathon, held annually in late June in the iconic city of Rio de Janeiro. With a coastal route that offers dramatic scenery and a vibrant, carnival-like atmosphere, the Maratona Do Rio combines spectacle and challenge in a uniquely South American setting.

The course traces a largely out-and-back path along the coastline, passing world-famous beaches such as Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon. It’s one of the most visually striking marathons in the world, with ocean views, palm-lined roads, and the city’s dramatic mountain skyline always close by. The terrain is mostly flat, with some gentle rises and turns that add variation without significant elevation.

Humidity and heat are often the main factors to manage. Despite an early morning start, Rio’s tropical climate can build quickly, and runners must pace carefully and hydrate consistently. Aid stations are frequent and well-equipped, helping mitigate the climate’s demands.

Atmosphere is a standout feature of the Maratona Do Rio. Crowds gather at key beachfront locations, local musicians line parts of the course, and there’s a strong sense of celebration throughout. While not everyone is focused on time, the energy is infectious and can lift runners through difficult patches.

Organisation is solid, with a polished start area, multilingual signage, and smooth finish-line logistics. The scale of the event is large but not overwhelming, and international runners are well supported throughout.

For sub-3 aspirants, the Maratona Do Rio offers an unconventional challenge—less about control and cool climates, more about staying composed and soaking up the moment. It’s a race that appeals to those who enjoy colour, culture, and the satisfaction of conquering a marathon in one of the world’s most captivating cities.

If you’re looking to pair a marathon with an unforgettable travel experience, the Maratona Do Rio is a worthy contender.