Next race
Sunday, 13 December 2026
4:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Scenic riverside road
Elevation
Rolling · 150 m gain
150 m climbing
Race profile
The SKF Goa River Marathon draws approximately 1,500 marathon finishers each December on a scenic riverside road in Goa, India. It is one of India's most scenic river marathons and has grown from a local club race into a major festival. The AIMS-certified route passes Zuari River overlooks, village roads, and bridge approaches through lush Goan scenery. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Goa River Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 1,500 finishers
Course & terrain
Starts and finishes in Chicalim on the Zuari River side of Goa. The AIMS-certified route passes Zuari River overlooks, village roads, and bridge approaches through lush Goan scenery. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
The Goa River Marathon course is rolling over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
Rolling · 150 m gain — approx. 7 m above sea level
↑ 150 m · ↓ 140 m · net +10 m
Registration
Full-marathon registration is through the organiser's official iFinish registration partner. Entrants must submit proof of a full marathon finish within 6:00 or a half marathon within 2:45 from a recognised event. Registration for 2025 was open by mid-October and closed online on 25 November. Entry fees are modest by international standards.
Getting there
Vasco da Gama (GOI)
Goa Dabolim International Airport
12 km / 8 mi
Mopa (GOX)
Manohar International Airport
28 km / 18 mi
Race footage
Common questions
Official resources
If you see something that looks out of date, please send us a note. Last reviewed 5 November 2026.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Goa.
The Pune International Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each December on an urban road in Pune, India. It has deep roots in Indian road racing and remains one of the country's traditional full marathons. The route passes cantonment roads, university areas, and broad avenues across the old military-and-education city. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
The Mumbai Marathon is India's largest and richest road race, drawing approximately 11k finishers each January through the country's financial capital. The course passes the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus on a flat coastal loop. January's dry-season Mumbai morning and the sea-link crossing make it South Asia's premier marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 17 January 2027
The Wipro Chennai Marathon draws approximately 3,500 finishers each January on an urban road in Chennai, India. It is one of India's better-known winter marathons outside Mumbai. The route passes Marina-adjacent sections, broad city boulevards, and neighborhoods near the Bay of Bengal. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Sunday, 3 January 2027
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Pick a race that fits your goal — a PB, a city weekend, atmosphere, or a major — using course data and honest expectations.
