Lake Garda Marathon
Riva del GardaTrentino-Alto Adige/South TyrolItaly
Next race
Sunday, 25 April 2027
8:30 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Lakeside scenic road
Elevation
Rolling · 150 m gain
150 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Lake Garda Marathon attracts approximately 1,800 finishers each April along Italy's largest lake beneath the Dolomite foothills. The course passes Riva del Garda's medieval harbour, the lemon groves of Limone, and the lakeside SS45bis road with alpine panorama views. April's spring weather on the Riviera of the Alps makes it one of Italy's most scenic lake marathons.
Lake Garda Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 1,800 finishers
- Weather
Course & terrain
Lake Garda Marathon course
Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.
The Lake Garda Marathon is a lakeside scenic road that starts and finishes in Riva del Garda on the lake's northern tip. The loop follows the western shore of Lake Garda past Limone sul Garda and the Tremosine cliff roads. Flatter corridors and river valleys offer the easiest miles, while the moderate climbs through hills, bridges, or bluffs are the tougher sections once fatigue builds. Spectators line the lakeside promenades and the start-finish area, with the densest support where the course passes parks and scenic embankments.
Lake Garda Marathon route map
The Lake Garda 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.
- Elevation
Rolling · 150 m gain — approx. 73 m above sea level
↑ 150 m · ↓ 140 m · net +10 m
Registration
Lake Garda Marathon entry requirements
The Lake Garda Marathon uses open online registration at lakegarda42.com with no ballot. Sign-up for the April race typically opens the previous autumn. The scenic lakeside course attracts international runners and early registration is advisable for preferred start-wave assignment, though the field rarely sells out months in advance.
Getting there
Lake Garda Marathon travel
Airports closest to Riva del Garda for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Caselle (VR) (VRN)
Verona Villafranca Valerio Catullo Airport
55 km / 34 mi
Race footage
Lake Garda Marathon videos
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Lake Garda 42K 2026: 3D Video Course Map | 42.2 km - Limone sul Garda
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Lake Garda Marathon elevation profile?
- The Lake Garda Marathon has 150 metres of total climbing and 140 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- Where can I find the Lake Garda Marathon route map?
- This page includes a Lake Garda Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Follows the western shore of Lake Garda past Limone sul Garda and the Tremosine cliff roads.
- How long is the Lake Garda Marathon?
- The Lake Garda Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Lakeside scenic road starting and finishing in Riva del Garda on the lake's northern tip.
- What time does the Lake Garda Marathon start?
- The 2027 Lake Garda Marathon starts at 8:30 am local time on Sunday, 25 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Lake Garda Marathon start?
- The race starts and finishes in Riva del Garda, the medieval harbour town at the northern tip of Lake Garda.
- When is the Lake Garda Marathon?
- The Lake Garda Marathon is held in April, typically on the fourth Sunday. Spring on the lake is mild and scenic.
- Is the Lake Garda marathon hilly?
- The lakeside cliff roads, especially near Tremosine, include rolling climbs with moderate elevation change. The views compensate for the effort.
- What views can runners expect at Lake Garda?
- Lake Garda's turquoise water, lemon groves, medieval villages, and Dolomite foothill panoramas create one of Italy's most beautiful marathon settings.
- What weather should I expect at Lake Garda in April?
- April at Lake Garda is mild spring weather, often 12–20 °C (54–68 °F). The Mediterranean microclimate is warmer than the surrounding Alps.
Official resources
Lake Garda Marathon links
Websites
Social Media
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Riva del Garda.
FerraraEmilia-RomagnaItaly· 131 km away
Maratona di Ferrara
The Maratona di Ferrara draws approximately 1,500 finishers each March on a historic city road in Ferrara, Italy. Ferrara's flat terrain makes it a logical PR candidate within historic northern Italy. The route passes Renaissance walls, broad flat streets, and roads across the Po plain. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027
Reggio EmiliaEmilia-RomagnaItaly· 133 km away
Maratona di Reggio Emilia
The Maratona di Reggio Emilia draws approximately 3,000 finishers each December on an urban road in Reggio Emilia, Italy. It is a serious late-season performance race with a strong domestic reputation. The course passes straight Emilia-Romagna roads, historic squares, and flat city sections. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
Planning guides
Related guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Marathon Course Profiles Explained
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
Marathon Weather: What to Expect
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
How to Choose a Marathon
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.