Rio de Janeiro Marathon

Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroBrazil

Next race

Sunday, 6 June 2027

7:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Rolling · 174 m gain

174 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Rio de Janeiro Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers on an urban road in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The course starts and finishes at Flamengo Park. Mostly flat along the beachfront Avenida Atlântica.

Rio de Janeiro Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 1,800 finishers

Weather: Warm and humid winter
21–23°C · humidity 80–85%
Marathon weather guide →

Course records: Men: 2:12:35 — Josphat Kiprotich (2024)Women: 2:34:33 — Kebebush Yisma (2021)

Course & terrain

Rio de Janeiro Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Rio de Janeiro Marathon is a coastal city loop starting and finishing at Flamengo Park, passing Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon beaches with Sugarloaf Mountain views throughout. The beachfront miles are the easiest because they stay mostly flat, while the short rises between beach neighbourhoods and the exposed coastal straights become tougher in heat and humidity. Spectator support is strongest at Flamengo Park, along Copacabana and Ipanema, and on the final beachfront approach to the finish.

Rio de Janeiro Marathon route map

Registration

Rio de Janeiro Marathon entry requirements

The Rio de Janeiro Marathon uses a lottery when entries exceed capacity, with applications accepted through www.maratonadorio.com.br/pt during a window that typically opens in March or April for the June race. Charity and sponsor places offer alternative routes. International demand for the coastal course makes lottery acceptance uncertain in popular years.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Rio de Janeiro Marathon elevation profile?: The Rio de Janeiro Marathon has 174 metres of total climbing and 174 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
Where can I find the Rio de Janeiro Marathon route map?: This page includes a Rio de Janeiro Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. passes Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon beaches with views of Sugarloaf Mountain.
How long is the Rio de Janeiro Marathon?: The Rio de Janeiro Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at Flamengo Park.
What time does the Rio de Janeiro Marathon start?: The 2027 Rio de Janeiro Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 6 June 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Does the Rio de Janeiro Marathon pass Copacabana and Ipanema?: Yes. The course runs along Rio's world-famous beaches — Copacabana and Ipanema — with the Atlantic Ocean alongside and the iconic Dois Irmãos mountains rising ahead. Running the mosaic-patterned beachfront promenade of Copacabana is one of the most thrilling stretches in global marathon running.
Can you see Christ the Redeemer from the Rio Marathon course?: Yes. Cristo Redentor — the Art Deco statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado mountain — is visible from multiple points along the course. Rio's dramatic geography of mountains, ocean, and lagoons means the statue appears and reappears as runners move through the Zona Sul beach districts.
When is the Rio de Janeiro Marathon held?: The Maratona do Rio is typically held on the first Sunday of June each year. June is winter in the Southern Hemisphere — Rio's best season for running, with temperatures of 18–24 °C and much lower humidity than the sweltering summer months.
What is the course route of the Rio de Janeiro Marathon?: The course typically starts in Recreio dos Bandeirantes in the western Zona Oeste, runs east through Barra da Tijuca and along the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon, continues through Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, and Leme, before finishing in the city centre near Flamengo or the Gloria neighbourhood — a tour of Rio's most spectacular coastal districts.
Is the Rio de Janeiro Marathon a good destination race?: Absolutely. Rio de Janeiro is one of the world's most dramatic and beautiful cities, and the marathon offers a privileged way to experience its beaches, mountains, and neighbourhoods on foot. June's cooler winter conditions make the race far more manageable than Rio's hot summer, and the post-race city has endless appeal for visiting runners.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

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