Rio de Janeiro Marathon

Rio de Janeiro Marathon course route

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 elevation profile

The Rio de Janeiro Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 174 metres of climbing and 174 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.

Entry requirements

The Rio de Janeiro Marathon uses a lottery when entries exceed capacity, with applications accepted through maratonadorio.com.br 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.

Rio de Janeiro Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

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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 mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.

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.

Is the Rio de Janeiro Marathon flat?

Yes. The Rio de Janeiro Marathon is mostly flat with gentle undulations with 174 metres of total climbing over 42.195 km (26.2 miles) — a profile that suits runners chasing personal bests or Boston qualifying times.

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 on www.maratonadorio.com.br/ 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. Visit www.maratonadorio.com.br for confirmed dates.

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.