Next race
Sunday, 13 December 2026
6:00 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 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 route passes Zuari River overlooks, village roads, and bridge approaches through lush Goan scenery. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
SKF 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 route passes Zuari River overlooks, village roads, and bridge approaches through lush Goan scenery. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
The SKF 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
The SKF Goa River Marathon uses open online registration at skfgoarivermarathon.com with no lottery or qualifying standard for the full marathon. Sign-up typically opens mid-year for the December race and remains available until capacity is reached. Entry fees are modest by international standards and overseas runners apply through the same portal.
Getting there
Vasco da Gama (GOI)
Goa Dabolim International Airport
12 km / 8 mi
Mopa (GOX)
Manohar International Airport
28 km / 18 mi
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
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
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.
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
