The World's Most Scenic Marathon?
The Rio Marathon Festival returned from 4-8 June 2026, attracting more than 75,000 runners across four days of events during Brazil's Corpus Christi holiday weekend.
Race Beyond welcomed 75 runners and 25 guests from 12 countries to Rio de Janeiro, with participants staying at Hilton Copacabana and Arena Copacabana for a weekend that combined sightseeing, racing and celebrations in one of the world's most iconic cities.
Exploring Rio
Many runners arrived on Thursday ahead of race weekend.
On Friday, our group explored some of Rio's most famous landmarks, including Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and the Selarón Steps. For many, it was their first visit to Brazil and an opportunity to experience the city before turning their attention to the races ahead.
Race Weekend
The Rio Marathon Festival consists of four events spread across four days:
- 5K - Thursday
- 10K - Friday
- Half Marathon - Saturday
- Marathon - Sunday
Rather than spending hours at the Expo, Race Beyond collected all race bibs directly from the organisers and distributed them to runners at their hotels throughout the weekend.
Ahead of race day, runners joined our beachfront shakeout run along Copacabana and gathered for pre-race dinners before both the Half Marathon and Marathon.
The Half Marathon
The Half Marathon took place on Saturday morning, with thousands of runners lining up before sunrise.
Starting in Leblon and finishing at Aterro do Flamengo, the course followed Rio's famous coastline, passing Ipanema and Copacabana before reaching the finish area.
For many of our runners, it was their first race of the weekend. Others used it as a warm-up for Sunday's Marathon.
The Marathon
Sunday's Marathon began at 5:00am at Praia da Reserva on Rio's western coastline.
With the start located some distance from Copacabana, our first transport departed Hilton Copacabana at 3:30am to ensure runners arrived with plenty of time before the race began.
As dawn broke over the Atlantic Ocean, thousands of runners set off on one of the most scenic urban marathon courses in the world.
The 42.2km route follows Rio's coastline through:
- Barra da Tijuca
- São Conrado
- Leblon
- Ipanema
- Copacabana
- Flamengo
The combination of ocean views, beaches and mountains makes Rio one of the most visually impressive marathon courses anywhere in the world.
A Return to Flamengo
One of the notable changes for 2026 was the return of the Marathon finish to Aterro do Flamengo.
The finish area provided a spacious festival atmosphere with recovery areas, food stations, entertainment and easy access for supporters and spectators.
Rio Marathon Festival
The Rio Marathon has evolved into far more than a race weekend.
Throughout the festival, runners and spectators enjoyed live music, entertainment and sponsor activations across the city. Following the Marathon, Flamengo hosted a large celebration featuring concerts, a main stage and a drone show over the waterfront, creating a fitting end to four days of racing.
The atmosphere throughout the weekend felt closer to a city-wide festival than a traditional marathon event.
Race Beyond Beach Celebration
On Sunday evening, runners and guests gathered on Copacabana Beach for our post-race celebration.
With live music, drinks and plenty of medal photos, it provided an opportunity to reflect on the weekend, share race stories and celebrate the achievements of everyone who took part.
Our Verdict
Rio Marathon is a race every runner should experience at least once.
The combination of beaches, mountains, live music, a four-day running festival and one of the most scenic marathon courses in the world creates an experience unlike any other.
While Rio is not yet an Abbott World Marathon Major, we have little doubt it will eventually earn that status. In fact, we'd already place it ahead of several current Majors as an overall marathon experience.
If you're looking for a race that combines incredible scenery, a vibrant atmosphere and a destination worth exploring before and after race day, Rio should be at the top of your list.
By The Numbers
- 75 runners
- 25 guests
- 12 countries represented
- 75,000+ festival participants
- 4 race distances
- 100 Race Beyond participants
Looking Ahead
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Rio for the 2026 Rio Marathon Festival.
We'll be returning to Rio in 2027 and look forward to welcoming another group of runners to experience one of the world's most unique marathon weekends.
