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Race previews Maratona da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro

07 January 2025, 12am UTC

There’s nowhere else quite like this fast-growing race

Everyone runs to Rio

Maratona da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro
Wed 18 June 2025

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The Corpus Christi holiday brings runners worldwide to the largest street racing festival in Latin America, the Rio Marathon.

Comprising four distances and five modalities, it is the mecca of Brazilian amateur athletes and, without a doubt, a race that anyone from any part of the world should add to their wish list.

Since the end of the pandemic the number of participants in the event has grown dramatically, jumping from 20,000 to an expected 50,000 in 2025. As the race consolidates there is a growing social and financial impact on the city, with almost 95% of its hotel network occupied as an example. These numbers help to explain the critical and public success of the race, raised to another level by the organisation of Dream Factory and Spiridon – in partnership now for over a decade.

As for the races, four distances challenge those who venture onto the asphalt of Aterro do Flamengo. The 5km will be held on Thursday, followed by the 10km on Friday, the Half Marathon on Saturday, and the Marathon, as the great spectacle, on Sunday. Apart from the individual races there is also the possibility of running the 21k + 42k, to complete the Marvelous City Challenge and receive a third exclusive medal.

In addition to the kilometres covered, the Rio Marathon is considered the “Rock in Rio for runners” as it includes a full schedule of shows and entertainment after the race. There is also the possibility of experiences from sponsoring brands and other actions that elevate the level of the event to that of major global races, including Majors.

There is still an intimate feeling of belonging when crossing one of the finish gates of the Rio Marathon, which will celebrate its 23rd anniversary next year. At the finish lines plans are made, wishes are fulfilled and promises are kept. Accents meet in the arena and there is an unforgettable memory for everyone who experiences the days of running and partying in Rio de Janeiro.

In fact, running in the city of Rio makes a big difference. Whether enjoying the beautiful landscapes of Aterro, starting with the unforgettable sunrise in Leblon, or running through the historic gems of the Centre, each distance carries within itself an essential part of this ‘Carioquice’, the way of living of Rio. There is no place on Earth that combines all of Rio de Janeiro’s unique characteristics.

It is easy to see from the photos what moves our audience. It is easy to see how the city’s beauty integrates well with the route. It is easy to get a sense of the grandeur of the party. It is easy to feel in the photos the affection that everyone involved has for the race. However, only those who come here can describe with all the words, emotions, and sensations what it is like to experience the Rio Marathon.

Next June all roads lead you to this particular place in Brazil, in the Rio de Janeiro state: the Marvelous City, with the party starting at Marina da Glória.

Everyone runs to Rio.

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