The Rio de Janeiro Marathon: Running in the Marvelous City

Wednesday May 3rd, 2023
Posted by: Amanda Ennes
Category: Rio de Janeiro

The Rio de Janeiro Marathon is one of the most sought-after races in Brazil, attracting runners from all over the world. It is an event that is as much about the scenery and the vibrant culture of the city as it is about the challenge of running 42 kilometers. Let’s explore what makes this race so special, from its location to its history, and everything in between.

Table of Contents

Location and Course

The Rio de Janeiro Marathon is held in the picturesque Marvelous City in Brazil. The current course starts at Barra da Tijuca and finishes at Aterro do Flamengo, a sprawling green space that is a favorite spot for locals to relax and exercise. Runners follow a scenic route along the coast, taking in breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains, including an amazing view from Sugarloaf Mountain.

Distance and Participants

The Rio de Janeiro Marathon is a full marathon, covering a distance of 42 kilometers. The race attracts thousands of participants each year, including elite athletes and amateur runners. In 2022, over 30,000 runners participated in the marathon, representing over 70 countries. The race is open to anyone over the age of 18, and participants can register online through the official website.

Besides the full marathon, the Rio de Janeiro Marathon weekend also includes a half marathon, a 5k race, and a 10k race, making it an inclusive event for people of all ages and abilities. The half marathon covers a distance of 21 kilometers and is a popular choice for runners looking to challenge themselves without committing to the full marathon. The 5k and 10k races are shorter distances but still offer runners a chance to experience the atmosphere and excitement of the Rio de Janeiro Marathon.

History and Fun Facts

The Rio de Janeiro Marathon dates back to 1979, and over the years, it has grown in popularity, attracting more participants and gaining international recognition. In 2016, Forbes magazine named the Rio de Janeiro Marathon one of the top 10 marathons in the world.

The race has seen its fair share of memorable moments and records. In 1998, Brazilian runner André Luiz Ramos set the course record for men with a time of 2:13:52. Meanwhile Kenyan Thabita Kibet holds the women’s record with a time of 2:34:41 set in 2012.

Fun fact: The only person to ever win the Rio Marathon twice was Kenyan athlete Willy Kangogo Kimutai. He won the race in 2012 and 2015.

Furthermore, participants enjoy not only the breathtaking views of the course but also the vibrant atmosphere of the city, with live music and dancers cheering on the runners along the way.

2023 Marathon of Rio de Janeiro

To make the 2023 edition of the biggest street racing festival in Latin America even better, the organization announced the new prizes for the top five in the 21k and 42k races. In total, R$310,000 will be distributed in the male and female categories. This is the largest financial investment in marathon prizes in the country to date.

The 2023 event will take place during the Corpus Christi national holiday, from 8 to 11 June 2023.

Registrations for the 2023 Rio de Janeiro Marathon opened in the fall of 2022 and are already over. However, there is still time to prepare before registering for the 2024 event. For the registration, participants need to provide personal information, such as name, address, and contact information, as well as proof of age and a recent medical certificate showing that they are fit to run. Fees vary depending on the distance of the race and the date of registration, so it’s important to check the official website for the latest information. Once registered, participants will receive all the necessary information, including race day logistics, course details, and event schedules.