Rio de Janeiro Marathon

Rio de Janeiro Marathon 2026 Course Analysis

Rio de Janeiro Marathon is a full marathon held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, scheduled for Saturday 9 May 2026. The course is run on road surface with 174m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 36m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Rio de Janeiro Marathon website.

Elevation Profile

With 174m of elevation gain, this is a moderately undulating course. The route ranges from 2m to 36m above sea level (34m total range). While not completely flat, the elevation changes are manageable for most runners and shouldn't significantly impact pacing strategy.

Expected Race Day Weather

Based on historical weather data for May, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Hot conditions are expected, with temperatures between 23°C and 32°C. Heat is one of the biggest performance factors in marathon running — research shows that for every degree above 15°C, marathon times slow by approximately 1-2%. Extra hydration and a conservative start are strongly recommended. There is a low chance of rain (2%), so dry conditions are likely.

Surface Type: Road

Rio de Janeiro Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for marathon running. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for runners targeting a personal best time.

How Difficult Is Rio de Janeiro Marathon?

Our difficulty rating for Rio de Janeiro Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.

Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Rio de Janeiro Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.