Venice Marathon 2026: how to handle the final weeks before race day
The Venice Marathon takes place on 25 October 2026: how to taper, set race pace, fuel and sort out logistics so you start calm and ready.
Written by the editorial team at Velunite
The Venice Marathon is scheduled for Sunday 25 October 2026 and is one of Italy's favourite autumn marathons: a mostly flat course, a start in the Riviera del Brenta area and a spectacular finish in the city. If you already have your bib, the weeks that remain are about **not spoiling** your preparation rather than adding more work.
The last truly hard week
The last demanding sessions should be done about three weeks before the race. After that your body needs time to absorb the work: adding mileage at the last minute brings no benefit, only tired legs at the start line. If you feel behind your plan, resist the urge to catch up: it is better to arrive slightly under-trained but fresh than at your limit and exhausted.
Tapering: less volume, not less intensity
Over the final three weeks, cut weekly volume progressively, roughly 20-30% in the first, 40-50% in the second and even less in race week. Keep a few short segments at race pace so you don't lose the feel for it: a few controlled kilometres, no forcing. Feeling strange or heavy during the taper is normal and is not a sign of lost fitness.
Decide your pace before the start
The most common marathon mistake is starting too fast, carried by enthusiasm and the crowd. Pick your target pace from recent training rather than hope, and split the race into blocks: control the first 10 km, settle into rhythm through the middle, and only after 30 km decide whether to push. The Velunite pace calculator turns a goal time into a per-kilometre pace and splits.
Food and hydration
In the last two or three days raise your carbohydrate share slightly (pasta, rice, bread, potatoes) without upsetting your routine and without trying new foods. On race morning eat a breakfast you have already tested, about 2-3 hours before the start. During the race plan gels and water at regular intervals starting around 40-45 minutes in, without waiting to feel hungry or thirsty.
Logistics: races are won before the start
Check bib pick-up, shuttle times, bag drop and start corrals well in advance: these details cost peace of mind on race morning. Lay out clothing the night before, with the bib already pinned, plus gels and shoes you have already used in training. Nothing new on race day.
Last-minute gear
If you still need a couple of items, have a look at energy gels for running and a running gel belt, but test them in training first.
Good luck: arrive at the start fresh, begin under control and enjoy the final kilometres.