Venice, Oct.16, 2016 – With 5,500 runners in the 10K, the 31st edition of Venicemarathon will establish this Sunday a new record of presence at the finish line along the lagoon riviera just next to St. Mark’s square. The marathon itself, with a closed entry because of the limited arrival area, will have 6,000 runners on the course from the scenic riviera of the Brenta river into the city, through St. Mark’s square and on to the finish. The exciting course, which starts in front of the historical villa Pisani at Stra, with its Greek and Roman statues and Titian frescoes, runs in front of other beautiful Venetian villas before entering the city, to become the only sports event allowed to go through St. Mark’s square by city authorities. The event, televised live for three hours in Italy and again live or taped in 90 foreign countries, features one third of non-Italian runners. All finishers will be able to cross the Grand Canal in Venice over a bridge built exclusively for the Marathon in another exciting moment of their experience. The Marathon attracts many international stars. This year at the start one can see Ivan Basso, winner of two Tour of Italy cycling races, and Mauro Bergamasco, for years captain of Italy’s national rugby squad. Charity contributions, which amounted to 120,000 euros in 2015, are connected to various organizations. The 10K starts at the St. Giuliano park on the mainland, the second largest park in Europe, and moves straight into the city. The park hosts Exposport, where the runners can collect their bibs on the days prior to Sunday’s events.
31^ Venicemarathon sunday at the start
