Hey travellers, Venice is a city that has a way of capturing your heart, and there's no better way to experience it than running through its narrow alleys and over its famous bridges after dark. The Venice Night Trail 2026 is basically the most highly anticipated night running event in Italy this year - a thrilling combination of sport, heritage and tourism, all under the stars.
Based on what we can find on the official website, the 10th edition is shaping up to be another unmissable event that brings together athleticism and cultural exploration in the heart of Venice.
Get all the details in this guide from the Venice Insider Guide.
Venice Night Trail 2026: the most spectacular night running event in Venice
The Venice Night Trail 2026, officially known as the CMP Venice Night Trail, is more than just your average night trail: its a fully immersive city racing experience that will treat you to a real adventure through one of the worlds most incredible cities.
Happening in Venice in March, on a Saturday night, the night trail 2026 is inviting runners from all over the world to join an extraordinary event and run 16.5 km and cross 51 bridges, going through fields, small squares, canals and all the beautiful areas of the city under the stars and in the dark. The route and course take you past famous landmarks such as Piazza San Marco, the Accademia Bridge, Punta della Dogana and the evocative Punta della Dogana start area, before making your way to the finish line near the port, San Basilio and the Giudecca Canal, with a bit of a detour along Fondamenta delle Zattere and near the Biennale on your way.
For safety's sake, you'll need to wear some reflective gear and it might be a good idea to bring a head torch or chest lamp to help you see through the dark sections. At the Venice Running Village, you can pick up your race number, check the entry fees, ask questions, check the timings and results, and get your head in the right place before the start.
Along the way you'll find refreshment stations with water, snacks and biscuits - all the things you need to keep you going. Whether you're in it to win or you just want to explore the city at night, book your rooms well in advance, run with determination, enjoy the magic of Venice at night, and get ready to join the thousands of other runners who are passionate about this event.
Venice Night Trail 2026: the lowdown
The Venice Night Trail 2026 is a night urban trail race that takes place entirely in the historic centre of Venice. Organised by Venicemarathon, this event gives you the chance to run through one of the worlds most iconic cities under the magic of the night.
The race is approximately 16.5 km long and includes 51 bridges, making for a dynamic and technically demanding route that will challenge you while treating you to some of the most breathtaking views of Venice at night.
What is Venice Night Trail 2026
The Venice Night Trail 2026 is an urban night race aimed at experienced runners who want to experience Venice from a completely new and unique perspective. Unlike your average road race, this event will take you through narrow alleys, historic squares, stone pavements, and lots of bridge ascents and descents.
As you run through Venices most iconic districts, you'll be able to take in the sights and sounds of the city in a way that's harder to experience during the day, when the crowds have gone home and the city is yours to explore.
CMP Venice Night Trail
The official name of the event is CMP Venice Night Trail, which reflects the partnership with the technical sponsor CMP.
CMP is an Italian outdoor brand that specialises in performance gear and sportswear - its partnership with the event adds a bit of extra kudos to the whole thing.
Venice Night Trail 2026: 10 years of experience
The Venice Night Trail 2026 is a big milestone - the 10th edition of this fantastic event.
Over the past decade, the Venice Night Trail has established itself as a must-do event for trail enthusiasts across Europe. Reaching this anniversary is a testament to the success of the event, which always manages to strike the right balance between sport, logistics and cultural respect in one of the most sensitive urban environments you can find anywhere in the world.
The organisation by Venicemarathon means that everything is handled with the professionalism and precision you'd expect from a top notch event like this.
Venice Night Trail 2026 date
The official date for the Venice Night Trail 2026 is Saturday, March 28th, 2026.
This late March date is chosen carefully - the weather is usually pretty mild, which is perfect for running, and Venice is generally less crowded than it is during the summer months. We reckon it's a great time of year to enjoy the city while you're here for the event.
Venice Night Trail 2026 timing
The start time for the Venice Night Trail 2026 is 9 o'clock in the evening - a time that's sure to make for a really special night to remember.
Running at night is the defining feature of this event. The illuminated building fronts, tranquil reflections in the canals, and the quiet rhythm of the city come together to make the race a truly cinematic experience that really draws you in.
Venice Night Trail 2026 location
The event takes place entirely inside the historic centre of Venice.
The starting and finishing point is at Venezia Tronchetto – Terminal Crociere 123, which is located in the Tronchetto area - that's a pretty convenient spot for both runners and organizers.
From there, runners plunge into the heart of Venice, crossing some of the city's most famous landmarks like:
- Piazza San Marco
- Ponte dell'Accademia
- Riva degli Schiavoni
The route also explores some of the city's lesser-known but equally beautiful neighbourhoods - giving you a true sense of what Venice is all about.
Venice Night Trail 2026 km
The official distance is a whopping 16.5 kilometers.
Some key highlights of the route include:
- 51 bridges (to give you an idea of how technical this is)
- Frequent staircase sections (to keep you on your toes)
- Stone paving and traditional Venetian masegni (so you'll need good grip in your shoes)
- Narrow alleys and tight turns (where you'll need to think on your feet)
This is not a flat out road race - the course has lots of ups and downs from all the bridges, so you'll need to have some strength, discipline and technical skill to get you through.
How it works Venice Night Trail 2026
The Venice Night Trail 2026 is a limited-entry event with a maximum of 6,000 runners. And believe it or not the 2026 edition is already fully booked.
There are two ways to take part - either as a competitive runner (with a medical certificate required) or as a recreational runner.
The event follows the rules of the Italian Athletics Federation, so you can be sure it's going to be a properly-run competition.
Bib collection and race kit distribution happen in the days leading up to the event at the official race village.
Preparation for Venice Night Trail 2026 Running
Given the urban trail nature of the course, you'll need to put in some specific training to get ready for this thing.
Recommended training plan:
- Try to get in some endurance runs of 15-18 km
- Do some hill or staircase work to simulate the bridge climbs
- Get in some interval training to get your rhythm right
- And try to some evening runs to get used to running in low light
Recommended gear:
- Get some shoes with great grip on stone surfaces
- Wear some breathable tech gear
- And don't forget some reflective gear so you're visible
Having a solid training plan in place will help you avoid getting hurt and get the most out of your performance on this technically demanding course.
Venice Night Trail 2026 route
The route starts in Tronchetto and then loops through several different parts of the city.
Some of the highlights of the route include:
- Piazzale Roma
- Ponte della Costituzione
- Sant'Elena
- Piazza San Marco
- Fondamenta delle Zattere
The route is fully secured and monitored, so you can just enjoy the ride.
Venice Night Trail 2026 parking
Since Venice is a pedestrian city, you'll need to think ahead when it comes to parking.
Recommended parking spots are:
- Piazzale Roma
- Tronchetto
Both of these spots have structured parking and are close to the start area.
Get there early to avoid congestion.
Venice Night Trail 2026 program
The official program of the Venice Night Trail 2026 includes:
Before the race
- The Venice Night Village opens
- Bib and kit collection
Saturday, March 28, 2026
- 9:00 PM - The official start
- Post-race refreshments and a music party
The event isn't just about the race - it's a whole weekend of fun and community.
Venice Night Trail 2026 Event Details
- Organizer: Venicemarathon
- Distance: 16.5 km
- Bridges: a whopping 51
- Participants: maximum 6,000 (already sold out)
- Date: March 28, 2026
- Start time: 9:00 PM
- Format: Competitive and recreational
Travel tips for Venice Night Trail 2026 Participants
If you're planning on making a weekend out of it, you should definitely do so.
Where to stay
Book somewhere near Tronchetto, Piazzale Roma or the Santa Croce district to make it easy to get to the start and finish.
How to arrive
Travel by train to Venezia Santa Lucia and then take a vaporetto or walk the rest of the way.
What to do after the race
- Take a quiet walk through the canals at night
- Try some of the local food
- Visit some of the museums and landmarks the following day
The Venice Night Trail is the perfect excuse to explore this incredible city further. For those planning ahead for Venice Night Trail 2026 - a heads up on the registration structure is a must.
The event is structured around a tiered pricing system: the entry fees tend to hike up as bib numbers get snapped up. This clever pricing model really encourages people to sign up early, reflecting the huge demand we've seen in previous editions.
Registration is all done online through the official Venicemarathon platform and you'll need to upload some valid medical certification if you're entering the competitive category. Payment needs to be sorted by the deadline - and with the 2026 edition already sold out at 6,000 participants way in advance, it's top priority to get yourself signed up early if you're thinking of competing in future races.
Race kit, bib collection and Venice Running Village - the nitty-gritty
The Venice Night Trail 2026 experience has an ace up its sleeve - the Venice Running Village, the event hub that really gets the party started.
This is where you'll collect:
- Your official bib number
- Your race number with a timing chip stuck to it
- The technical race pack
- All the event materials and sponsor info
The Village is so much more than just a place to pick up your kit - it's a chance to meet fellow runners from all over Europe, get any last-minute questions sorted out, and get a real feel for what the day has in store.
Getting down to the Village to pick up your bib early is a good idea, as navigating Venice can be a bit tricky and time is of the essence.
What makes Venice Night Trail 2026 different - a techy take
If you're looking at this from a performance standpoint, Venice Night Trail 2026 is a world away from your average road race.
With 51 bridges to navigate, this race is all about endurance - your muscles will need to be in top nick to tackle the repeated ups and downs. Then there's the stone pavements, narrow passages and sharp corners to contend with... it needs technical awareness and control to get it right.
Unlike the usual flat city marathons, this one's going to demand:
- Core stability
- Short, snappy strides when tackling bridge ascents
- A controlled descent technique
- Your wits - especially when you hit the darker bits
The constant switch between open waterfront and enclosed alleys creates a real sensory experience, and running past iconic urban landmarks and some less-visited residential areas really adds to the immersive experience.
Safety first - what we're doing to keep you safe
Organising a night race in a UNESCO heritage site like Venice is no mean feat - it takes some serious planning to make sure we all stay safe. That's why we're working with trained volunteers, the local authorities and the police to make sure the route is secure.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Wearing some reflective gear is a good idea
- Bring a headlamp or chest lamp where it's instructed
- Pay attention to the signs and the marshals
- And make sure you're sticking to the pace in the narrow spots
We're proud to show how a big sports event like this can coexist with the delicate urban ecosystem here in Venice.
Best places to stay for Venice Night Trail 2026 - a heads up
Accommodation strategy is so important to make the most of Venice Night Trail 2026. Our top tip is to book a room in one of the following areas:
- Santa Croce (Tronchetto and Piazzale Roma are close by)
- Dorsoduro (Zattere and Accademia are a short stroll)
- San Polo (the central location makes it super easy to explore)
Booking early is a must, especially as Venice has got a great cultural calendar in spring - don't miss out on the La Biennale di Venezia exhibitions while you're here.
Why Venice Night Trail 2026 is the perfect destination-driven race
Sports tourism is on the up and Venice Night Trail 2026 is a real case study in how to do it right.
It's not just about competing - it's about being immersed in atmosphere, experience and narrative. This unique nighttime event gives you:
- International visibility
- A one-of-a-kind urban format
- Architectural immersion
- A taste of the world-famous landmarks of Venice
This is the perfect combination of technical running and exploring the city - a must do for any running enthusiast.
Venice Night Trail 2026: it's all about the emotional connection
At the heart of it all, what really sets Venice Night Trail 2026 apart is its emotional intensity.
- The anticipation before the start.
- The echo of footsteps off the stone buildings.
- The reflection of lights off the canals.
- The collective energy of thousands of runners moving as one through history.
Crossing that finish line is about more than just a physical achievement - it's about connecting endurance, architecture and atmosphere.
This is a race that will leave you with memories for a lifetime - if you're looking for a night running experience that's truly immersive, then Venice Night Trail 2026 is a must on your bucket list.
FAQ on Venice Night Trail 2026
1. When is Venice Night Trail 2026 taking place?
Saturday, 28th March 2026.
2. What's the distance?
Approx 16.5 km.
3. How many bridges are we talking about here?
51.
4. What time does the race kick off?
9:00 PM.
5. Where does it all start from?
Venezia Tronchetto – Terminal Crociere 123.
6. Do I need a medical certificate to enter the competition?
Yes - if you want to be a part of the competitive set.
7. Is the 2026 edition all booked up?
Yes - every single one of the 6000 bibs has been handed out.
8. Is the race something that beginners should try?
To be honest, we think its best suited for those with some running background.
9. Is the route going to be safe?
Absolutely - the course gets a full safety crew, with people keeping an eye on it.
10. Can anyone come and watch the marathon?
Yes - the city is still pretty open for spectators to come and support at lots of points along the route.
Conclusion
The Venice Night Trail 2026 is more than just a run - its an entire urban sports experience that lets you explore some of the most incredible parts of this world class city.
Running at night in Venice surrounded by all the history, lights and reflections on the lagoon is an experience that will stick with you long after that finish line.
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