After the Liberty Bridge you will have to run for about other 6K to reach the finish line of the Venicemarathon… these will be probably the most fascinating kilometers but also the hardest for many athletes.
Some are the difficulties of this last part of the course: the first one is the change of pavement. You will run on the asphalt till the port area and then to the area of San Basilio. Then, after crossing a wooden bridge (the last one at Venice Night Trail) , the ground will change again and you will continue your race on the typical ‘hard’ Venetian floor: the “Masegni”, large rectangular stone slabs.
Another topic of this last kilometers: 13 short bridges, connecting the banks of the Venetian canals, on which there will be built wooden ramps which allow to the runners to fully enjoy the magical urban landscape that surrounds them, while don’t think to pay attention about the steps.
You will be at the famous Fondamenta delle Zattere and on your right you will admire the Giudecca island, separated by the homonymous canal. Crossing the second bridge (made with stones) on your left you will see the Squero di San Trovaso, one of the oldest shipyards where traditional boats (gondola, pupparini, sandoli …) are built and repaired. From this point of the course the cheering will really increase! Fondamenta is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful walkways in Venice and, because of the south exposure, is the ideal place to get warm on this autumn day.
Later, you will be on the last part of the fondamenta , called “Zattere ai Saloni”: here on your left there are the factories of “Magazzini del Sale”, also called Saloni, built by the Republic of Venice to the storage of salt, precious good in that period.
The name of this fondamenta refers also to the original use of this long shore as point where the salt loads were unloading from the rafts.
Finally, at Punta della Dogana, the fatigue will decrease thanks the sight of one of the most beautiful views in the city. After the Giudecca Canal is time to enter San Marco Basin, the water space in front of the San Marco Square.
But before reaching this iconic place, you will have to cross another bridge: this one is a temporary floating bridge, built just for Venicemarathon to allow athletes to overtake the Grand Canal and to reach San Marco Square. A unique experience reserved to all participants!
Discover more about Venetian architecture by booking one of our guided running tours.
*Stories by run is a weekly column written by Venice by Run for the VMC – Venice Marathon Club events magazine.
