On December 31st, as usual, São Paulo will host the traditional São Silvestre Race. The race, which ran through the streets of São Paulo for the first time in 1925, is now in its 99th edition. With more than 37,000 entrants this year, it is the most famous athletics event in Brazil and South America.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this race that is the face of São Paulo. Check them out!
Table Of Contents
How does the São Silvestre Race work?
The São Silvestre International Race always takes place on December 31st. This year, it falls on a Tuesday. Runners can compete in several categories, each with its own start time. Check them out:
- 07h25: wheelchair users (male and female)
- 07h40: women’s elite
- 08h05: men’s elite, premium peloton, general peloton, PCDs (non-chair users)
How many kilometers is São Silvestre?
The race course is currently 15 km long.
So, although “marathon” is a term often used to describe it, it is wrong: to be called a marathon, the athletics event must be exactly 42.195 km long.
What is the race route?
The race starts on Avenida Paulista, near the intersection with Rua Augusta. From there, it passes iconic city landmarks such as Arena Pacaembu, Largo do Arouche, Praça da República and Largo do Paiçandu. Finally, the route falls back onto Avenida Paulista, ending in front of the Casper Líbero Building.
Check out the full route map below:
How much does it cost to run the São Silvestre?
Many people think that to run in the São Silvestre, you just have to arrive and enjoy it. However, participation in the race is only possible through prior registration, which costs between R$240 and R$850. This price guarantees a T-shirt and breast number, as well as gifts from the race and sponsors.
Registration for this year has already closed, but you can still watch the race up close. Both on the grid and on television, as Globo and Gazeta TVs will be broadcasting live!
Who are the race’s greatest champions?
Currently, the greatest male champion of the São Silvestre is Kenyan Paul Tergat, who has won five golds. The women’s champion is Portugal’s Rosa Mota, who won the race six times in a row in the 1980s.
Meanwhile, the best-placed Brazilian is Marílson dos Santos, a three-time São Silvestre champion.
Last year, the podium was made up of African athletes: Timothy Ronoh (photo) and Catherine Reline, both from Kenya.
