If you missed the centenary of São Silvestre, which takes place on December 31, in the capital, São Paulo, but want to make it on this date, check out 10 options in the country. All registrations are still open.
Rio de Janeiro is hosting the Vera Cruz race for the third time. At its inception, the project gathered 12,500 participants and last year, nearly 20,000.
It is expected that the audience in this edition will remain at about 20,000 participants, reaching a maximum of 22,000, according to official data.
According to the organization, one of the main differences in this race is that it offers two distances: 7.5 km and 15 km, while São Silvestre runs only 15 km. The route will be different compared to last year and will be announced soon.
-Unlike São Silvestre, which has a strong focus on the elite, the Vera Cruz race targets the running community, with a more festive and inclusive atmosphere, welcoming athletes of all levels. Another strong point is Rio de Janeiro’s scene, which naturally combines tourism, sports and experience, making the race even more attractive to participants from different regions – says Mateusz Vaz, 45, content director at O2, the race organizer.
Guilherme Schleder, Rio de Janeiro Municipal Secretary for Sports, adds that after the event, runners will be able to celebrate the New Year on the sands of Copacabana, with fireworks and shows.
He says the city will close out the year with 190 street races. In other words, about 54.3% of the total number of events in Rio de Janeiro. It’s as if there were races every day in the city.
This number could reach 200, Schleder said in the blog at the beginning of the year.
— Every year, Rio de Janeiro cements its position as the Brazilian capital of street running. In 2025 alone, the total number of races in the city will reach 190. On December 31, this calendar ends with the second edition of the Vera Cruz Race. It’s a great choice for athletes in Rio, but especially for visitors. After all, this will be an opportunity to end the year in a stunning atmosphere such as Atero do Flamengo, and also enjoy the traditional party on Copacabana Beach, with performances by Gilberto Gil, Alok and João Gomez. It is a package that combines sports, high-level events, entertainment and tourism in symbolic landscapes that only Rio de Janeiro can offer,” the minister told the blog.
See other options on December 31:
- the Ferrada Gosense Racing It reaches its fourteenth edition as one of the most beloved and traditional events in São José dos Campos (SP). The event, with 5 km and 15 km tracks, brings together athletes and running enthusiasts. The start will take place at Anel Viário, in front of the São José dos Campos City Palace, at 7 am.
- The Ferrada de Guaratuba race, in Paraná, is traditionally held on December 31. This event is already considered one of the main sporting and ceremonial events on the Parana Coast. The event will include 10 km and 5 km races, starting at 7:30 am.
- The Cabo Frio Virada (RJ) race reaches its fifth edition with a fantastic course: 5 km of stunning scenery and party atmosphere. From 06:30, starting from Rua dos Biquinis (Gamboa) and arriving at Praia do Forte.
- The Ferrada Matinhos race, in Paraná, will have a 10km and a 5km race, at 6:30 am. The event will also include a quiz for children. The start will be on Avenida Curitiba c/ Av. Beira Mar; Close to the fish market (Balneario Flamingo).
- The Sorocaba Ferrada race in São Paulo will include a 7 km walk and a 15 km race. The start location has not yet been determined, but the finish will be at Parque das Águas.
- In Caraguatatuba, on the coast of São Paulo, the Virada Caraguatatubense will take place, starting at 6 a.m., starting from Merante do Camaroeiro, in the center.
- The São Bertioja Race, in its eighth edition, will include 15 km and 5 km courses, starting at 6:30 am, in Bertioga (SP).
- The 5th Virada Acorde Run and Walk will be organized in Blumenau (SC) on December 31 at distances of 10 km, 5 km and 3 km (walking).
- In São Paulo, but away from the Avenida Paulista area, Corrida da Ferrada will take place in Parque Bruno Covas (Guido Calloi Street, 252). There will be 10km and 5km races.
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