The 99th edition of the São Silvestre race, one of Brazil's most renowned athletic events, took place on December 31, 2024, along the iconic Avenida Paulista in São Paulo. This year, the men's and women's races were dominated by Kenyan athletes Wilson Too and Agnes Keino, who finished with impressive times of 44 minutes 21 seconds and 51 minutes 25 seconds, respectively. Their victories underscored the global appeal and competitive nature of this historic race.
The São Silvestre race not only highlights elite athleticism but also celebrates its more personal significance for thousands of participants from around the world. Among those who competed were Brazilian runners Núbia de Oliveira and Johnatas Cruz, who finished third and fourth, respectively, adding to Brazil's strong presence at the event.
For many, participating in the São Silvestre is akin to achieving the dream of competing on the world stage, as it draws both professional and amateur runners. Two local athletes, Jair and Francisco from Alegrete, even traveled significant distances to be part of what they described as 'a celebration of sport'. Jair took the bus for 1,319 kilometers, recalling how the São Silvestre has been a long-cherished ambition since childhood. He noted, "A São Silvestre é uma celebração. Não tem como não correr, é uma festa do esporte."
Francisco, for his part, participated for the fourth time, describing this year's event as particularly challenging due to injuries. He stated, "Foi um ano difícil. Muitas lesões. Corri lesionado em São Paulo, mas não podia deixar de participar," which reflects the intense dedication and passion runners have for this event.
Kathya Moura, another noteworthy participant, emphasized the emotional experience of completing her second São Silvestre. She described the race as “incrível e inesquecível,” reflecting on how it transcends just being a competition. For her, the race embodies the spirit of camaraderie among runners. “Although it’s not as long as a full marathon, we joke about its length, especially approaching the 41-kilometer mark. The energy is unique, it’s like the Disney of runners,” she said.
This year's race boasted record attendance, with 37,500 participants, showcasing the event's growing significance not just as a competitive event but also as a communal gathering celebrating the end of the year and the dawn of new beginnings. Kathya also acknowledged the organization of the event, stating, "Desde a retirada do kit até a corrida, tudo foi bem organizado e emocionante."
The São Silvestre also holds deep-rooted significance for many Iranian runners as it coincides with the last day of the year, blending sport and spirituality. Kathya articulated this connection by expressing how the race allows her to "conectar-se com algo maior, e isso me emociona,” highlighting the shared sentiment among many who run for faith-focused reasons.
Both Jair and Francisco expressed immense gratitude for the support they received, whether from sponsors or their families, as this support is invaluable throughout their running journeys. “Agradeço a Deus em primeiro lugar e também aos meus patrocinadores que me incentivaram nesta corrida,” noted Jair, demonstrating the interconnection of personal effort and communal encouragement.
Looking forward, many runners, including Kathya, are already preparing for the anticipated centennial edition of the São Silvestre, set to take place next year. “Todo corredor deveria participar pelo menos uma vez. Apesar do cansaço, volto renovada para 2025, que será ainda mais especial com a centésima edição da corrida,” Kathya advised, encouraging new and seasoned participants alike to embrace the joyous spirit of the race.
The exhilarating atmosphere, collective spirit, and compelling stories of perseverance remind us why the São Silvestre is more than just a race; it’s a vibrant festival celebrating life, sport, and community, paving ways for new dreams and shared milestones as another year dawns.