The traditional São Silvestre race, with a distance of 15km, was held this Tuesday (31/12). And the 2024 edition once again had a Kenyan victory – and in a double dose: with Wilson Too in the men’s and with Agnes Keino in the women’s.
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With this, Brazil’s fast was maintained, which now lasts 13 races, since 2010 – in 2020 there was no race due to the covid-19 pandemic.
Which countries have won the most in São Silvestre?
Kenya easily leads among the countries that have won the most São Silvestre. In the men’s race, there are now 18 victories, while in the women’s race there are 19, totaling 37 victories in total. Brazil is the second biggest winner, with 16 titles, being second in the men’s category and third place, behind Portugal, among women.
Most winning countries in the Men’s São Silvestre (international phase)
- Kenya – 18 wins
- Brazil – 11
- Belgium – 6
- Colombia – 6
- Ethiopia – 5
- Ecuador – 4
- Portugal – 4
- Mexico – 4
- Argentina – 3
- Italy – 2
- United States – 2
- Yugoslavia – 2
- United Kingdom – 2
- Chile – 2
- France – 2
- Uruguay – 1
- Finland – 1
- Germany – 1
- Costa Rica – 1
- Czechoslovakia – 1
- Bahrain – 1
- Uganda – 1
Most winning countries in São Silvestre Feminina
- Kenya – 19 wins
- Portugal – 7
- Brazil – 5
- Mexico – 4
- Ethiopia – 4
- Germany – 3
- United States – 2
- Ecuador – 2
- Denmark – 1
- Yugoslavia – 1
- Serbia and Montenegro – 1
Most São Silvestre winning countries
- Kenya – 37 wins
- Brazil – 16 wins
- Portugal – 11 wins
- Ethiopia – 9 wins
- Mexico – 8 wins
- Belgium – 6 wins
- Colombia – 6 wins
- Ecuador – 6 wins
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When did São Silvestre start to be contested?
São Silvestre began to be contested in 1925, designed by journalist Casper Líbero, inspired by a night race he witnessed in Paris. The race is named after the patron saint of December 31st.
Until 1944, only Brazilians could participate in the race, something that changed from 1945, when the race entered its international phase. Initially, only corridors from South American countries were called, something that was later increased.
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The first distance from São Silvestre was 8.8km, being modified several times over the years. The current 15km has been in effect since 1991.
In the first 50 years of São Silvestre, only the men’s race was held. The women’s competition only began to be played in 1975.
Who are São Silvestre’s biggest winners?
Among men, the record holder is Kenyan Paul Tergat, who won the event five times. In the women’s category, Portuguese Rosa Mota won the race on six occasions.
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What is São Silvestre’s record?
In the men’s race, Kenyan Kibiwot Kandie holds the record with a time of 42 minutes and 59 seconds, achieved in the 2019 race.
In the female category, the record is held by Kenyan Jemima Sumgong, in 2016. The athlete completed the race in 48 minutes and 35 seconds.
