With a practically flat route that will pass through some of the main historical points in the central region of São Paulo, the Folha 105 Years Race promises to combine the encouragement of physical activity with the opportunity to rediscover the capital of São Paulo from a new perspective.
The race is scheduled for next Sunday (29), starting and finishing in Vale do Anhangabaú. The athletes’ departure for the three available distances — 3 km, 5 km and 10 km — takes place from 6:30 am (Brasília time).
Former professional athletes and coaches point out that participants need to pay attention to the pace they intend to set along the route in order to cross the finish line, but without also losing sight of the festive atmosphere and the buildings rich in history that will be surrounding them.
Champion of the São Silvestre Race in 2006 and bronze medalist at the Pan-American Games in Rio in the 10,000 meters, Lucélia Peres stated that the race in the historic center presents a route design that combines physiological stimulation and urban significance.
“Running through the historic center of São Paulo imposes a unique context: subtle variations in elevation, changes in surface and sections with strategic curves that require intelligent reading of the race”, said Lucélia to Sheet.
Coach of Olympic medalist Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima, Ricardo D’Angelo added that the race route is practically flat and should not require much effort from those better prepared runners.
“I highlight as a critical point the climb of Líbero Badaró, between São João and Viaduto do Chá, in which the 5km and 10km runners will face the biggest challenge. Those of the 10km, twice”, stated D’Angelo.
“The weather promises to be pleasant for the runner to feel comfortable during the journey, as the shade of the buildings in the region protects them from the sun and, eventually, high temperatures”, said the coach.
From Vale do Anhangabaú, participants will be able to admire some of the city’s main architectural landmarks, such as the Palácio dos Correios, from 1922, and the Martinelli Building, a 105-meter-high building opened in 1929.
The race then continues along São João, passing through Largo do Paiçandu and the intersection with Ipiranga. Continue towards Rua Conselheiro Nébias, in Campos Elíseos.
The return will be via Alameda Barão de Limeira, with the building itself Sheet as one of the attractions on the way. The runners then turn right, onto Avenida Ipiranga, and go around Praça da República.
The route also passes through Rua 24 de Maio, where the traditional Galeria do Rock and one of the newest Sesc units are located, and returns to Vale do Anhangabaú from Rua Conselheiro Crispiniano.
For longer distance runners, there is also an additional route through the old center. The Municipal Theater and the old Mappin building, as well as the Viaduto do Chá, make up the landscape.
Lucélia also pointed out that, from a technical point of view, it is a route that requires intensity control from the start.
“The natural tendency is to start very quickly, driven by the atmosphere of the event. However, especially in the 5 km and 10 km, effort management is crucial,” she said.
For those registered in the 5 km race, the former athlete and now coach and personal trainer recommends a first kilometer at a “controlled pace”, with stabilization of the pace until the fourth and “conscious progression” at the end.
In the case of the 10 km, she explained that the race “is built in the first half and confirmed in the second”.
According to the last Brazilian champion of São Silvestre, the second lap requires physiological and mental maturity, as this is where economy of movement and stable cadence make a real difference.
“Small undulations along Avenida São João and the transitions to the old center accumulate muscular load, especially in the calves and posterior chain. Those who distribute energy with precision maintain mechanical efficiency until the end.”
She added that the ideal preparation includes rhythm training, interval stimuli to adjust speed and specific strengthening of the lower limbs, which are essential for absorbing impact on uneven floors.
Furthermore, sleep and recovery in the days leading up to the race have equal or even greater weight than any additional training, said Lucélia.
“In addition to the performance, there is a symbolic element that cannot be ignored. Running through historical landmarks such as the Municipal Theater, the Viaduto do Chá and the São João region is experiencing the city in movement. The athlete stops being just a spectator of the landscape and starts to integrate it”, she stated.
“This is a test that rewards strategy, but also offers something deeper: the opportunity to rediscover São Paulo with one’s own body as a means of exploration. Technique and sensitivity can, and should, coexist.”
Registration remains open until the 27th, with prices starting at R$ 139.90 for the Corridor Kit (which includes a t-shirt, bag, medal, bib number and three months of digital subscription to the newspaper) and R$ 249.90 for the Premium Kit (which also includes an exclusive thermos and three months of CasaFolha subscription). Prices do not include box office fees. Folha subscribers have a 20% discount on subscriptions, which can be paid in up to three installments.
“Other races have already been successfully held in the city center of São Paulo and this will be another opportunity for runners to enjoy a beautiful historical setting and a perfect atmosphere for physical activity”, added D’Angelo.
