Opinion – Na Corrida: Alert to rookies: what I learned running to São Silvestre

Every New Year’s Eve, around 35,000 people leave from Avenida Paulista, go down the Pacaembu valley, pass through Barra Funda, explore the old center of São Paulo and undertake the challenging ascent of Brigadeiro Luís Antônio to the finish line.

Traveling the 15 kilometers of São Silvestre is a kind of trick for runners. A mixture of Carnival and São João, only in December. And so it will be on the next 31st, for the 97th time.

I’ve run four times to São Silvestre. In all, I had fun and got emotional. And I also made some mistakes. So, to help those who debut in the test, I separated some tips that I learned the hard way. For veterans, the information below may be redundant or obvious. But for newbies, I hope they help a little. Let’s go!

forget the clock

It is very common to see joggers sewing along São Silvestre. Athletes who move in zigzag to pass the slower ones. Don’t be that person. São Silvestre is not a race to break records, unless you were born in Kenya and start in the elite peloton. The topography, with many ups and downs, does not help. The start is slow and the crowd advances at a slow pace, which compromises at least the first two kilometers of the race. My suggestion is that you forget about the clock. Run for pleasure. Look less at the wrist and more around. The reward is guaranteed.

beware of the heat

São Silvestre takes place at an unusual time for street races. Departure is scheduled for 8 am. On December 31, in the middle of summer, it is possible that the thermometers will approach 30 degrees during the race. So redouble heat care. Drink water, even in small amounts, at all hydration points. Caps, visors and sunglasses help, as well as wearing very light clothes. And, as Pedro Bial would say, use sunscreen.

Have a good time

Fantasy voucher, poster voucher, joke voucher. With respect, anything goes. Have a good time. Get emotional. São Silvestre is the farewell to the 2022 runners, and the beginning of a new cycle. It’s cliche, but it’s true. Make this test a summary of what the year was like. It was easy? Probably not. But the feeling of crossing the finish line and knowing that we made it to the end is very good.

Interact with the public

São Silvestre is one of the few street competitions in Brazil with a significant public presence. In Barra Funda you will pass by organized football fans, near Praça da República you will see the faces of migrants and immigrants that make up the multicultural side of São Paulo. Wave, smile, clap your hand, chat. If the landscape is not the most beautiful, the human warmth makes up for it.

eye on the block

Crowding is inevitable, but it can always get worse. One way to compromise your experience and that of those running around you is to drop into a block with runners at different speeds than you. See where the block will come out with your estimated race pace and take some time to position yourself. For that…

arrive early

Some subway exits and nearby streets are partially or fully closed on the day of the race. Prefer public transport and check in advance which station is closest to your starting block. Take advantage of the extra time and get in the race mood.

Show the world who you are

Did you come from outside? How about wearing a t-shirt from your city? Or your favorite team? Or even the uniform of your running group? One of the riches of São Silvestre is its multicultural side. Seeing that the runner next to you has traveled thousands of miles to be there gives you an extra dose of cheer and energy.

remember the tunnel

Shortly after the start, the runners go down the tunnel that connects Avenida Paulista to Avenida Doutor Arnaldo, on the way to Pacaembu. Descending this stretch is one of the most emotional moments of my long life as a runner. The energy that reverberates on the walls, which comes from all sides, is unforgettable. I hope this is a special moment for you, as it is for me.

Is that you? Do you have any memories or unforgettable stories about São Silvestre? Tell us in the comments or write to [email protected]. If you prefer, you can send a message via Instagram @rodrigofloresnacorrida.