Runners celebrate the return of São Silvestre with new rituals

Depart from Avenida Paulista, passing through historic stretches such as Avenida São João, Largo do Paiçandu, Viaduto do Chá and Avenida Brigadeiro Luís Antônio, before returning to the most famous of the city’s avenues to be greeted by the public.

On the way, receive small glasses of water from the volunteers, drink only one sip and pour the rest on your head, in addition to passing by “Km 41”, a point named with that name as an irony to those who call the São Silvestre race a marathon, despite of being just 15 km — a detail that, for most runners, is the least important thing.

The traditional event held on December 31 in São Paulo is more than a competition, it is a ritual that is part of the turn of the year for thousands of people — in 2019, the competition brought together around 35,000 participants.

In 2020, however, the tradition was broken. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the race was canceled for the first time since the event was created in 1925.

“Unlike other races, São Silvestre is a great party, a year-end get-together between runners, without the need to try to lower the pace. [ritmo] or of having good weather in the race”, says competitor Marcos Vinícius Mariano, 34, who will compete in the race for the seventh time. “Being able to race in São Silvestre again helps us to reflect.”

This year, however, São Silvestre will have a slightly different face from other years. Starting with the faces of the participants, who will have to wear masks at the start and finish — in the other stretches, the item for protection against Covid-19 will be optional.

In its regulation, the organization determines that the use of a mask is mandatory “during the entire period of stay at the Arena da Prova Presencial, which includes the start and finish areas, including dispersion”. Along the way, however, use is only recommended.

The presence of the public on av. Paulista, to avoid agglomerations amid the advance of the omicron variant of the new coronavirus, considered more transmissible. For the same reason, the organizers of “km 41” will not set up the point. “It’s sad, but it was a wise decision,” says Marcos.

The organization also requires that all participants have taken at least one dose of the vaccine, and the receipt was a necessary item to collect the kits. In cases of immunizing agents in which it is necessary to apply a second dose, a negative test must also be presented.

Dentist Ana Carolina Cambuí, 29, considered signing up for the 2020 edition before the cancellation was announced, but the lack of vaccines at the time was precisely one of the reasons that made her postpone her desire to debut in the test.

“This year, with vaccination and greater control of the pandemic than in the previous year, I decided to participate”, says the runner. “Being a part of it after such a difficult year, the anxiety is already high.”

For her, running is a way to relieve stress, especially in these isolated times. “Even before the pandemic, running was already a way to relax and disconnect from work. I maintained isolation during the pandemic and only started running again when I felt safer,” says Ana. “Going back to running was essential, as running helps a lot to relieve tension.”

The surgeon usually maintains a regular routine of training and racing. In addition to São Silvestre, she participates in street competitions from 5 to 10 km. In 2022, her desire is to run bigger tests. “I’m also thinking about debuting in a marathon,” he says.

While Ana is looking forward to her debut in the most traditional event in São Paulo, Demétrius Carvalho, 47, has participated in all editions since 2014, when she started running.

In 2020, not even the cancellation of the event prevented him from covering the 15 km of the race’s path. As Show da Virada was also cancelled, he organized a night dispute. Some of his friends also liked the idea and turned the year running on av. Paulista.

“I’ve always liked the idea of ​​turning the year around in a rush, but São Silvestre takes place in the morning. As it didn’t happen last year, I thought I could finally make that wish come true”, he recalls. “People from outside São Paulo even came for this experience. It was midnight, we were arriving at the Praça da República and we heard the fireworks. We will never forget this experience of turning the year in a hurry.”

For the athlete, practicing the sport is a “form of meditation” and “it brings physical and mental benefits”, says the runner, who, like most, was eager to return to the ritual on the streets of São Paulo.

RULES OF SÃO SILVESTRE

Use of mask:

• mandatory in the arena, at the start and at the finish
• disrespect for the rule may lead to expulsion from the arena
• recommended on the route

Vaccine:

• required at least one dose
• proof (printed or digital) required for kit removal
• in the case of a single dose (unless the vaccine is a single dose), it is necessary to present a negative test (PCR 48h before; antigen 24h before) also when removing the kit
• if the participant does not present the documents, he/she will not be able to participate in the test.