São Silvestre 2024: A 99ª Edição Promete Emoção e Recordes
The iconic São Silvestre race returns on December 31st, 2024, marking its 99th edition and promising a thrilling finale to the sporting calendar.With an anticipated 37,500 runners, this year’s event is set to break attendance records.
Where to Watch the Action Unfold
Running enthusiasts can catch all the action live on TV Gazeta starting at 7:00 AM (Brasília time). TV Globo will also broadcast the event, ensuring nationwide coverage.
Kenyan Dominance and Brazil’s Quest for Victory
Last year, Kenyan runners dominated the São Silvestre, securing the top three spots in the men’s race. Timothy Kiplagat emerged victorious, followed by his compatriots Emmanuel Bor and Reuben Longoshiwa. In the women’s category, Catherine Reline defended her title, with Sheila Chelangat (Kenya) and Wude Ayalew (Ethiopia) completing the podium.
Brazil, though, is hungry for a win. The last male Brazilian champion was Marílson dos Santos, who achieved a remarkable three-peat victory in 2010. On the women’s side,Lucélia Peres claimed the title back in 2006. This year,Johnatas de Oliveira Cruz,who finished as the top Brazilian in 2023,aims to break the drought and make history.
Kleidiane Barbosa Jardim, another experienced runner familiar with the São Silvestre course, is also a strong contender.She secured seventh place last year, making her the second-highest ranked Brazilian runner behind Felismina Cavela, who finished sixth.
Elite Runners Ready to Conquer the Streets
Kleidiane will be joined by a strong contingent of Brazilian female runners, including Nubia de oliveira Silva, Valdilene dos Santos Silva, Mirela Saturnino de Andrade, and Andrea Hessel.
Mirella Saturnino, along with fellow athletes from the Associação Petrolinense de Atletismo (APA) in Pernambuco, trained at high altitude in Paipa, Colombia, to prepare for the demanding race.
The men’s elite field boasts a formidable lineup, including Fabio de Jesus Correia, the fourth-place finisher in the 2022 São Silvestre and a two-time champion of the Volta da Pampulha. Wendell Souza,the top Brazilian in the 10 Milhas Garoto,Justino Pedro,the champion of the Maratona de Salvador,and Ederson Vilela,a two-time champion of the Maratona de Curitiba,are also expected to be strong contenders.
International Stars Set to Shine
Among the international athletes, Kenyan Wilson Too, a 33-year-old runner who secured second place in the 2024 Meia maratona de Bilbao (with a personal best of 1:00:57 in the half marathon in 2017 in France), is a top contender.
Ugandan gizealew Ayana,a 21-year-old champion of the 2023 Maratona de Paris (with a personal best of 59:39 in the 21km in Poland in 2021),is another athlete to watch.
The field also includes Kenyan Wilson Mutua Maina, who finished third in the 2024 Volta da Pampulha, Nicolas Kosgei, the champion of the 2024 Maratona de São Paulo, Ethiopian Maxwell Kortek Rotich, the champion of the Maratona de porto Alegre, and Tanzanian Joseph Pang, the runner-up in the 2022 São Silvestre.
In the women’s race, Ethiopian Kasanesh Baze (1:08:40 in Ghent, Belgium, in 2023), and Kenyans Agnes Keino (1:08:47 in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2022) and Cynthia chemweno (1:08:41 in Santa Pola, Spain, in 2023) are expected to be among the frontrunners.
Conquering the Challenging Course
The São Silvestre course, starting on Avenida Paulista between frei Caneca and Augusta streets, winds its way through the historic center before returning to Paulista via the challenging climb up Avenida Brigadeiro Luiz Antônio. The race culminates in front of the Fundação Cásper Líbero building at number 900 Avenida Paulista.
Race Schedule
The action kicks off at 7:25 AM (Brasília time) with the start of the Wheelchair category. The Elite women’s race follows at 7:40 AM, and the Elite men’s race, along with the Pelotão C, Wheelchair with Guide, and General Pelotão, begins at 8:05 AM.
Welcome, sports fans, to the electrifying 99th edition of the São Silvestre race! [This is going to be a historic event, not only for the sheer number of runners – a staggering 37,500! – but also for the thrilling competition we are about to witness.]
We’re talking about the creme de la creme of distance running: Kenyan powerhouses persistent to maintain their dominance, Ethiopian challengers ready to make their mark, and Brazilian athletes inspired to recapture the glory of past victories.
the anticipation is palpable. Can Johnatas de Oliveira Cruz, last year’s top Brazilian finisher, rise to the occasion and break the long drought for Brazilian champions? Or will the Kenyans extend their reign? It’s a story that’s about to unfold on the streets of São Paulo, and we’re glued to the edge of our seats.
Tune in to TV Gazeta and TV Globo for all the live action, starting at 7:00 AM Brasília time. This is a race you don’t want to miss,folks. [Let the battle commence! ]
