Sao Paulo

Racing it

1. 01

   Loop course, learn the back half

   The marathon is a loop starting and finishing near Ibirapuera Park, so you cover the same districts twice. Use the first pass to note where the long avenues open up and where the turns tighten.

   From the layout

2. 02

   Spread 350 m of climb

   With 350 m of total climbing on a hilly profile, the marathon rewards even effort. Ride the long straight avenues at a rhythm you can hold, and let the climbs cost you pace rather than energy.

   From the elevation profile

3. 03

   Warm April morning

   Race-day temperatures typically sit around 22.4 °C, often 18–26 °C. That is warm enough that the exposed central boulevards and Pinheiros River sections will feel hotter as the morning goes on, so drink early.

   From the temperature

4. 04

   Two distances, one route

   The marathon and half marathon run the same day, so expect company early before the fields spread out. Settle in before the long avenues stretch the pack apart.

   From the description

5. 05

   Plan around the park

   Starts and finishes near Ibirapuera Park mean crowds and closed roads concentrate there. Know how you are getting to and from the park before race morning, since the loop brings you back to the same spot.

   From the description

In Sao Paulo

• Metro on race morning

  São Paulo's metro is the reliable way around when central avenues close for the race. Give yourself extra time, since station crowds swell before the start and after the finish.

• Where to watch

  Spectators can catch runners at Ibirapuera Park for the start and finish, and along the wide central boulevards the course follows. Avenida Paulista is easy to reach and good for a mid-race view.

• Eat and unwind after

  São Paulo is a huge, fast-moving city with a strong food culture and neighborhoods like Jardins and Vila Madalena for a slow afternoon. A walk in Ibirapuera Park is the easiest recovery outing.