Sao Paulo International Marathon

The São Paulo International Marathon is a flagship Brazilian road race that brings runners into the scale, intensity, and energy of South America’s largest city. Based around Ibirapuera, one of São Paulo’s most recognizable urban landmarks, the event offers a full marathon alongside shorter distances, making it accessible both to serious marathoners and runners looking for a shorter race-day experience.

The marathon itself is a true urban challenge. São Paulo is not a flat, easy city, and runners should expect a course shaped by the rhythm of a dense metropolis: wide avenues, changing elevation, early-morning humidity, and the unmistakable feeling of racing through Brazil’s economic and cultural powerhouse. The Ibirapuera start and finish area gives the race a strong visual identity, while the early start times help runners avoid the worst of the day’s heat.

For international runners, the São Paulo International Marathon offers a very different experience from the more familiar European or North American city marathons. It combines big-city logistics, Brazilian running culture, and a course that rewards patience and smart pacing. For local runners, it remains one of the country’s key marathon events, with multiple distance options and a long-running place in Brazil’s road-racing calendar.