Corrida Internacional de São Silvestre (15K)
The Lowdown
The Corrida Internacional de São Silvestre is one of the most famous road races in the world and Brazil's most iconic sporting tradition, run every New Year's Eve (December 31) in São Paulo since 1925. The race covers 15K (15 km / 9.3 miles) through the streets of central São Paulo, starting and finishing along the world-famous Avenida Paulista in front of the Fundação Cásper Líbero building. Created by journalist Cásper Líbero after he witnessed a torch-lit night race in France, São Silvestre has been run without interruption every year since its first edition in 1925, including through World War II. It draws an elite international professional field (mostly East African and Brazilian distance runners) alongside tens of thousands of amateur participants from dozens of countries, all racing on the final night of the calendar year in a citywide New Year's Eve celebration atmosphere. The 100th edition was run on December 31, 2025, with roughly 50,000 registered entrants from over 40 countries; the 101st edition takes place December 31, 2026.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
World-class event
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Legendary crowd support
Avenida Paulista (start and finish)
Fundação Cásper Líbero building (finish line)
Vale do Anhangabaú
Centro Histórico de São Paulo
Avenida Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
BR
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Minimum age typically 16 (younger runners can join the separate São Silvestrinha kids' race)
- Amateur entrants complete the 15K course within the official time limit
Required Documents
- Photo ID (RG or passport for international entrants)
Entry Methods
- Online registration via saosilvestre.com.br when the single registration window opens (historically late September)
- International runner packages via authorized tour operators
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Review the official regulamento (race regulations) published on saosilvestre.com.br before registering; entries are typically non-refundable but transfer/deferral policies are published closer to race day
Distance is 15K (15 km / 9.3 miles) — NOT a marathon or half marathon.
First run in 1925, founded by journalist Cásper Líbero; run continuously every year since, including during World War II.
The 2025 edition (100th) sold out its ~50,000 entries within hours of registration opening on September 25, 2025.
2025 elite men's winner: Dawitt Admasu (ETH) in 44:17; elite women's winner: Flomena Cheyech (KEN) in 50:18.
Race is organized by the Fundação Cásper Líbero, with media partner Gazeta Esportiva.
Race takes place on the night/morning transitioning into New Year's Eve, a beloved civic tradition watched live on Brazilian television.
A companion kids' race, São Silvestrinha, is held on the same weekend for younger runners.
Training for this race?
Track your training, follow a plan, and prepare for race day with MarathonOS.
Scan to download
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.