Sao Paulo International Marathon
The Lowdown
The São Paulo International Marathon (Maratona Internacional de São Paulo) is one of Brazil’s premier long-distance events, tracing its roots to the late 20th century and growing into a major destination for elite and recreational runners across South America and beyond. Traditionally held in the Southern Hemisphere summer, the race brings together a diverse field of local club athletes, age-group competitors and international visitors seeking fast courses and a vibrant city experience. Organizers have cultivated a reputation for strong race-day logistics, professional timing and medical support, making it a consistent, well-run fixture on the regional marathon calendar. The course showcases São Paulo’s dynamic urban landscape, winding through wide boulevards, cultural landmarks and green spaces. Runners can expect stretches along iconic avenues, passages near Ibirapuera Park and other city parks, and long, scenic straightaways that encourage steady pacing and strong performances. Early-morning starts (05:45) keep temperatures more forgiving, and the route’s mix of rolling sections and flat stretches rewards strategic racing. The atmosphere is energetic and festive: enthusiastic local crowds, live music at several points, and neighborhood volunteers create a lively, supportive backdrop from start to finish. The event is AIMS-certified and serves as an official Boston Marathon qualifier, making it attractive for athletes chasing qualifying standards as well as those pursuing personal bests.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Charles Boay Sulle (TAN) and Vivian Jeftanui Kiplagat (KEN) win 2025 edition
Apr 6, 2025Charles Boay Sulle won the men's race in 2:13:22 and Vivian Jeftanui Kiplagat won the women's race in 2:39:17 at the 29th Maratona Internacional de São Paulo on 2025-04-06, confirming continued international (African) dominance of the elite fields.
Record number of finishers and large participation reported in 2025
Apr 6, 2025The 2025 edition drew roughly 21,500 registered runners across distances and produced a record number of marathon finishers (nearly 5,000 completing the full 42.195 km), the largest finishing cohort in the event's history to date.
Organizer publishes 2026 event information — race scheduled for April 11–12, 2026 (Ibirapuera/Campo de Marte)
Dec 8, 2025Yescom’s official Maratona Internacional de São Paulo pages list the 2026 event as taking place on 11–12 April 2026 with marathon activity centered at Ibirapuera (start/finish) and a 5K at Campo de Marte, and confirm start times for elites (05:45) and a multi-distance weekend format; runners should note the official site schedule differs from a Jan 2 date sometimes circulated.
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Avenida Paulista
Iconic financial avenue lined with museums and skyscrapers, central stretch of the race course
Parque Ibirapuera
Large urban park featuring tree-lined paths and lake, a scenic midpoint section for runners
Catedral da Sé (Praça da Sé)
Historic neo-Gothic cathedral at the city’s central square, significant landmark on the route
Mercado Municipal (Mercadão)
Famous public market known for its food stalls and colorful façade, runners pass nearby
Viaduto do Chá
Historic downtown viaduct offering panoramic views of the city center along the course
Ponte Octávio Frias de Oliveira (Ponte Estaiada)
Modern cable-stayed bridge on the Marginal Pinheiros, recognizable skyline feature near the route
Avenida dos Bandeirantes / Marginal Pinheiros
Major expressway corridors used for fast, long stretches of the race
Other distances available during the event weekend:
São Paulo, Brazil
BR
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Minimum age on race day for marathon distance
- Registration through the official event website required
- Race bib and timing chip are non-transferable and must be worn visibly during the entire race
- Valid photo ID must be presented at bib pickup if requested
- Medical clearance recommended; participants with known medical conditions should consult a physician before the race
- Foreign athletes welcome; international entrants must follow standard registration procedures and provide accurate personal and emergency contact details
- Official race cut-off time 6 hours (participants who do not meet intermediate cut-off points may be removed from the course)
- Use of unauthorized pacing or support vehicles is prohibited
- No pets or unauthorized wheeled devices (e.g., rollerblades, bicycles) allowed on the course
- By registering, participants accept the event rules, liability waiver and consent to use of images for event promotion
Required Documents
- Photo ID
- Passport
- Medical Certificate
- Signed Waiver
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Tour Operator
- Charity Entry
- Club/Association Registration
- Onsite Registration
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds under any circumstances after registration is confirmed
Name change or bib transfer allowed until 15 December 2025 with an administrative fee
Deferral to the 2027 edition permitted until 15 December 2025 subject to payment of any price difference
If the race is cancelled by the organizer due to force majeure, registrants will be offered transfer to the next edition or a partial refund at the organizer's discretion
The course runs through many of São Paulo’s iconic avenues and landmarks including Avenida Paulista and Ibirapuera Park, offering a largely urban, fast but sometimes windy route.
Start time is early (05:45) to minimize heat and humidity — plan to use public transit as many central streets are closed and parking is limited near the start/finish area.
Race weekend includes a runners' expo with bib pickup, official merchandise and a pasta dinner option for purchase the day before the race, plus a kids' race and community runs.
Finishers receive a technical shirt and a custom finisher medal, with frequent aid stations (approximately every 2–3 km) providing water, isotonic drinks and gels; medical support and baggage trucks are available at the start/finish.
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.