Saint Silvester Road Race: more than 32 thousand athletes enrolled

"Saint Silvester is the race that every Brazilian who starts running dreams of winning," said on Thursday (Dec. 29) Brazilian runner Ederson Vilela, who won the Volta da Pampulha Race in 2019.

A dream that has not come true for 12 years in the men's race and 16 years in the women's category. Last time Brazil reached the top of the race was in 2010, with Marilson Gomes dos Santos’ victory. In the women's category, last time a Brazilian woman won the most traditional race in the country was in 2006, namely Lucélia Peres.

To reach the first place this year, Brazilians are counting on a very national ingredient: humidity. "If it is raining, it will be fine. We know that some opponents have problems running with high humidity, especially the Africans. We Brazilians have an advantage in this matter.

For the Brazilian athlete Jenifer Nascimento, who came third in last year's race, having participated in other times in the race is also a factor that can give Brazilians an advantage.

"We have been preparing ourselves throughout the year for Saint Silvester. We are focused and prepared for the competition," Jenifer said.

The main opponents of the Brazilians - the African athletes - bet on confidence to achieve another victory in the race. Despite the confidence, they know that humidity and temperature can hinder their plans. And they are very likely to face rain along the way.

Over 32 thousand people have registered to participate in the race, which will be held on Saturday (Dec. 31), starting at 7:25 a.m. with the wheelchair category. Then, at 7:40 a.m. with women’s elite, at 8:05 a.m. men's elite, premium peloton, wheelchair users with guides, and general peloton.