South AmericaBrazil

São Paulo Marathon

South America's biggest marathon, an undulating tour of the vast Brazilian megacity.

Good for Debut
6.0/10 Difficulty
226m Elevation Gain
1995 Founded

Course Map

Elevation Profile
km
mi

About this Race

The Maratona Internacional de São Paulo is Brazil's biggest and most prestigious marathon, an undulating course through the vast megacity that winds past Ibirapuera Park and the towering urban landscape. The rolling terrain makes it more demanding than a flat course, requiring measured pacing through the sprawling metropolis. Held in the southern autumn, it offers reasonable conditions and an enormous, passionate field. The energy of the giant city defines the day. It suits runners who want to experience South America's largest marathon and don't mind the rolling terrain over a fast personal best.

city undulating urban winter

Course Insight

São Paulo runs in mild winter through a vast, undulating cityscape, where rolling terrain and big-city scale matter more than the clock. Pace the rises by effort and don't over-run the early miles. June conditions are cool and runnable. The urban sprawl is relentless but supported. Run the rollers with restraint and the course stays manageable to the line.

Pro tip: Pace the urban rollers by effort and enjoy the cool winter air on the vast city course.

Difficulty Breakdown

6.0/10

Mostly due to tough late hills.

Elevation
5.5
Hill Placement
7.5
Weather
2.1
Turns
2.4

Altitude difficulty: +1.1 pts (elevation)

How we calculate difficulty →

Course Details

Course type
Loop
Elevation gain
226m
Elevation loss
230m
Highest point
783m
Lowest point
709m
Net elevation
-4m
Start
Starts and finishes at Ibirapuera Park, on Avenida Pedro Alvares Cabral near the Obelisco Monument.
Cutoff time
6h 0m

Race History

The Maratona Internacional de São Paulo grew into Brazil's biggest and most prestigious marathon, an undulating course through the vast megacity past Ibirapuera Park and the towering skyline. Its rolling terrain and enormous, passionate field defined it. From its founding it became South America's largest marathon. Held in the southern autumn, it draws an immense field to the giant city.

Plan Your Trip

Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.

Nearest airport(s)
São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU), Congonhas (CGH) & Viracopos Campinas (VCP)
Best area to stay
Jardins off Paulista for proximity to the route and upscale stays, Vila Madalena for trendy, characterful options, and the Centro for value central stays.
Getting to the start
The start is near Ibirapuera Park or Paulista; take the Metro to a nearby station like Brigadeiro or Ana Rosa and walk in.

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