Sports
Bárbara Maia Bridges Acting Career and Marathon Running
The actress and PR professional shares how running became a mental sanctuary, brand connection, and athletic goal.
With over 15 years in screen acting and credits in major television productions, Bárbara Maia found balance through running. In a conversation on Girls Who Run, she details her 42K debut at the Rio Marathon and her routine balancing acting and athletics.
With over a decade and a half dedicated to acting—spanning television, film, and theater—Bárbara Maia grew up in the spotlight, learning early on to navigate the rigorous discipline of the screen industry. Known for roles in productions such as Cordel Encantado, Gabi Estrella, and the series O Rei da TV, the Rio de Janeiro-born actress simultaneously built a background in advertising and public relations, paving the way for a new professional horizon.
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Sports as an outlet and wellness pursuit
Although she had boundless energy as a child and practiced surfing and other sports, athletics had to take a back seat during the early years of her acting career, largely due to the need to preserve her body for filming and studio schedules. The turning point toward running came in late 2023, during a period of professional transition and a search for relief from anxiety.
The habit started unpretentiously with short four-block jogs to Recreio Beach in Rio de Janeiro to watch the sunset after work. Outdoor running quickly became her time of day to unplug from screens and recharge mentally. The positive impact on her well-being led Bárbara to hire a running coach in early 2024, turning daily workouts into a structured routine.
From her first marathon to new challenges
Her training progression culminated in preparing for the 42 km course at the Maratona do Rio 2025. To cross the finish line on home turf with ease, the training cycle demanded dedication to long runs under challenging conditions—including a key 33 km workout in the sweltering heat of João Pessoa, completed early in the morning at 81°F (27°C).
With her first marathon medal secured, her sights are now set on international races: Bárbara already has the Amsterdam Marathon on her race calendar. Her running resume also includes participating in the Cataratas Half Marathon and stages of Olympikus's Bota pra Correr circuit in Serra do Cipó and Cumbuco.
Acting, PR, and the sports market
Currently living in São Paulo, Bárbara divides her time between stage, screen, and the corporate world. Holding degrees in Advertising from PUC-Rio and Public Relations from UERJ, she works in community and influencer management within the sports industry, managing accounts for brands like Strava.
For the actress and runner, navigating diverse fields does not mean giving up the craft that shaped her. Continuing her acting studies and remaining open to new screen roles, she emphasizes the importance of embracing multiple professional identities without sacrificing freedom and constant movement.
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