Behind the Mic: Race Announcing Prep and Reading Names
Fabiana Ferreira reveals her pre-race sleep routine and calls for larger runner names on race bibs.
Renowned trail running announcer Fabiana Ferreira shares the behind-the-scenes reality of her work at the finish line. She discusses vocal care, the value of rest, and the practical challenges of reading runners' names on the go.
Welcoming hundreds or thousands of athletes across the finish line takes much more than just talking into a microphone. For Fabiana Ferreira, a celebrated voice in national trail running, the routine leading up to long races demands energy, discipline, and practical preparation that begins days before the venue even opens.
Routine, Rest, and Building a 'Sleep Bank'
Sustaining your voice and energy for dozens of consecutive hours requires serious stamina. Fabi shares that her routine is already naturally intense: during the week, she teaches beach tennis to children, spending hours talking nonstop. When it comes to specific vocal care, she relies on the basics—consistent hydration, apples, and occasional exercises recommended by her speech therapist cousin.
Her biggest secret before ultramarathons and lengthy events is sleep. In the two weeks leading up to an exhausting race, the announcer prioritizes getting eight hours of sleep per night, building what she calls a true 'bank of resting hours.' Another non-negotiable principle at the venue is posture: Fabiana never sits down during finish-line arrivals, viewing it as a matter of basic respect to stay on her feet to welcome those who spent hours running out on the trail.
The Art of Spotting Names at the Finish Line
The dynamics of trail versus road races also present visual challenges. In races where thousands of runners cross the line in quick succession, identifying athletes in seconds requires swift reflexes. In the rush of reading bibs, she often shortens names into affectionate nicknames, creating an instant sense of warmth and connection as runners cross under the arch.
With advancements in technology and facial recognition in sports photography platforms, bib numbers no longer need to dominate the entire printed surface. Fabi and Sidney Togumi reinforce a practical appeal to race directors: highlighting the runner's first name in large, prominent letters on the bib makes the announcer's job much easier while guaranteeing a personal, unforgettable welcome for every athlete.