Sports
Behind the Scenes of Major Endurance Races with Poliana Moraes
Executive producer breaks down the complex logistics of trail running, crisis management, and athlete-centered operations.
In an in-depth conversation on Stemma Na Trilha with Sidney Togumi, executive producer Poliana Moraes shared the secrets and challenges behind organizing major endurance races. The episode covers everything from meticulous arena planning to high-stakes rescues and fast-paced backstage decisions.
Organizing a major outdoor sports event goes far beyond setting up start-and-finish arches and handing out medals. On Stemma Na Trilha, host Sidney Togumi welcomed executive producer Poliana Moraes, a key figure behind complex operations such as La Misión Brasil, Indomit, and Brasil Ride stages. In an in-depth conversation, Poliana detailed the behind-the-scenes dynamics, high-pressure decision-making, and strategic vision required to deliver excellence to athletes. Here is an overview of the eight core topics covered in the episode.
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Poliana Moraes's career path in event management
Poliana began her career in the industry at age 14, organizing promotional campaigns and shopping mall events in the Mogi das Cruzes region. After focusing her academic training on marketing and working in the production of major concerts and nightlife events, she entered the sports market around 2011 alongside Gustavo Nogueira. With a comprehensive 360-degree vision, she established herself as an executive producer specialized in overseeing every stage of a race, from initial concept to final tear-down and performance measurement.
Leadership and integration challenges in event production
Harmonious coordination among diverse teams is the primary challenge in a producer's daily routine. Poliana explained that accumulated experience helps maintain emotional balance during severe storms or structural emergencies, preventing widespread panic across the crew. With well-designed processes and precise delegation to trusted team leads, leadership shifts toward continuous strategic monitoring of the operational flow.
Attention to detail and athlete-first experience
The runner's journey is mapped in meticulous detail starting from their arrival in the host city. Poliana highlighted details ranging from the visibility of directional signage and access trail conditions to the warm hospitality at race kit pickup. This rigor also extends to the aesthetic inspection of the arena and strict rule enforcement, such as the non-negotiable requirement of medical certificates to safeguard the safety of all participants.
Differences between smaller races and major outdoor expeditions
While short road races demand swift street closures and rapid setups, mountain races and multi-day ultramarathons require monumental logistics. Operations like Brasil Ride can require weeks of camping in remote areas, drilling artesian wells for water supply, and building complete survival infrastructures for both staff and competitors.
The evolution of trail running planning and fast problem-solving
The trail running market has undergone significant professionalization over the past two decades, moving beyond improvisation to demand advance scheduling. Real-world examples demonstrated the importance of frontline problem-solving, such as emergency vehicle replacements to set up checkpoints after river incidents and the swift recovery of drop bags before race leaders arrived.
Memorable stories: empathy behind the scenes
Among her career's most moving memories, the producer recalled the scramble to retrieve an athlete's car key just minutes before a night start, preventing her withdrawal. Another standout moment involved supporting a visually impaired runner in the early morning hours during arena assembly, as well as navigating the ethical dilemma of strictly enforcing course cutoff times at the finish line.
What makes a great producer and the power of observation
Top professionals in sports production must combine resilience, humility, and the discipline to schedule rest to maintain clear judgment during critical moments. Quietly observing athlete behavior in the finish area—analyzing dwell time, hydration consumption, and celebrations with family—serves as the primary tool for refining infrastructure and operational flow for future editions.
Sea rescue and the critical role of registration data
Poliana recalled a critical incident during an ocean canoeing championship when a competitor was left adrift after dark, prompting the immediate cancellation of post-race festivities and the mobilization of search-and-rescue teams until the athlete was safely located the following morning. The incident underscored the vital warning for athletes to provide completely accurate emergency contact details and medical forms during registration.
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