Sports
Carlos Souza: Sub-3 and the Rio Marathon 2026 Challenge
Former triathlete and sub-3 marathoner Carlos Souza shares his expectations and preparation for the Rio Marathon 2026.
From the Stemma studio at the Rio Marathon 2026, Carlos Souza reveals his transition from triathlon to marathons. With two sub-3 finishes under his belt, he's preparing for the revamped course, aiming to push his limits and enjoy the support of the Rio crowd.
During coverage of the Rio Marathon 2026, the Stemma Sports studio hosted Carlos Souza, affectionately known as Carlinhos. A former triathlete with a notable race history, Carlos now dedicates his energy and focus exclusively to marathons, having abandoned swimming and cycling to delve deeper into running.
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The Journey of a Sub-3 Marathoner
Carlos Souza is a name that resonates among marathoners for his consistency and performance. He proudly boasts sub-3-hour times in prestigious marathons. His first race at this distance was the Rio Marathon 2024, where he not only completed the race but also clocked an impressive 2:58:31. The achievement was so significant that he had it tattooed, immortalizing the feat on his skin.
Not content with that, Carlos took his talent to the international stage, participating in the challenging Berlin Marathon, where he once again crossed the finish line in under three hours, with a time of 2:59:56, securing another "sub-3" for his resume.
Rio Marathon 2026: New Course and Old Passion
The Rio Marathon 2026 features a course change, returning to a route Carlos describes as the "old" one. This novelty ignites a special spark in the athlete, who sees the alteration as an opportunity to test himself. "Playing at home is much better; we have the crowd, all the support from the people, that makes all the difference," Carlos emphasizes, highlighting the passion and motivation that the Rio public provides.
To adapt to the new (or old) route, Carlos undertook long runs of up to 36 km, starting from Reserva and finishing in Copacabana and Aterro, mapping and familiarizing himself with every turn and elevation. The Stemma Sports presenter mentions that, while the current route is more "straightforward," it might present some "small climbs," something Carlos, with his focused training, faces without concern. The forecast for mild weather (12 to 13 degrees Celsius) for the race adds a positive factor to expectations.
The Goal: Lowering the Time and Enjoying the Crowd
With dedication and focus on running, Carlos Souza's main objective for the Rio Marathon 2026 is clear: to beat his personal best time and aim for an even better mark. He relies on the crowd's energy and his preparation to tackle the "small climbs" and any challenge the course might present.
A new feature for runners and fans is the presence of a camera at the finish line arch, filming all participants until the last athlete crosses the line, around noon or 1 PM. For Carlos, this is another incentive to give his best and record another great performance. Following the journey of athletes like Carlos Souza at the Rio Marathon is an inspiration for everyone looking to overcome limits and live their best version in sports.
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