Cleusa Uenaka Recalls Moving Encounters in Road Races
From the Rio Marathon to mutual perseverance in Bonito, the runner shares stories of connection and inspiration with her fans.
Cleusa Uenaka shared the most emotional moments she has experienced alongside supporters at races across Brazil. From young children in Maceió to a tearful finish line in Bonito, the athlete highlights the power of mutual encouragement in running.
The presence of Cleusa Uenaka at road running events across Brazil often draws long lines of fans seeking a hug, a photo, and words of encouragement. Appearing on the Se Liga Nelas podcast by Stemma Sports—an episode that also touched on other chapters of her life—the athlete shared how connecting with runners transforms the sporting experience into something that goes far beyond individual results.
A warm reception from fans and children
The public's outpouring of affection was unmistakable during memorable appearances such as the Rio Marathon and races across the Northeast. In Maceió, for instance, the warmth began as early as Friday practice sessions at the race arena and extended to the kids' marathon, where four- and five-year-olds asked for photos, called Cleusa grandma, and insisted on holding their medals together.
Mutual perseverance under the rain in Bonito
Among the most memorable experiences Cleusa recounted was a 5K race in Bonito. Starting in the late afternoon amid sweltering heat of nearly 38°C (100°F) and fatigue accumulated from days of sightseeing in the region, the race featured a steep uphill finish accompanied by a heavy summer storm. With about 800 meters to go, exhaustion nearly forced her to stop.
At that decisive moment, another participant approached, calling her name and revealing she had only entered the race hoping to meet Cleusa, though she also doubted she could finish. Supporting one another—one with an arm around the waist, the other around the neck—the two pushed forward together until crossing the finish line in tears, overcoming physical exhaustion through the power of companionship.
A reunion and the reaffirmation of purpose
The impact of that mutual support resonated long after that day. Later, during the Campo Grande Marathon, the same runner made a point to visit the hotel where Cleusa was staying to hug her and say thank you, sharing that the energy exchanged in that final stretch was the turning point that kept her from ever giving up the sport.
For Cleusa, moments of affirmation like this reinforce that the encouragement shared across social media and on racecourses creates real change, keeping the drive to stay in motion alive.