Sports
From Adventure Racing to Trail Rules with Sidney Togumi
Shubi Guimarães and Sidney Togumi analyze the evolution of mountain running in Brazil and the challenges of CBAt regulations.
Shubi Guimarães and Sidney Togumi discuss the evolution from adventure racing to the rise of trail running in Brazil. The conversation covers mountain safety, women's growing presence in ultras, and regulatory challenges with athletics federations.
In a meeting between Brazilian outdoor sports pioneers, Shubi Guimarães and Sidney Togumi look back on the journey that shaped the nation's adventure racing scene and discuss trail running's biggest current dilemmas. The conversation offers a comprehensive overview of behind-the-scenes stories from iconic races, mountain safety, the growing strength of female ultra runners, and the pursuit of regulatory consensus with sports governing bodies.
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
The early days of adventure racing in the 90s and 2000s
The story began in an era without GPS or social media, when discovering events depended on imported magazines and flyers posted in specialty outdoor shops. Sidney and Shubi recall their earliest experiences in classic races like EMA (Expedição Mata Atlântica) and Mário Lopes' circuit, recounting the improvisation, learning navigation using topographic maps and compasses, and the gradual transition from traditional sports to the wilderness.
The transition to trail running and La Misión Brasil
Over the years, trekking and self-sufficiency paved the way for pure trail running to grow. Sidney explains how traveling to Argentina to race La Misión led to creating the Brazilian edition in Serra Fina. The pair analyze the technical and structural standards of the event, regarded as one of the country's most challenging and safe races thanks to athlete care and deep respect for the alpine environment.
Shubi's growth as a race director and the Pantanal World Championship
Reflecting on her behind-the-scenes work at major events, Shubi looks back at her maturation as an organizer—from the extreme complexity of the Adventure Racing World Championship in the Pantanal to contemporary events like the Bota pra Correr circuit. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding diverse runner profiles and demystifies coexisting with Brazilian wildlife in remote environments.
Novice runner unpreparedness and mandatory safety gear
The rapid boom in trail running has raised an urgent concern: the lack of self-sufficiency among novice runners on high-mountain courses. Togumi and Shubi emphasize that mandatory gear, such as waterproof jackets and antihistamines, represents the absolute baseline for survival rather than unnecessary baggage. Time cutoffs and training camps emerge as vital tools to educate runners about real mountain risks.
The allure of extreme courses and the journey of overcoming limits
The attraction to races with massive vertical gain and technical terrain reflects a pursuit of authentic accomplishment. Shubi breaks down her meticulous hydration and pacing strategy that earned her an overall top-5 finish at La Misión at age 50, stressing that the enduring value of the sport lies in the preparation process and the mountain experience, far beyond any fleeting podium.
The rise and autonomy of women in ultramarathons
The growing presence of women in long-distance endurance events has transformed the global landscape, narrowing overall performance gaps and delivering impressive trail victories. The conversation explores high endurance thresholds and body awareness among female athletes, while advocating for greater independence and encouragement for more women to tackle extreme challenges without relying on support crews.
CBAt rules, athletics bureaucracy, and trail running challenges
Applying traditional track and field regulations directly to trail events creates practical and operational friction. Sidney and Shubi analyze requirements regarding bib placement, earphone bans, and athletes recording video, advocating for structured representation from the mountain running community to develop guidelines tailored to the technical realities of the trail.
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
