Mariana Scarpelli: Nutrition, Elite Racing, and UTMB
The La Mission champion details her transition to ultras, her plant-based diet, and her preparation for Chamonix.
In a conversation with Sidney Togumi on Stemma Na Trilha, Mariana Scarpelli reflects on her journey from road running to the top of Brazilian mountain ultramarathons. The athlete discusses her plant-based nutrition routine and her strategy for competing in the OCC at UTMB.
Mariana Scarpelli's journey in trail running didn't begin in youth athletics or with a childhood sports background. Born in São Paulo and living in Imbituba at Praia do Rosa (Santa Catarina) for over a decade, the athlete built her athletic foundation in adulthood, moving from road racing to technical mountain terrain.
With a background in nutrition and a 14-year commitment to a vegan diet, Scarpelli has established herself as one of the sport's top names in Brazil. In an interview with Sidney Togumi on Stemma Na Trilha, she shared behind-the-scenes insights into training alongside her husband and coach, Luiz, her approach to endurance nutrition, and her plan for the OCC (60 km) at the prestigious UTMB Chamonix.
From road racing to mountain ultramarathons
The move from São Paulo to the Santa Catarina coast marked a turning point in Mariana's athletic journey. Following experiences in road 10Ks and half marathons, meeting trail runners staying at the inn she managed sparked her interest in mountain terrain. Her debut came at the Amazing Runs challenge in Garopaba, combining 25 km and 10 km courses in the same weekend, where she secured second place overall.
Her partnership with Luiz—a physical education professional and founder of the Animal Runners coaching group—professionalized her preparation. Beyond the physical development that turned her into an adept climber, their work focused on managing pre-race anxiety and building the competitive mindset required to race at the front of the pack.
The breakthrough and victories at La Mission
Although she had collected regional podiums, Scarpelli points to the 2023 edition of Jaraguá Sky as the definitive turning point in her national career. By finishing in the top three of the 52 km race, just four minutes behind Letícia Saltori in a stacked field, the athlete achieved her highest ITRA performance score and the confidence needed to contend in major races.
Her subsequent momentum confirmed her top form: victories in the 53 km at La Mission Brasil in 2023, the 50 km title at Indomit Pedra do Baú, and triumph in the 80 km at La Mission in 2024. Mariana highlights her analytical and strategic approach to racing, studying rivals' strengths on flat sections and technical climbs to pace herself effectively from the start.
Plant-based sports nutrition and demystifying the basics
With two decades of experience in nutrition, Scarpelli argues that peak performance doesn't rely on overly complicated formulas. For the runner, human physiology continues to respond exceptionally well to the basics done right: a balanced intake of macronutrients, sufficient intra-workout carbohydrates, and traditional whole meals like rice and beans.
The athlete notes significant improvements in mountain race support, with aid stations increasingly equipped to serve vegetarians, vegans, and runners with dietary intolerances. According to Scarpelli, a plant-based diet optimizes digestion and accelerates muscle recovery—crucial factors when preparing for ultra-distance races.
The Alpine challenge at the OCC in Chamonix
After representing the Brazilian skyrunning team twice in Italy—at the Veia SkyRace (2022) and the Royal Ultra SkyMarathon (2023), navigating sections above 3,100 meters in elevation—Mariana's international focus shifts to the Mont Blanc massif. Her goal in the OCC (60 km) is to contend for top finishes among South American athletes on alpine terrain.
Fun fact: fear of heights during training
Despite tackling technical ridges and exposed sections during mountain races, Mariana reveals that she deals with a pronounced fear of heights in everyday life. She notes that the safety measures of sanctioned race courses help keep fear at bay, but during private training runs—such as an ascent up Pico do Itaguaré—the steep exposure has required physical support from training partners to navigate rocky sections.