Sports
Naval Freitas: The Journey of a Brazilian Trail Running Pioneer
Discover how Naval Freitas, from road race champion to icon, shaped trail running in Brazil and is planning the sport's future.
Sidney Togumi welcomes Naval Freitas, one of Brazil's trail running pioneers. The conversation delves into the sport's origins, Naval's transition from road to mountain, his championship victories, and his experience as a race organizer. The episode also unveils a new and ambitious project for the future of trail running in Maracás, Bahia.
The Stemma Na Trilha episode welcomes Naval Freitas, a true legend of Brazilian trail running, for an in-depth conversation with host Sidney Togumi. A long-time friend of Sidney's, Naval is one of the sport's great pioneers in the country, with a trajectory intertwined with the history of mountain running itself since the 2000s.
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From Asphalt to Mountain: Naval Freitas' First Steps
Naval Freitas began his career in road races, with impressive times such as 29 minutes and 45 seconds in the 10km and 1 hour and 6 minutes in the half marathon. However, he realized that the high competitiveness of road racing would lead him down a more arduous path. It was then that he migrated to mountain running, a term used at the time for what we now know as trail running.
His transition was an immediate success due to his speed and prior experience. Naval excelled in the circuits and quickly began representing Brazil in international competitions. His first participation in a South American Championship was in 2005, in Caracas, Venezuela, at the 12km distance, which is now considered the "classic race" in the global scene. Throughout his career, he represented Brazil five times in South American Championships, winning the title on three occasions and being runner-up twice.
Brazilian Champion and the Initial Challenges of Trail Running
Naval Freitas is a three-time Brazilian mountain running champion. He details the sport's beginnings in Brazil, recalling a Brazilian Championship in Mairiporã in the early 2000s, where he finished second to Ananias da Silva, who is considered the first Brazilian 12km champion. At that time, organization was still establishing itself, and Naval recounts that athletes often ran for passion and for "prize money," unaware that races offered spots in international championships.
Race organization was rustic, with timing done "by nail" (a manual system with tags), in contrast to current technology. Naval also mentions the fundamental role of Fábio Galvão and his Paulista Mountain Running Cup, which were essential for the sport's development. Cities like São Bento do Sapucaí, Santo Antônio do Pinhal, and Passa Quatro became emblematic for Brazilian trail running thanks to these pioneering events.
From Athlete to Organizer: La Mission and the Sport's Evolution
Naval's passion for challenges led him to organize his own races. After some disagreements with Fábio Galvão, Naval decided to create events with even more technical and demanding courses. The Metropolitan Mountain Running Circuit was an example, known for its brutal trails and challenging altimetry, like the iconic race at Fazenda 4x4, in Guarulhos.
His expertise as an organizer was crucial to the success of the early years of La Mission, one of Latin America's largest ultratrail events. In 2013 and 2014, Naval served as head of a control point at Flona (Floresta Nacional de São Francisco Xavier), setting up complete structures for athletes. Sidney Togumi recalls a significant conversation where, facing organizational challenges, he almost handed the event over to Naval, who refused, demonstrating his focus on partnership and support.
Trail Running Today and the Future in Maracás, Bahia
Naval Freitas observes the "gigantic" growth of trail running in Brazil, estimating a 200% increase since its early days. However, he warns about the importance of event organization and safety, especially for beginners, to avoid negative experiences that might deter new participants. He also compares the attitude of Brazilian athletes, who tend to complain more, with that of participants in international events, who accept conditions with more flexibility.
Looking to the future, Naval reveals an ambitious project: organizing a major trail running event in his hometown, Maracás, Bahia, for April 2027. The city, known as "Bahian Switzerland" due to its high altitude and cold climate, will host 50km, 21km, 10km, and 5km races, in addition to a cycling tour, seeking to foster the sport in the region and celebrate local culture, with the support of the city council and the community.
Naval Freitas is living proof that the history of Brazilian trail running is rich and built by passionate and dedicated people. His journey, from athlete to organizer and now planner of new horizons, is a testament to the resilience and community spirit that drive the sport in Brazil. His story reminds us of the importance of valuing and learning from the pioneers who blazed the trails that so many now follow.
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