NB 42k Porto Alegre 2026: Marilson and Adauto's Analysis

The Stemma Sports studio at the NB 42k Porto Alegre 2026 Expo opened its doors to welcome two of the greatest legends of Brazilian athletics: Marilson dos Santos, three-time New York Marathon champion, and Adauto Domingues, two-time Pan American champion in the 3,000m steeplechase. In a relaxed conversation with host Fabio Bessa, the sports icons shared their perspectives on the upcoming exciting broadcast, the transition from competition to sports commentary, and valuable insights for athletes of all levels, including the highly anticipated debut of Fábio de Jesus in the queen's distance.

The Thrill of Commentating: A New Perspective for Sports Legends

For Marilson dos Santos and Adauto Domingues, the role of commentators for the NB 42k Porto Alegre 2026 broadcast is a unique experience. Marilson describes the feeling as if he himself were about to run. "It feels like I'm going to run, you know, because the expectation for this race is so immense," he confesses, reflecting his enduring passion for the sport. Adauto adds, highlighting the significant evolution of the race, which "has gained a very high status" since its first year, driving the pursuit of better marks on Brazilian soil. The arrival of big names, such as the indirect mention of Eliud Kipchoge (who attracts the attention of other agents), and the presence of many high-level athletes elevate the event's importance. Both express the pleasure of "talking about running," a universe they have mastered and loved since the 70s, in Adauto's case, and which remains a constant passion for them.

The Philosophy of Long-Term Training: Lessons from Marilson and Kipchoge

The discussion delved into the philosophy of long-term training and the crucial relationship of trust between athlete and coach. Fabio Bessa brought up the longevity of the partnership between Eliud Kipchoge and his coach Patrick Sang, which began when Kipchoge was just 16 years old. Adauto Domingues, who competed with Sang in the same generation, including events like the 1987 Rome World Championships and the 1988 Olympics, reinforced the depth of such a relationship. Marilson, in turn, was coached by Adauto for over two decades (from 1994 to 2016), and emphasizes: "You have to believe in the training plan." He observes that many athletes today, especially amateurs, err by frequently changing coaches or altering their training plans based on conflicting information from the internet. "You have to believe, because it's a person prepared for that," Marilson points out, emphasizing the importance of a qualified professional. Real improvement and performance in road running are the result of persistent dedication and a well-defined long-term strategy, without seeking instant results.

Smart Race Day Strategy: Advice from Adauto and Marilson

For the thousands of runners preparing to line up at the start of the NB 42k Porto Alegre, Adauto Domingues offered advice that can make all the difference. The maxim is clear: "those who trained, trained." He vehemently warns against the temptation to make last-minute changes, whether in nutrition, hydration, or sports equipment. Trying something new on race day, influenced by others, is a common and inadvisable mistake. "There's no point thinking you're prepared to run 3 hours and 30, 3 hours and 20, and then saying, 'No, I'm going to go with Kipchoge, I want to run 2:10.' It's not going to happen," Adauto emphasizes, illustrating the need to respect one's own pace and preparation. The key is to maintain your routine and training pattern. Marilson dos Santos reinforces a vital point: rest in the days leading up to the race is "essential" for the body and mind to arrive with the necessary energy and willpower for the run.

The Great Unknown: Fábio de Jesus' Marathon Debut

A topic that generated particular interest was the eagerly anticipated debut of Fábio de Jesus in the 42km distance. Known for his success and impressive times in half-marathons (such as his best time in Rio de Janeiro), the transition to the marathon presents a new challenge. Adauto Domingues explains that, despite Fábio's "good year," the marathon demands a crucial attribute that goes beyond speed: durability. "It's how much you lose, right, in the final part," Adauto details, reminding that many great half-marathon athletes cannot replicate the same success in the marathon due to the lack of this specific characteristic. The anxiety of a professional athlete, who might be tempted to follow faster groups or ambitious pacers, is a factor to be managed. "We'll only know that tomorrow, in practice," Adauto states, highlighting the unpredictability of a debut. He cites Kipchoge's marathon debut in London as an example of unexpected success, but points out that many other athletes were not as lucky, demonstrating that half-marathon results do not always translate directly to the full marathon. There's great support for Fábio de Jesus to exceed expectations and have a memorable debut.

With the promise of a spectacular race and the contagious energy of veterans like Marilson dos Santos and Adauto Domingues, Stemma Sports' coverage for the NB 42k Porto Alegre 2026 promises to be unmissable. The wisdom and experience of these champions not only prepare the public for the broadcast but also inspire runners to value the process, trust, and patience in their athletic journey. Stemma Sports invites everyone to follow the live broadcast, starting at 5:30 AM, on the system's channel, promising complete and exciting coverage.