Post-Race Vibes and Kids' Races with Fabiana Ferreira
Announcer details the power of families in race arenas, kids' heats in Paraty, and mountain post-race celebrations.
When the arena sound system turns off, the lasting memory is of the families and children waiting hours for the athletes. On Stemma Na Trilha, Fabiana Ferreira shares lighthearted backstage stories and post-race moments in mountain running.
When the race ends and the arena sound system is turned off, the most powerful image left with Fabiana Ferreira is not just the winners, but the families brought together. In a conversation with Sidney Togumi on Stemma Na Trilha, the race announcer highlighted the strong presence of parents and children who spend hours in the arena waiting for ultramarathon runners to cross the finish line.
From Family Cheering to Kids' Races in Paraty
For Fabiana, the children of ultramarathoners grow up accustomed to the demanding routine of the sport, learning early on to wait patiently for up to 15 or 20 hours to see their parents cross the finish line. This involvement directly reflects the growth of children's categories in national trail running.
One example cited by the announcer was the event in Paraty, which brought together between 300 and 400 children in the kids' heats. The relaxed atmosphere was contagious for Fabi herself, who ended up running alongside the final heat—of teens aged 14 and 15—across the historic center's cobblestone streets in road running shoes, before returning to the stage to host the awards ceremony.
Karaoke, Axé, and the 'Mountain Carnival Block'
Versatility in the arena often goes beyond traditional announcing into post-race celebrations. At events like Bota pra Correr, Fabi took charge of the official karaoke during the athletes' post-race get-together.
At La Misión Brasil, the starting arch took on the festive vibe of a Brazilian carnival float to the sounds of Bahian music and Daniela Mercury, creating what runners dubbed the 'mountain block' or 'Fabi's block.' According to her, this fusion of running, entertainment, and celebration turns the trail racing experience into a welcoming environment for both competitors and their families.