Stemma Roundup: Kipchoge, Nilson Lima, Harry Styles, & More

One of the most intriguing aspects of the event was the presence of Natura, which launched Kaiak 21k, a perfume inspired by the emotional experience of running a half marathon. This activation sparked discussions about the increasing entry of brands from different sectors into the running scene, highlighting the potential to foster the sport while also emphasizing the importance of continuous engagement and truly specific products.

Belo Horizonte Marathon: A New Landmark on the National Calendar

The capital of Minas Gerais confirmed the Belo Horizonte Marathon for 2027, scheduled for the first Sunday after Mother's Day. This initiative reinforces BH's position as a city that invests in sports tourism, recognizing the positive impact running events can have on the local economy. The winners of the first edition were Gilberto Lopes, who completed the race in 2:27, and Eulália dos Santos, with a time of 2:52 in the women's category.

Nilson Lima's Odyssey to Cape Town

Renowned Brazilian marathoner Nilson Lima, with over 410 marathons and ultramarathons under his belt, faced an unexpected challenge when attempting to board a flight for the Cape Town Marathon. After participating in the Nilson Lima Marathon in Uberlândia, which attracted 4,000 runners, he was prevented from traveling to South Africa. The reason: his passport did not have a complete blank page for the entry stamp, a specific bureaucratic requirement of the country. Despite his vast international experience, Nilson had to seek an emergency passport to avoid missing the race.

Iguaçu Falls Half Marathon: Running in Paradise

The Iguaçu Falls Half Marathon once again captivated athletes and the public with its course amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Iguaçu Falls. The 2026 edition featured over 5,000 athletes and introduced a new feature: the event was split into two days, with 10.5 km races on Saturday and 21 km on Sunday. Runners who tackled both courses participated in the "Jaguar Challenge," which offered a themed medal, complementing the coati (10.5k) and toucan (21k) medals that honor local wildlife. In the 21 km elite, Alfred Ngeno from Kenya won the men's race with 1:06:34, and Viola Kosgei claimed the women's title.

Kipchoge in South Africa: Cape Town Eyes Major Status

The Cape Town Marathon has become a major highlight in the running world, especially due to its bid to join the elite group of World Marathon Majors. The race boasts an international-level structure and the participation of Eliud Kipchoge, the greatest marathoner in history, who serves as an ambassador for the bid, advocating for Africa's inclusion in the global circuit. Cape Town also marks the start of Kipchoge's ambitious tour, where he plans to run seven marathons on seven continents over the next two years. The event's significance was further amplified by the launch of the new Adidas Adizero Boston 13, with a "major" aesthetic, capitalizing on the race week's visibility. For runners, there's news that if Cape Town is certified, this year's participations will have retroactive validity as a Major.

International Porto Alegre Olympikus Marathon: Record-Breaking Edition

The International Porto Alegre Olympikus Marathon, scheduled for May 30 and 31, has sold out its registrations and promises to be the largest edition in its history, with a total of 30,000 runners. Of these, 10,000 will participate in the full marathon, 13,000 in the half marathon, and 7,000 in the 5 and 10 km races. This year's event offers record prize money and bonuses for breaking Brazilian records, in addition to a redesigned course and an earlier start. Olympikus has solidified its partnership with the event, becoming the official 'name rights' sponsor, reinforcing the synergy between the brand and one of the country's most beloved races.

"Estema na Trilha": The New Podcast for Trail Running Enthusiasts

The world of trail running and mountain races has gained a new discussion space with the debut of the podcast "Estema na Trilha." Hosted by Sidney Togumi, the program focuses on outdoor races and has already released its first episode, featuring Gustavo Nogueira, organizer of the renowned Indomit. The podcast explores the behind-the-scenes, growth, and challenges of organizing races in natural environments, making it an excellent option for those seeking specialized content. New episodes are released every Tuesday.

Nike Distributes Alphafly 3 at Brooklyn Half: Inventory or Marketing?

Nike surprised runners at the Brooklyn Half in New York by distributing Alphafly 3 shoes for free at the finish line. The action sparked speculation: was it a strategy to clear inventory before the launch of the Alphafly 4, whose prototype has already been spotted on athletes like Kiplimo at the London Marathon? Or a bold marketing move? Either way, the free distribution of high-performance shoes was an unexpected and very welcome treat for selected participants.

Run with Your Heart: A Lesson in Life and Prevention

The NGO Corre com o Coração (Run with Your Heart) will undertake a high-impact initiative at the Porto Alegre Marathon, with 130 volunteers and 42 defibrillators strategically distributed along the course – one every kilometer. This initiative was born from a tragic event in 2025, when young runner João Gabriel Ross Rostater de Lamari, 20, passed away during the Porto Alegre Half Marathon. The sad episode became a wake-up call, and today the NGO is dedicated to promoting awareness and cardiac prevention actions in sports, underscoring the importance of caring for athletes' cardiovascular health.

Paraguay Produces for Giants: Nike and Adidas "Made in Mercosur"

The DAS Group, one of Brazil's largest in the sports sector, announced a 40 million investment to establish a new factory in Paraguay. The new unit will produce apparel for global brands such as Adidas, Nike, and Umbro, taking advantage of the country's maquila regime, which offers tax incentives and reduced operational costs for export-focused companies. This strategy reinforces South America's growing importance not only as a consumer market but also as a production hub for the global sports industry.

Exclusive Jewel: Rio Marathon Gets Additional Shine

The Rio Marathon will be celebrated with a special jewel created by Luciana Cachen Joias. The piece, inspired by the race course and the Marvelous City, will be launched at the event's Expo, at Marina da Glória, during athlete kit collection. Luciana Cachen, also a marathoner and triathlete, is known for her sports collections that allude to challenges and achievements, such as her jewels inspired by the World Marathon Majors. This novelty offers runners a "luxury version" to immortalize their accomplishments.

Harry Styles "Runs for Fun": The Pop Star's Runner Persona

Singer Harry Styles has revealed his passion for running, integrating the sport into his "Together Together" tour. He launched merchandise such as a "Run for fun" t-shirt with a vintage road race aesthetic. Styles, who has completed sub-3-hour marathons, also transformed his concert sets into running tracks, creating a performance that is, in itself, a workout. This fusion of music and running demonstrates the sport's growing influence across different cultural spheres and the increasingly versatile profile of artists.

New Balance: The Unusual Chicken Foot Inspiration

The story behind the founding of New Balance in 1906 reveals a curious and unusual inspiration: founder William Riley reportedly observed the balance of chickens and their three-clawed feet to create the first arch support insoles. More than a century later, this observation gave rise to one of the most iconic brands, becoming a fashion symbol and an unquestionable reference in running, with legendary models like the 990 and 1080. A simple observation of nature paved the way for the brand's global success.