Trail Announcing: Event Setup and Iconic Catchphrases
Fabiana Ferreira and Sidney Togumi reveal the behind-the-scenes world of race announcing and how finish-line catchphrases become iconic.
Trail running race announcing requires far more than just a voice; it relies on quality audio, legible bib numbers, and seamless event logistics. On Stemma Na Trilha, Fabiana Ferreira and Sidney Togumi share behind-the-scenes insights into their craft and the lasting impact of signature finish-line catchphrases on runners.
The infrastructure that makes race announcing work
For runners crossing the finish line exhausted after hours on the mountain, the race announcer's voice offers the ultimate welcome. Behind the scenes, however, calling hundreds of athletes across the line directly depends on the infrastructure provided by event organizers. On Stemma Na Trilha, announcer Fabiana Ferreira emphasized that simple technical details make all the difference in the final finish-line atmosphere.
Top priorities include bib number legibility—essential for spotting runners from a distance—and the quality of the sound system. A great voice loses its impact if the audio cuts out, has poor stage monitoring, or relies on a single speaker to cover the entire arena. Basic logistics, such as nearby lodging and quick access to restrooms, also matter significantly for someone spending the entire day on the microphone without being able to step away.
Unforeseen challenges and the commitment to greet every runner
Host Sidney Togumi recalled his first steps on the microphone at La Misión Brasil, when he took over announcing duties out of budget necessity and drew inspiration from Catherine Poletti, director of the UTMB, to stay in the finish arena until the final cutoff. The commitment to ensure no runner goes unannounced leads to unexpected moments, such as improvising race calls during brief breaks so no finisher's moment is missed.
Catchphrases that define the finish line
Over the years, recurring phrases used during commentary took on emotional resonance and became genuine trademarks for Fabiana. Expressions like "é ultra!", "é finisher!", and "pode chegar, pode chegar" have become part of many runners' goals, who look forward to hearing those exact words under the finish arch. This recognition has cemented a distinct identity in Brazilian trail running, earning respect from athletes and fellow professionals alike.