The Sao Paulo Marathon (Maratona de Sao Paulo) is Brazil's largest marathon, taking runners through the sprawling, energetic streets of South America's biggest city. The course passes iconic landmarks including the Ibirapuera Park, Avenida Paulista, and the Obelisk of Sao Paulo. With over 20 million people in its metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is a city of staggering cultural diversity, world-class gastronomy, and infectious Brazilian energy.
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Race day gear matters. A major marathon deserves the right shoes — see our best marathon running shoes for data-backed recommendations.
The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Sao Paulo Marathon 2026 |
| Date | Sunday, April 12, 2026 |
| Venue | Obelisk of Sao Paulo, Ibirapuera Park (Start/Finish) |
| Address | Parque Ibirapuera, Sao Paulo, SP |
| Airport | Sao Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) |
April in Sao Paulo marks the beginning of autumn with temperatures around 16–22°C (61–72°F) and moderate humidity. Mornings can be pleasant for running. Our weather and marathon performance analysis explains how these conditions affect pacing.
Where to Stay
The Jardins neighbourhood is upscale, safe, and close to the race area. Vila Mariana and Moema are near Ibirapuera Park with good Metro access. Avenida Paulista offers a central location with easy transport links. Avoid staying too far from the centre due to traffic.
Getting There
From Sao Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Bus Service | 60–90 min | ~$12 | Routes to Paulista, Congonhas, and other areas |
| Taxi/Ride-share | 45–75 min | ~$26–40 | Depends heavily on traffic |
GRU is far from the city centre. Budget extra time for traffic. Ride-share apps (99, Uber) are widely used and affordable.
Where to Eat
Sao Paulo is arguably the best food city in South America, with incredible Japanese, Italian, Lebanese, and traditional Brazilian cuisine. Vila Madalena is trendy and eclectic. Liberdade has the largest Japanese community outside Japan. The Mercado Municipal is a must-visit.
Local Food to Try
- Coxinha — Teardrop-shaped fried dough filled with shredded chicken and cream cheese — Brazil's favourite snack
- Feijoada — Hearty black bean stew with pork, served with rice, farofa, and orange slices
- Pao de queijo — Warm, chewy cheese bread made with cassava flour — irresistibly addictive
Essential Tips
Currency. Brazilian Real (BRL). Cash vs card. Cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops. Cash useful for street vendors and markets. Tipping. Most restaurants include a 10% service charge (gorjeta). No additional tip expected. Language. Portuguese. English is limited outside upscale hotels and tourist areas. Weather. Warm autumn, 16–22°C (61–72°F), possible afternoon showers. Safety. Stick to well-travelled areas. Avoid displaying expensive items. Use ride-share apps rather than hailing taxis on the street.
What to See
- Ibirapuera Park — Sao Paulo's version of Central Park — 900 acres of green space with museums and running paths
- Avenida Paulista — The city's main avenue, buzzing with cultural centres, restaurants, and people-watching
- Pinacoteca do Estado — The oldest art museum in Sao Paulo with an outstanding Brazilian art collection
- Mercado Municipal — A stunning early-20th-century market hall famous for its mortadella sandwiches and tropical fruits
Quick Reference
| Need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | GRU, ~60 min by airport bus |
| Venue | Ibirapuera Park (Start/Finish) |
| Currency | Brazilian Real (BRL) |
| Cash needed? | Sometimes |
| Language | Portuguese |
| Weather | 16–22°C (61–72°F) |
| Emergency | 190 (police), 192 (ambulance) |
Race Preparation:
- What Is a Good Marathon Time? — Percentiles from 1.2M finishes to set your goal
- How Weather Affects Marathon Performance — What race-day conditions mean for your time
Gear:
- Best Marathon Running Shoes — Data-backed picks for race day
Training Plans:
- Marathon Training Plan — Structured programme for every goal time
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: June 2026.