The Cristo Half Marathon, held this Sunday (19), took 1,500 runners on a route between the Tijuca Forest, the Corcovado Train, and Largo do Boticário, in Cosme Velho, South Zone of Rio. The rain and cloudy skies did not deter participants aged 16 to 80, who ran the route to the monument. In addition to locals, the race also attracted many Brazilian and foreign tourists.

The first runners to cross the finish line at the foot of Christ the Redeemer, before the monument opened to the public at around 6:30 a.m., were given thermal blankets, raincoats, tea, and coffee to ward off the cold. The race started in the Tijuca Forest, then the competitors descended via the Corcovado Train and finished the race with a samba circle at Largo do Boticário. Participants were divided into two distances, 10k and 21k.

Four-time champion, professional athlete, and physical educator Daniel Heleno was the first to cross the finish line in the 10k. "Although this isn't my first time in this race, the feeling is always unique, it's wonderful. I am Brazilian, I am from Rio de Janeiro, I was born in the cradle of samba. I came to break my race record, but today I was forced to change my strategy. Even so, I am satisfied with the result. It is an inexplicable happiness. It feels like I held my daughter in my arms, so the feeling is unique," said the 10k champion in five editions of the Cristo Half Marathon.

Among the women in the shorter distance, the winner was Bianca Ferreira, who came first in all editions of the race. "I'm very happy, I love the course, I always make a point of being here and I intend to continue coming to this wonderful race. I'm from Rio and I'm always training here. Although it's a familiar course for me, the place is beautiful and that motivates me. It's always a pleasure to be here," said the physical education professional.

In the 21k, Rodrigo Botelho crossed the finish line in first place. "This race is very special because I had come close a few times, but today, after four editions, I won. The race was very tough with the rain, but the temperature was very good. The finish is always very tough, which is no surprise to anyone. It's very steep and we're coming off a steep descent, but I was well prepared," he celebrates.

In the women's longest distance, Luiza Cravo was the fastest woman. "It was a very fun race. The rain is a bit of a nuisance, but you just have to be careful not to slip, not to speed up on the descent, especially me, since I'm not a trail runner. It's a beautiful race anyway, even with this rain, it doesn't lose anything. I love climbing, I have a lot of fun," celebrates the two-time 21k champion, who won her first title in 2023.

This year's edition broke the record for foreign participants, with runners from almost 30 countries taking part. "Being present at the Cristo Half Marathon, especially in such a symbolic year for Olympikus, is more than just supporting a race: it is celebrating the deep connection we have with the runners and with the unique energy of Rio de Janeiro. Seeing thousands of people of different ages and nationalities braving the rain and climbing to reach the foot of Christ the Redeemer is inspiring. This race perfectly reflects what we believe, that running is about overcoming challenges, emotion, and community," said Bianca Dallegrave, marketing manager at Olympikus, sponsor of the Marathon.

The route, with the most beautiful scenery in Rio, is one of the great attractions of the competition. "This is a race that arouses interest in those who have never done this tourist tour, but also encourages those who have already done it to return, because it has the appeal of running in a forest within the city, enjoying this natural beauty, but also pursuing performance for tougher races. Everyone seeks to celebrate an achievement when crossing the finish line," said the director of the Meia do Cristo and partner at Effecf Sport, Claudia Porto.

The Cristo Half Marathon is the first race licensed by the Archdiocesan Shrine of Christ the Redeemer, and part of the proceeds are donated to social projects supported by the Cristo Sustentável Consortium. The race was also part of the calendar of events commemorating the monument's 94th anniversary, in conjunction with the activities of the Shrine's Sports and Faith Center, which promotes a commitment to sports.