What is the name of the annual New Year’s Eve run held in São Paulo, Brazil?

The annual New Year’s Eve run held in São Paulo, Brazil, is the São Silvestre Road Race.

The race takes place on December 31 and is one of Brazil’s best-known sporting traditions. It is named for Saint Sylvester, whose feast day falls on December 31 in the Western Christian calendar. The event combines a competitive elite race with broad public participation, making it part of São Paulo’s New Year’s Eve identity rather than merely a professional athletics meeting.

The race was founded in 1925 by journalist Cásper Líbero. Early editions were held at night, and the event later developed into an internationally recognized road race. The course and distance have changed over its history; the modern race is generally described as a 15-kilometre event through São Paulo.

It is sometimes confused with Rio de Janeiro’s New Year celebrations because both cities host major Brazilian events. The São Silvestre race is specifically associated with São Paulo and is held before midnight on December 31.