The Christ Half Marathon sets a record for foreign entries

With sponsorship from Olympikus, the Cristo Half Marathon is highly sought after by both Brazilians and foreigners. The event, which passes through one of the world's most famous postcards, has registrations almost sold out just over two months before the race. More than 70% of the 1,500 spots have already been filled to run 10k or 21k on October 19th. Interested parties can register through the website meiamaratonadocristo.com.br.

The presence of foreigners in the 5th edition of the event has two historical milestones: the total number of participants from outside Brazil (about 10% of the participants) and the number of countries represented. From the 17 nations, the newcomers are South Africa, Germany, Australia, Chile, Finland, France, Norway, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The other countries completing the participant list are: Argentina, Belgium, Colombia, United States, Netherlands, Peru, and United Kingdom.

According to data from Embratur last year, the city of Rio de Janeiro was the most searched national destination by Brazilians. And among foreigners, according to the Ministry of Tourism, it ranks second. When looking at the entire state of Rio, the data is impressive: just in January of this year, 240,000 international tourists passed through the fluminense cities, which is 46% more than the same period in 2024. 

“We know that this is not magic. Rio has its natural charms, but that's just not enough. We can see how the work that has been done by the tourism, entertainment, and sports industries, in my case, has solidified the arrival and return of many foreign tourists,” comments Pedro Monteiro, CEO of Effect Sport.

Among Brazilians, runners from 24 states are confirmed, the majority of registrants are from Rio de Janeiro (61%), followed by neighboring states São Paulo (12%) and Minas (7%). The runners of the Cristo Half Marathon will have the right to visit the Christ the Redeemer monument and descend on the Corcovado Train through the Forest after completing the course. The Cristo Half Marathon is licensed by the Archdiocesan Sanctuary Christ the Redeemer, with part of the proceeds going to social works supported by the Cristo Sustentável Consortium. The race will also be part of the commemorative calendar for the 94th anniversary of Christ the Redeemer, integrating into the set of actions of the Sports and Faith Core of the Sanctuary, which always promotes a commitment to sports. 

In partnership with the Rio Othon Palace, a traditional hotel located on Copacabana Beach, the Rio Half Marathon offers a discount for all participants of the race on reservations made from 16 to 20/10 using the coupon MMCOTHON. To take advantage of this special condition, the reservation must be made through the website: www.othon.com.br. 

“It is a great satisfaction to support events like the Cristo Half Marathon, which values sports and promotes Rio de Janeiro to Brazil and the world. It means contributing to the strengthening of tourism, generating unique experiences for athletes and visitors, and reinforcing the role of the city as a stage for events that unite sports, leisure, and culture. The Rio Othon Palace is very proud of this partnership,” says Jorge Chaves, Commercial and Operations Director of Rede Othon. 

The scenery of the two courses is the Tijuca National Park, the 2nd largest urban forest in the world. In the 21K, the start is at Estrada da Vista Chinesa, at the entrance of Tijuca National Park, in Horto (Botanical Garden), passing by Vista Chinesa, Mesa do Imperador, Alto da Boa Vista, Paineiras Visitor Center and reaching the feet of Christ the Redeemer. In the 10K, the start occurs at Alto da Boa Vista, at the entrance of the park via Estrada do Redentor, passing by Paineiras Visitor Center, Alto da Boa Vista, and reaching the feet of Christ the Redeemer.

The Cristo Half Marathon, which is one of the 50 races selected by Olympikus to celebrate the brand's 50 years of dedication to national sports, has the Rio Othon Palace as the official hotel. The event is supported by Água Na Caixa, Bananinha Paraibuna, BIBI Sucos, Bold, LINUS, Livealoe, and Ozü Solar, and has media partnerships with Visit Rio and B.drops.

SERVICE

CRISTO HALF MARATHON

When: October 19th

Distances: 10k and 21k

Registration: meiamaratonadocristo.com.br