A monumental challenge

The city is an open-air museum, and running past its modern architecture, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, is an experience of a lifetime. The start and finish of the race are at the Esplanade of Ministries, where we find Brasília’s main monuments such as the National Congress, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Museum.

The highlight of the course is between 7–11 km, when runners cross the JK Bridge and enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Paranoá at sunrise. From kilometres 14 to 35, we run along Avenida das Nações, where most of the 130 embassies in Brazil’s capital are located. The Monumental Marathon also features three other distances that take place on the same weekend: on Saturday there are 5km and 10km races in the late afternoon, and on Sunday the main distances (marathon and half marathon) start at sunrise!

The best-prepared athletes have the option of running both days, completing the Monumental Challenge and receiving a special third medal upon finishing. There are also trophies for age groups and TOP 42 and TOP 21 medals for the fastest runners in their respective distances. In its 7th edition, with the expectation of having more than 15,000 athletes participating, the MMB seeks to consolidate itself as one of the main races in South America. It already attracts many participants by being part of the prestigious Mega Finisher circuit (www.megafinisher.com), which brings together 5 marathons in 5 South American capitals and offers a special medal to those who complete 5 marathons or 5 half-marathons in 60 months. So, for anyone wanting to get to know Brazil’s capital, the Monumental Marathon is an inspiring event that, over its two days, offers participants different experiences, as well as the chance to explore a safe and modern city.

Brasília is a city with great potential to receive visitors from all over the world, and running along its wide avenues is something rarely seen in other major races globally. The mild, rainy climate of November makes participating in Brazil’s most monumental marathon very inviting.