The Olympic spirit that inspires athletes is present in the carioca public, who make an effort to watch sporting events that take place in the city. On Sunday 12 October, the city temporarily became the world athletics capital, hosting the International Half Marathon – the most important outdoor competition in the calendar of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). The race began on the beach of São Conrado, one of the city’s beauty spots, followed by a 21 km route along the shore. 170 elite athletes from 41 countries, together with more than 15,000 runners, competed against a backdrop of exuberant natural landscape, famous for its juxtaposition alongside urban architecture.

Accustomed to hosting major open-air events, cariocas attended the Half Marathon in large numbers. Civil servant Cátia Bezerra makes a point of following all sports events that happen in the city: last year she used her vacation time to attend Pan American Games competitions. “We have this welcoming nature, and really like athletic achievements. The structure of the events gives us the sensation that we’re invited to a party in an organized and safe environment,” she said.

Cariocas are enthusiastic spectators: many people got up at the crack of dawn to occupy the viewing stands close to the final stretch of the Half Marathon. Cíntia Feijó arrived very early to ensure her place. Fan number one of her husband, who competes in marathons in Rio, she said she doesn’t tire of watching the city’s lively races. 

The spectators often organize themselves into groups, traveling to other cities to watch sports events. Businesswoman Nelina Barros lives in Rio das Ostras, two hours from Rio de Janeiro. She is a member of a group of around 50 people, including participants and spectators: “We came here because of the sporting spirit. Rio welcomes us very well and always puts on a good show.”