About This Race
The 25K at Paraty Brazil by UTMB serves as the longest single-loop option in the event series, delivering a full introduction to the Atlantic Forest without the repetitive nature of multi-loop courses. This distance suits runners transitioning from road racing or those seeking their first taste of technical coastal mountain trails in Brazil. The route navigates dense forest canopy and exposed sections, offering a genuine sampling of the region's trail character within a single effort. Runners experience the humidity and complexity of Brazil's coastal rainforest terrain while maintaining a time commitment that allows for recovery and exploration of Paraty's colonial center. The course demands respect for technical footing and heat management, but remains accessible to those with solid fitness and a willingness to adapt pacing to variable conditions. As part of the UTMB World Series, the race draws an international field and adheres to the organization's operational standards, though the setting itself—a UNESCO World Heritage site framed by mountains and ocean—provides the primary appeal beyond the competitive element.
The single-loop route explores varied Atlantic Forest terrain between the coastal plain and surrounding ridges. Runners navigate humid forest sections with technical root systems and rocky passages, requiring attention to foot placement throughout. The course includes exposed stretches where canopy breaks and runners face direct sun, demanding strategic hydration and heat management.
Location
Practical Info
Warm and humid, with September falling in Brazil's late winter/early spring. Daytime temperatures typically range from 20-25°C (68-77°F), though humidity remains high year-round in the coastal forest environment.
Paraty offers a range of pousadas (guesthouses) and hotels concentrated in the historic center and nearby beach areas. September sits outside peak Brazilian holiday periods, improving availability, though booking ahead of the race weekend remains advisable given the event's international draw.
Best For
Notable Features
The race operates within Brazil's Atlantic Forest biome, one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems and a priority conservation area. Paraty itself offers a preserved colonial center dating to the 17th century, with cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings that reflect its history as a gold trade port. The UTMB World Series designation brings international organization standards while the location provides distinctly Brazilian trail conditions rarely experienced outside South America.