João Pessoa hosts Corrida dos Parques with over 1,000 participants
More than a thousand runners completed the Corrida dos Parques – Etapa Parques do Bessa on Sunday morning in Parque Parahyba III, João Pessoa. Organized by the city’s Environment and Youth, Sports and Recreation departments, the race combined 5‑km and 10‑km runs, a 3‑km family walk, a children’s “Family Run” and a 3‑km canicross segment for participants and their dogs.
City officials highlighted the event’s environmental focus. Secretary of Environment Welison Silveira said, “The Corrida dos Parques is known as the greenest race in Brazil and, for each athlete enrolled, Semam will plant a tree in João Pessoa.” Executive secretary Dema Macedo added that the race aims to strengthen urban arborisation and preserve the city’s green spaces. As a result, more than a thousand tree seedlings will be planted, with additional seedlings donated to the public during the event.
Winners included Luiz Francisco (31) from Itabaiana, who took first place in the 10‑km race, and Maria da Conceição of Goiana, who won the women’s 5‑km. Participants praised the flat, green course and the community spirit of the day.