Niterói schedules two major 2026 running events

The city of Niterói, Brazil, will host two high‑profile road races in 2026. The Desafio Araribóia is set for July 12 and will feature 5‑km and 10‑km runs plus a 2.5‑km walk, attracting around 800 athletes. The course winds through the city centre, Gragoatá and Icaraí, starting at Praça Branca, and is promoted as a boost for local tourism and hospitality.

The Desafio da Ponte is scheduled for August 2, covering a 21‑km route that includes a crossing of the Rio–Niterói Bridge before finishing at Rio de Janeiro’s Boulevard Olímpico. Participants must meet performance criteria and submit proof of recent race results. Registration costs R$ 499. Organisers highlighted sustainability measures such as replacing plastic cups with water sachets and installing protective nets that removed over 130 kg of debris from the bay. A new official shirt, designed with a blue gradient inspired by the bay’s waters, was also unveiled.