In a stunning display of athletic prowess, Isaac Nader from the Benfica athletics club clinched victory at the 17th edition of the São Silvestre de Lisboa on December 28, 2024, setting a new national record for the 10-kilometer race with an extraordinary time of 28:03 minutes. Nader’s remarkable performance not only secured him first place but also highlighted Benfica’s dominance,as teammates José Carlos Pinto and Miguel Moreira followed closely in second and third,finishing in 28:07 and 28:12 minutes,respectively. On the women’s side, Salomé Afonso also from Benfica triumphed with a time of 32:18 minutes, notably finishing ahead of the male competitors due to her earlier start, marking a notable moment in this traditional race where women outpaced men. This year’s event attracted a record 14,000 participants, showcasing the growing popularity of the São Silvestre de Lisboa race.
Q&A with Running Enthusiast and Expert on teh São Silvestre de Lisboa Success
Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent São Silvestre de Lisboa, where Isaac Nader set a stunning national record for the 10k. What were your impressions of his performance?
Expert: It was truly remarkable. Isaac Nader’s time of 28:03 minutes is an remarkable achievement in the history of Portuguese athletics. By breaking the previous national record by five seconds, he not only highlighted his own talent but also symbolized Benfica’s dominance in long-distance running. It’s inspiring for both competitive athletes and casual runners alike.
Editor: indeed, Isaac’s success and that of his teammates—José Carlos Pinto and Miguel Moreira—who finished second and third—show how strong Benfica’s athletics program is. What does this dominance mean for the club and the sport in Portugal overall?
Expert: benfica’s success could propel greater investment into their athletics program and encourage more youth participation in running. Their performance at a high-profile event like the São Silvestre de Lisboa helps raise the sport’s profile in Portugal,attracting new talent and spectators. This ripple effect can foster a healthier, more competitive surroundings which is beneficial for athletics.
Editor: On the women’s side,Salomé Afonso also had an extraordinary run,finishing at 32:18 minutes. It’s noteworthy that she finished ahead of the male competitors due to her earlier start. How does this impact perceptions of women’s performances in running?
Expert: Salomé’s victory is significant. It challenges customary views on gender dynamics in running. Finishing ahead of male counterparts, even in a staggered start, underscores women’s capability in competitive sports. Events like these can inspire more female participation and demonstrate that women can perform on par with men in various athletic contexts.
Editor: This event saw a record 14,000 participants. What does this say about the growing popularity of the São Silvestre de Lisboa and running in general?
Expert: The surge in participation reflects a broader trend in fitness and running culture. City marathons and races are gaining traction globally as more people seek to incorporate physical activity into their lifestyles. The São Silvestre de Lisboa’s popularity emphasizes a community-driven approach to fitness, which is vital for promoting health.
Editor: For readers inspired by these results, what practical advice do you have for those looking to get into running, especially with a focus on performance like Nader’s?
Expert: Starting with a structured training plan is essential. New runners should gradually build their distance and incorporate speed work, as seen in Nader’s approach. Joining running clubs can provide motivation and community support. It’s also vital to focus on nutrition, recovery, and mental preparation, which all play critical roles in performance.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights today. The success of isaac Nader and his teammates certainly adds excitement to the running landscape in portugal, inspiring others to lace up their running shoes!
Expert: Thank you for having me! Let’s continue to celebrate these athletic achievements and promote the benefits of running across all levels and backgrounds.