Why We Chose Brazil & Chapada Diamantina for the 16th RacingThePlanet Ultramarathon

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Brazil has been on the list as a location for the RacingThePlanet Ultramarathon “Roving Race” for many years. Every RacingThePlanet competitor from Brazil has said to us “you should hold a race in Brazil!”

We are beyond excited that 2027 is the year for RacingThePlanet: Brazil!

Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world (after Russia, Canada, the United States and China). It is huge, with every type of scenery, terrain and an immense biodiversity to choose from. From beaches, to mountains, to deserts and everything in between, including the Amazon rainforest. It also has a vibrant culture, interesting history and a diverse, multicultural population.

After exploring all possible areas of this diverse country, we chose Chapada Diamantina.

“Chapada Diamantina is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Many trails, waterfalls, nice altimetry and unique biomes. People will love it.”

- Jane Carvalho – finisher of five RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathons between 2015 and 2025

These are some of the key aspects that contribute why we chose Chapada Diamantina through the gateway of Salvador in north-east Brazil as the location for the RacingThePlanet Ultramarathon in 2027.

Why Chapada Diamantina

1. It offers everything a RacingThePlanet Ultramarathon needs: distance, diversity of terrain, and a true sense of wilderness in a safe, accessible setting.

2. Long, continuous trails: Plateau crossings, valley traverses, and remote villages allow multi‑day stages with very little road, ideal for pure trail racing over 250 km.

3. Varied terrain: Runners move across high mesas, rocky single track, riverbeds (wet and dry), forest paths, and open plateaus, keeping the effort engaging and challenging over many days.

4. So many natural “wow” moments: Canyon viewpoints, waterfall stops, blue pools, and star‑filled nights turn every stage into a highlight reel—perfect for both personal memories and an exciting race.

5. Ideal dry season conditions: Clear skies and mild nights help with the enjoyment and safety, while the landscape is wild and adventurous rather than hostile.

6. Deep experience: It’s not just distance: competitors won’t just cover 250 km; they traverse a historic diamond‑mining region and meet local communities, an experience that feels uniquely Brazilian.

Dream Environment

Chapada Diamantina combines physical challenge with constant and sensory reward.

• Big landscapes, human scale: You feel tiny among cliffs and valleys, but trails pass through small communities where locals cheer, offer smiles, and turn the race into a shared celebration.
• Recovery in nature: Natural pools, rivers, and waterfalls offer magical spots for cooling legs and post‑stage recovery.
• Stunning from start to finish: Every stage delivers iconic images—ridge‑line silhouettes, runners in canyons, headlamps under bright southern stars.

Why Add Salvador?

Salvador is the international gateway to Chapada Diamantina and transforms the race into a full Brazilian experience.

• Historic Atlantic gateway: As one of the oldest cities in the Americas, its colonial streets, seafront forts, and baroque churches give visitors a strong sense of arrival in Brazil.
• Afro‑Brazilian culture and energy: Music, food, and colourful street life in Salvador are vibrant and welcoming, offering a powerful contrast to the quiet, raw nature of Chapada.
• Good international connections, beachfront accommodation, and rich culture make it the perfect place for briefings, celebrations, and recovery days.

Why RacingThePlanet Belongs Here

RacingThePlanet: Brazil in Chapada Diamantina, anchored by Salvador, fits perfectly with our promise of a remote, culturally rich, once‑in‑a‑lifetime course.

As someone said to us: “Without doubt, Chapada Diamantina is the place for RacingThePlanet: Brazil”.