USP is the Best Place to Run in São Paulo (but that might change)

Look, I know the title already gives you away, but who said we can't enjoy the journey there? Let's talk about where to run in São Paulo. Everyone has their favorite places, but USP, at the moment, is the best place to go. Not because it's perfect – far from it – but because it offers what no other place can offer. And no, I'm not talking about decent bathrooms. In fact, if you think you'll find an amazing bathroom at USP, I'm sorry.

Why is USP the “best place to run”?

It's simple: USP is the place where if you stumble, you'll definitely fall on top of a running advisor. You know that community atmosphere? This is where it lives. On Saturdays, 99% of the people there are runners. You see people stretching, young people who have just started running, old people who are closing in on 30km while you're starting your training. It seems like every Saturday is a running race. It's the closest version of a running community that you'll find in São Paulo. Oh, and I also like it because it's close to home, which helps a lot.

But, of course, not everything is perfect. The infrastructure, for example… leaves a LOT to be desired. Until recently, finding a bathroom at USP was like a treasure hunt, except without the treasure. And when you finally found one, it was like a "gift from the Greeks". Women's bathroom? Always with a huge line. Structure? Falling apart. Congratulations to all the women who braved that bathroom (if we can call it that). Now, we have the Mizuno bathroom, which is an incredible marketing move and a great upgrade, but believe me, there is still room for improvement.

Finally, forget about drinking fountains or hydration points. Bring water from home, have someone provide water or you will die of dehydration.

Image: G1 SP

And Ibirapuera?

Ah, good old Ibirapuera. If you like running in circles, this is the perfect place for you! Jokes aside, Ibira is an iconic park and yes, it has several benefits, such as: lots of bathrooms and kiosks for you to stock up on supplies. But honestly? It's always so crowded. It's you and a crowd of tourists, cyclists, people walking their dogs, children running around - all at the same time. If you want to run in peace, it's best to get there early or you'll spend your workout dodging everything and everyone.

People's Park: Ibira in miniature

Parque do Povo is like a pocket version of Ibirapuera Park. Yes, you can run in circles there too, but in a smaller space. The terrain is not the flattest, so be prepared for a workout with some elevation gain. The infrastructure is good: there are decent bathrooms and some drinking fountains, and the security is also a plus. But to be honest, if you're thinking about a long run, this might not be the best place.

Bruno Covas Park: A promising future

Image: SEE SAO PAULO

Now, if there is one place that I believe will be the best in the future, it is Bruno Covas Park. I know that the smell in some parts may not be the most pleasant, but hey, the potential is there. It has a flat course (rare in São Paulo), enough hydration points, good bathrooms and a view that passes right under the cable-stayed bridge and wooded areas. In addition, renovations are taking place, cleaning the Pinheiros River and improving access.

I can imagine a few years from now the park being full of runners, with restaurants and a totally new vibe. It's easy to dream, right? Not to mention that it's the epicenter of capybaras in the city. If you've ever run there, you've probably passed a family of calm capybaras.

Conclusion

First of all, an honorable mention for the Minhocão. It must be awesome to run there, but I've never had that experience. And there are other places to run in this big city, but I can't summarize them all in a single text.

So, yes, for now USP takes the trophy for the best place to run in São Paulo. But if Bruno Covas Park continues with the renovations and improvements, we will soon have a new competition.