Ultramarathon athlete ‘Surucucu’ participates in the “Tepequém Up” race

Race

“Surucucu”, the name of the famous venomous snake from the Americas, participated in the 5th edition of the “Tepequém Up” street race

Roraima – On the road to Serra do Tepequém, with the municipality of Amajari, Roraima, as a backdrop, a story of overcoming was written in the 5th edition of the “Tepequém Up” street race, held on September 16th. This competition, known as the most daring climb in the Amazon, witnessed the journey of Amazonian runner Laurimar Moreira, affectionately nicknamed “Surucucu”, after the famous venomous snake of the Americas.

Breaking all conventions, “Surucucu” decided to face the exhausting trail while carrying a buffalo backpack, stuffed with 40 kilos. In an event without the “backpacking” category, his challenge was twofold: conquer the mountain and do it in the time stipulated by the organization.

At 56 years old, Laurimar has 28 years of racing experience, but this one, in particular, had the support of the TVLar retail store chain.

“Surucucu has stood out remarkably in his sporting journey, demonstrating not only exceptional skills in his discipline, but also an unwavering commitment to the values ​​of determination, overcoming and inclusion. His passion for sports resonates deeply with TVLar’s mission to enrich lives and communities. His inspiring journey is a story that deserves to be shared with the world, and we are thrilled to be a part of it,”

emphasized the Executive Director of TVLar, Wlandemir Figueiredo.

The athlete is far from being an ordinary runner. His specialty lies in ultra-endurance ultramarathons. His goal is not simply to reach the finish line first, but also to overcome his own limits by completing the race in the best possible time, regardless of the weight he carries. In “Tepequém Up”, the route’s obstacles included sections of slippery trail, loose rocks, steep climbs and dangerous descents.

“Surucucu faces challenges such as obstacle races, trails and extreme ultra challenges, carrying a 40 kg buffalo backpack. He has an impressive goal of covering 40,000 kilometers by December 31, 2025, planning to end his 30-year career in this unique specialty. Without an official category of ‘backpacker’, their primary adversary is the organization’s inexorable clock,”

explained Wlandemir Figueiredo.

The event offered two route options: 10 km and 21 km, both with elevations that challenge even the most experienced runners, reaching 540 m and 720 m, respectively. Laurimar embarked on the project covering 21 km of the mountain, with 540 meters of elevation, and managed to accomplish the feat in 3 hours and 47 minutes.

“The most challenging part is the severity of the climb. If you’re not prepared, you won’t make it. I kept myself mentally and physically prepared for this challenge,”

shared “Surucucu”.

The start was precisely synchronized, at 4pm for the 21km race and at 4:10pm for the 10km, starting from the place known as “Entroncamento Trairão”, at KM 94 of the RR-203, to Pousada Canto das Araras, in Vila do Paiva, in Amajari, north of Roraima.

“Tepequém Up” participants had the option to choose between two categories: Rough Diamond, aimed at athletes aged 18 to 59, divided into female and male; and Brilliant Diamond, reserved for athletes aged 60 or over, also divided into female and male.

In total, the race featured 430 men and women, including professional and amateur athletes. In addition to people from Roraima and Amazonas, runners from different states in Brazil and even Venezuela accepted the challenge, aware of the rewards in money, trophies and medals.

Located 210 km from the capital Boa Vista, in Roraima, Serra do Tepequém is known not only for its waterfalls and spectacular trails, but also for its role in ecological tourism, after the end of diamond exploration in the region.

“Tepequém Up” celebrates this new chapter in the mountains, incorporating the spirit of the diamond in its medal, an invaluable achievement for all who face this epic challenge.

*With information from consultancy

Read more:

Athlete from Amazonas is highlighted among the best in national skateboarding

Indigenous athletes from Amazonas are encouraged to compete on the national axis

Nutritionist advises athletes on how to take care of hydration and nutrition during street running