In recent years, running has evolved from being just a form of exercise to becoming a lifestyle.
Anyone who lives in Florianópolis knows this well. Just spend a morning at Beira-Mar Norte to see dozens of runners, with headphones in their ears and the ocean as a backdrop. Running has become part of the city, and the city has become part of running.
It’s no wonder that events like the Floripa International Marathon have grown so much. All across Brazil, marathons have proliferated: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre—every city has its own. But there’s something special about running in Florianópolis, and anyone who’s had that experience knows that the island’s natural beauty creates a unique atmosphere for the event.
The Floripa International Marathon
A Floripa International Marathon It is one of the most anticipated running events in southern Brazil. Held annually, it brings together athletes from across the country and around the world on a course that runs along the city’s waterfront, with ocean views along virtually its entire length.
The course is considered one of the most beautiful in the country, and that’s no exaggeration. Running alongside the Atlantic Ocean, watching the sun rise over Baía Norte, and feeling the island breeze as the kilometers go by is a sensation that few events can offer.
The available distances—5K, 21K, and 42K—make the event accessible to both beginners and experienced athletes seeking greater challenges. This creates a diverse and infectious atmosphere, where runners of all levels share the same course and the same energy.
Image: Floripa International Marathon
Florianópolis during the marathon
Anyone who lives here knows that on marathon days, the city wakes up differently. The Beira-Mar Norte takes on a whole new vibe; the energy starts in the early morning, when the first athletes arrive to get ready, and builds up until the moment the race begins.
The bars and restaurants along the waterfront are bustling. The streets take on a different look, with team jerseys and players’ numbers. It’s one of those moments when Florianópolis shows a side that not all visitors get to see.
For those coming from out of town specifically for the marathon, my advice is to arrive early and explore the city beyond the race. Floripa has a lot to offer, from the southern beaches to the mountain trails, from contemporary cuisine to the Azorean culture that still thrives in the island’s oldest villages.
The LK Design Hotel: At the Starting Line and Beyond
If there's one hotel in Florianópolis that understands what it means to be at the heart of the International Marathon, that hotel is the LK Design Hotel. Located on the North Seafront, the LK is right across from the event's starting line, which, for an athlete, makes all the difference.
Imagine not having to worry about getting there in the early morning before the race. You wake up, go downstairs, and you’re already at the starting line. Anyone who’s run a marathon knows how much of a relief that is in the days leading up to the race.
But the location is just the beginning. The LK Design Hotel is a contemporary design hotel featuring a rooftop pool, views of the Atlantic, and a fully equipped gym with ocean views. It’s a property designed to offer comfort and well-being in every detail of your stay.
Special schedule for marathon runners
For this year's event, LK has put together a program designed specifically for the participating athletes. It features a series of experiences tailored to each stage of the race, from preparation to recovery.
Breakfast is served at a special time—4:00 a.m. on race days—so that athletes can eat in peace before the start. On the Friday and Saturday nights before the races, the hotel offers a special buffet featuring stations with pasta and sauces, salads, and proteins selected by the chef to ensure athletes have the energy they need.
To help athletes achieve peak performance, the hotel will feature a recovery area equipped to serve them, complete with a soaking tub, stretching sessions, and guided breathing exercises. And for those who want to supplement their routine with therapies, a special menu of pre- and post-race massages is available by appointment, with options designed specifically for athletes.
On Sunday, after the finish, the LK Brunch awaits the marathon runners starting at 12:30 p.m. A full meal, with live music to celebrate every kilometer run.
A marathon, a city, a complete experience
The Floripa International Marathon is an event that brings the city to life, brings together people from different places, and showcases Florianópolis from a perspective that few have the chance to see.
And a comfortable stay is part of that experience. At the LK Design Hotel, every detail is carefully considered so that athletes arrive well-rested, prepared, and ready to give their best. And so that, after crossing the finish line, they can celebrate every step they’ve taken.
Visit our website to secure your stay and experience the Floripa International Marathon at the LK Design Hotel.