Outra Fé: The 'Other Faith' That Pioneered São Paulo's Running Scene

In September 2009, long before the global run crew movement reached its peak, a community was founded in São Paulo with a deep and meaningful purpose. Outra Fé, meaning "Another Faith," was created by a group of friends who saw running as more than just a sport. For them, it was a way to connect with each other, care for their bodies and souls, and build a stronger community. They have since become one of the most respected and foundational crews in the city's vibrant running culture.

A Philosophy of 'Another Faith'

The philosophy of Outra Fé is profound and heartfelt. They do not want to compete with anyone; they want to come together to be stronger. Their name reflects their belief that running can be a form of therapy, a powerful way to connect, and in essence, "another faith." This guiding principle has shaped a community that values a balanced and authentic lifestyle, where running is seamlessly integrated with all other aspects of a full life.

The community of Outra Fé is a vivid reflection of a mature and well-rounded lifestyle. As they say themselves, they are people who are tattooed, have children, families, dogs, cats, and parrots. They love to go out, to dance, and to have a beer. This paints a picture of a crew for whom running is an important, but not all-consuming, part of their identity. It is a space for real people to share the ups and downs of life, using the run as a constant, unifying thread.

Outra Fé's invitation is as simple, inclusive, and powerful as their philosophy. They believe that "a runner is someone who runs." With this, they extend a warm and open invitation to anyone and everyone in São Paulo to join them in running. There are no prerequisites or expectations, just a shared belief in the power of running to bring people together.

The São Paulo Running Scene

As one of the city's original pioneers, Outra Fé helped lay the groundwork for São Paulo's massive and diverse running scene. They are a respected elder in a community that now includes a multitude of other crews, such as the large and energetic Clã Endorfina and the performance-focused Seven Runners Crew. This thriving ecosystem, which Outra Fé helped to build, makes São Paulo a true hub for community running in South America.

The city of São Paulo is Brazil's massive and energetic economic engine. This "concrete jungle" is a city that never sleeps, but it is also home to incredible green spaces and a passionate running culture that uses the urban landscape as its playground. The city's sheer scale and energy provide an endlessly stimulating backdrop for a run.

The runners of São Paulo have a vast and varied playground to explore. A central oasis for the entire running community is the magnificent Ibirapuera Park, which offers a network of scenic trails winding through lush greenery. For a more urban experience, a run along the iconic Avenida Paulista, especially when it's closed to traffic on Sundays, is a classic São Paulo experience. The premier racing event in the city is the São Paulo International Marathon, but for a true taste of local culture, the world-famous São Silvestre Road Race, held on New Year's Eve, is an unforgettable celebration.