Garten Night Run brings together more than 600 athletes in Joinville
Night runs held inside shopping malls have been gaining space in Santa Catarina’s sports calendar, attracting both runners and audiences interested in unique experiences. The first edition of the Garten Night Run, held on the night of February 21 at Garten Shopping, brought together more than 600 athletes across the 2.5 km and 5 km indoor courses, set through the mall’s internal corridors and parking areas.
Starting at midnight, the race transformed the shopping mall into a lit circuit with music and partner activations, offering a sports experience that combines physical activity and entertainment. The men’s 5 km champion was Anderson Tavares Correia, finishing in 17 minutes and 50 seconds, while the women’s champion was Maria Clara Venero, with a time of 22 minutes and 11 seconds. The fastest athlete in the category highlighted that, despite her experience in races, this one had a different atmosphere. “It was a challenging race because it was a new course, but it was well marked. It was also very lively, with music, DJ, mascots. Tonight was unforgettable,” said Maria.
In the 2.5 km category, the women’s champion was Rafaela Barbara, who completed the race in 10 minutes and 13 seconds. The men’s champion was 17-year-old Vitor Junior Marques, who finished in 9 minutes and 2 seconds—enough to earn his first overall championship podium. “I’ve been running since 2022 and have been consistent, but I had never run in this kind of environment. It was really cool—the race was fun and the route inside the building really stands out. And since it’s the first time I’ve won a trophy, I feel very happy. I came to support a friend with no expectations and ended up winning. Garten will have a special place in my running journey,” said Vitor.
The program also included a group warm-up before the start and an awards ceremony after participants finished.
The race is part of the indoor running circuit by Almeida Junior Group, a leader in the shopping center market in Santa Catarina, with a 71% market share in the state. The circuit debuted in 2025 at Continente Shopping, bringing together 500 athletes in the first edition of the Continente Night Run—the first indoor race held inside a shopping mall in the group’s portfolio. The proposal is to expand the format to different cities across the state throughout 2026, establishing the races as part of the regional sports calendar.
According to Garten Shopping’s Marketing Manager, Priscila Damiani, the public’s response confirmed the appeal of the format. “The participation of runners and spectators showed the potential of indoor races as a sports and leisure option in the city,” she stated.
The technical organization of the race was handled by Number Esportes, with support from partners involved in the structure and activations. The course was designed to make use of different areas of the mall, connecting internal corridors, ramps, and parking spaces, offering a unique experience for participants.
With strong public reception, new stages of the indoor circuit are already confirmed in different cities across Santa Catarina.
Upcoming 2026 indoor race schedule
April 19 – Nações Shopping – Criciúma
September – Balneário Shopping – Balneário Camboriú
September 12 – Neumarkt Shopping – Blumenau
September 26 – Norte Shopping – Blumenau
October 27 – Continente Shopping – São José
