The Meia Maratona de João Pessoa takes place in November along the waterfront of João Pessoa, the capital of Paraíba in northeastern Brazil. Its primary appeal is speed; the official race site promotes it as Brazil's fastest half marathon, featuring a 100% flat course. Participants can select from 5 km, 10 km, or 21 km distances, accommodating both novice runners and those aiming for a personal best in the half marathon. Certain editions commence very early, with the longer races starting around 5:00 AM and shorter races beginning at midnight.
The starting point is at Largo da Gameleira, with the course tracing the Manaíra–Tambaú seafront, keeping participants alongside the city’s coastline. A recent edition attracted over 10,000 athletes, with approximately three-quarters traveling from outside João Pessoa, indicating a significant draw for participants from beyond the local area. The event also incorporates a cultural element through KM Musical, a free arts initiative held at Largo da Gameleira in the days preceding race weekend. Bib pickup is available during the week before the event, and awards ceremonies for the 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km races conclude the festivities.