sebastian being the patron saint of athletes as well as the city, there are peans to fitness and athleticism on his day as well. in addition to the traditional religious celebrations, the oldest organized road race in rio de janeiro takes place on the same day.  

although ostensibly secular, the thousands of participants in the corrida de são sebastião wear the same iconic red and white of the pious celebrants, and the race has been a part of the official city celebrations of the saint's day since its inception in 1983.