San Silvestre Vallecana closes the year with roughly 40,000 runners in fancy dress covering 10 kilometres from the Bernabéu to Vallecas, while an elite international field chases record times an hour earlier on the same course.
What it is
Now in its 49th edition, the race splits into two distinct events on the same evening: an International race for licensed elite athletes, and the Popular race open to anyone 16 or over. The route runs point to point, starting near Calle Concha Espina by the Santiago Bernabéu, heading down Paseo de la Castellana, through Cibeles and the city centre, and finishing at the Estadio de Vallecas. It's a net downhill course, which keeps times fast without qualifying as a record-eligible layout.
Why it's worth it
The atmosphere is the draw more than the racing: costumes are the norm rather than the exception, and roughly a million spectators line the route on New Year's Eve. With around 40,000 runners in the Popular race alone, starting waves stretch from 16:50 to 18:20, so anyone hoping for a clean, uncrowded run should manage expectations.
Practical info
The 2026 edition runs on Wednesday 31 December. Registration for the general public opened in mid-June, with prices tiered from around €27 to €31 plus a booking fee, and the field capped once bib numbers sell out. Bib and chip pickup runs from 26 to 30 December at the Centro Deportivo Municipal Daoiz y Velarde. The nearest metro to the start is Santiago Bernabéu (line 10); the finish near Puente de Vallecas is served by Buenos Aires or Portazgo (line 1).
FAQ
What's the minimum age to run?
16 years old on race day; the Popular race needs no federated licence, only the International race does.
Can I run in costume?
Yes — it's a long-standing tradition in the Popular race. Only costumes that block visibility or movement are restricted.
How long is the course?
10 kilometres, from near the Santiago Bernabéu to the Estadio de Vallecas.
How much does registration cost?
Prices are tiered from around €27 to €31, plus a €0.80 booking fee, for the 2026 edition.
