© San Silvestre Vallecana 2025
San Silvestre Vallecana 2025: Madrid celebrates with 42,000 runners
San Silvestre Vallecana is one of the most popular 10 km races in Spain and even in the world. The event has taken place every December 31 since 1964 on the streets of Madrid, bringing together both recreational runners and international elite athletes. More than 42,000 runners took part in this major event to celebrate the arrival of 2026 in style.
The Spanish capital can proudly claim to host one of only four 10 km races in the world certified with the World Athletics Gold Race Running Label, a status it has held since 2019. It is a running celebration that combines performance and fun, bringing together elite athletes and costumed participants. Two races are offered: the popular mass-participation race in the late afternoon and the professional race in the evening. To qualify for the international elite race, athletes must have run under 39 minutes for men and under 45 minutes for women.
This iconic Spanish winter race has attracted thousands of enthusiasts from around the world for more than 60 years, all looking for a unique way to celebrate New Year’s Eve. It is one of the oldest road races in the country, offering an unforgettable experience in an extraordinary atmosphere. It is also an opportunity to visit Madrid, a capital renowned for its culture, history, architecture, and vibrant ambiance. The course winds through the city center streets, past remarkable monuments and lively neighborhoods, all enhanced by festive lights that complete the holiday atmosphere. The San Silvestre Vallecana has truly established itself as a Madrid and international tradition.
| An ever-stronger elite field
Times recorded in Madrid are very often world-class. Major athletics stars such as Eliud Kipchoge, Jacob Kiplimo, and Joshua Cheptegei have taken victory at this event. On the women’s side, who were able to compete for the first time in 1981, great champions such as Paula Radcliffe, Tirunesh Dibaba, Brigid Kosgei, and Vivian Cheruiyot have already won in Madrid.
This year again, Kenyan runner Geoffrey Kamworor covered the 10 km in 27:41, leaving no chance to Spanish champion Jesus Ramos (27:56) or to Aaron Las Heras, the 2019 European U20 champion over 5,000 m (28:00). Proof of the race’s depth: the 20th finisher crossed the line in 29:32. The women’s race was just as competitive and was won convincingly by local athlete Marta Garcia Alonso, bronze medalist in the 5,000 m at the 2024 European Championships, in 31:11. Dutch runner Diane Van Es, 2024 European silver medalist over 10,000 m, followed her in 31:18. Spanish athlete Carla Gallardo Puertas completed the winning trio with a time of 31:25.
| Celebration, performance, and solidarity
The race can also be run with a charity bib, with the goal of raising funds to help children suffering from serious illnesses. A total of €60,000 has already been raised since 2017 and the 10th anniversary of the Unoentrecienmil foundation. Runners can also collect money for childhood obesity prevention or to support young people from disadvantaged neighborhoods.
With 42,000 participants, the San Silvestre Vallecana once again confirmed its international popularity. This 10 km, one of the best in the world, celebrates running and the end of the year at the same time, bringing together the world’s elite athletes and recreational runners in an extraordinary atmosphere.
✔ All the results from the 2025 San Silvestre Vallecana
Emma BERT
Journaliste
