Like every December 31when many think about the outfit they will wear that evening, where they will eat the grapes and what they will eat for dinner to say goodbye to the year, many more they tie their shoes go running. THE San Silvestre Vallecana East, … probably the only race in the world in which you can outrun Santa Claus, an army of shrimps, several unicorns or a legion of The Squid Game. And all this within a few kilometers.
Like every last day of the year, this popular race is celebrated in Madrid which crosses the 10 kilometers which separate the majestic Santiago Bernabéu from the more humble streets of Vallecas. A test that mixes sport with the festive spirit of New Year’s Eve and which will bring together more than 40,000 runners who are preparing to run between the Real Madrid stadium and Payaso Fofó street, in the southeast of the Spanish capital.
One of the most special races of the year and one of the most anticipated moments for running enthusiasts, who It was born in the 1960s from a little madness of a few athletics fans.and which today brings together thousands of people who decide to say goodbye to the year by running instead of doing it in front of the sofa and the television remote control. A race that shares the asphalt both with the world elite, who fly at impossible speeds, and with the popular runner who stops the clock to take photos.
However, the tradition of running on the last day of the year is not exclusive to Madrid: it is inspired by other San Silvestre events, such as the São Paulo classic, and today there are dozens of similar races in Spain and other countries, all linked to the symbolism of saying goodbye to the year by doing sport. Showing up on December 31 stood out as a way to complete the cycle and begin the next with the feeling of a completed challenge, which is suitable for both large cities and small towns that organize their own San Silvestres.
San Silvestre Vallecana 2025 timetables and start boxes
Recognized by the IAAF Gold Race Running Label, it is part of a small group of the most prestigious 10 kilometer races in the world.
The popular edition of the Nationale-Nederlanden San Silvestre Vallecana 2025 will take place on the afternoon of December 31, starting from Concha Espina Avenue, next to the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. The organization structure the output in different drawers according to the credited timeso that waves occur every few minutes to avoid crowds and allow each runner to maintain their target pace.
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4:50 p.m.: Handbike and sports chairs.
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5:00 p.m.: Runners with an accredited record of less than 50 minutes (< 50 minutes). The maximum number of runners in this wave will be 8,000.
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5:15 p.m.: Runners with an accredited record of between 50 and 60 minutes (between < 52 minutes and < 60 minutes). The maximum number of runners in this wave will be 8,000.
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5:35 p.m., 5:55 p.m. and 6:20 p.m.: Runners without an accredited mark or over 60 minutes
At the same time, from the 7:55 p.m.it’s celebrated the international race, reserved for elite athleteswhich later leaves from the same road axis and also travels 10 kilometers to Vallecas.
The calendar is designed so that the popular event ends before nightfall and the professional event concentrates the last part of the operation, coinciding with prime time for television and the media.
Course and atmosphere of San Silvestre Vallecana 2025
The route maintains the 10 kilometers entirely urban on asphalt, from the Chamartín district to the Vallecas districtpassing through neighborhoods like Salamanca, Centro and Retiro.
The race will pass through Concha Espina (Plaza Sagrados Corazones), Serrano, Argentine Republic, Serrano, Puerta de Alcalá, Alcalá (opposite direction of traffic), Plaza de Cibeles (opposite direction of traffic), Paseo del Prado (opposite direction of traffic), Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo / Neptuno (opposite direction of traffic), Paseo del Prado (opposite direction of traffic), Plaza Emperador Carlos V (opposite direction of traffic), City of Barcelona, Albufera, Sierra del Cadí, Carlos Martín Álvarez, Martínez de la Riva, Candilejas (on the corner of Tiempos Modernos street).
The popular goal is located in the Candilejas area, while the international goal culminates in the Vallecas stadium, which reinforces the symbolic nature of the route between two great temples of Madrid football.
Traffic and transport reductions
The impact on mobility in Madrid is vast. The capital’s Town Hall establishes closures and traffic restrictions from the morning of December 31. Some of the streets of the capital which will undergo these cuts from 3:00 p.m. are: Concha Espina Avenue, Serrano, Argentine Republic Square, Independence Square, Alcalá, Cibeles Square, Paseo del Prado, Cánovas del Castillo Square, Emperador Carlos V Square, Barcelona City Avenue, Albufera Avenue, Monte Igueldo Avenue, Martínez de la Riva.
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Date and time: The race will take place on December 31, 2025, with different start times for popular and international categories from 4:00 p.m. at approximately 9:00 p.m.
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Itinerary: The start is from Concha Espina Street and the finish line is at Vallecas Stadium.
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Runners’ Fair: The collection of bibs and t-shirts takes place at the Rafaelhoteles Atocha hotel (Calle Méndez Álvaro, 30, Madrid) from December 26 to 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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Mobility: Madrid City Council recommends the use of public transport due to the significant restrictions and diversions of traffic and bus lines that will take place on December 30 and 31
Many of these cuts last from mid-morning until evening, coinciding with the start and finish assembly, the passage of the bulk of the peloton, and the subsequent dismount.
The consistory recommends the use of public transportwith the strengthening of the Metro and the reorganization of dozens of EMT lines, which are diverted or limited in their route around the perimeter of the race.
For long-distance journeys, it is recommended to use ring roads such as M-30 and M-40, avoiding crossing the central almond tree during the ride.
Apps like Moovit are useful for finding the best public transit route to your destination.
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