San Silvestre Vallecana 2026 – Madrid, Spain

What to expect

San Silvestre Vallecana 2026 – Madrid, Spain is one of Spain’s most famous road-running events and a major sporting tradition in Madrid. The event combines mass participation, elite athletics and a huge city-wide atmosphere, making it very different from a conventional 10-kilometer road race. Thousands of runners take to the streets of Madrid, while spectators gather along the course to watch the competition and celebrate the end of the year.

The main programme consists of the Nationale-Nederlanden San Silvestre Vallecana Popular and the San Silvestre Vallecana Internacional. Both are 10-kilometer urban races, but they serve different purposes. The Popular race is the mass-participation event, with capacity for 42,000 runners, while the International race is reserved for athletes who meet demanding qualifying standards.

The race is known for its festive atmosphere as much as its sporting quality. The course travels through important Madrid streets and landmarks before reaching the Vallecas area. The International race has a particularly distinctive finish because its final 150 meters take place on the grass inside Estadio de Vallecas.

Popular registration also includes access to the official virtual race. Participants who cannot run in Madrid can complete their own 10K route through the official app, giving the event an additional international and remote participation option.

Event Dates

San Silvestre Vallecana 2026 takes place on December 31, 2026, in Madrid, Spain. The Popular race starts from Calle Concha Espina at the junction with Plaza Sagrados Corazones and finishes near Estadio de Vallecas on Calle Candilejas. The International race uses the same general starting area and finishes inside Estadio de Vallecas.

The Popular programme uses several successive starting waves, beginning at 4:50 PM. The International race starts at 7:55 PM. The official mobility information expects the Popular event to finish around 7:45 PM and the International event around 8:40 PM.

The Runner’s Expo is scheduled from December 26 through December 30, from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The exact Expo venue is currently listed by the organizer as pending confirmation on its English information page, although the current Popular regulations identify Centro Deportivo Municipal Daoiz y Velarde as the runner-pack collection location.

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Stadium & sports venue

San Silvestre Vallecana is primarily a road-running event, so there is no single stadium that serves as the entire competition venue. Madrid’s streets form the main course, while Estadio de Vallecas is an important part of the finish infrastructure.

The Popular race finishes near Estadio de Vallecas at Calle Candilejas. The International race goes further into the stadium and completes its final 150 meters on the grass before crossing the finish line inside the venue.

The starting area is positioned around Calle Concha Espina and Plaza Sagrados Corazones. From there, runners travel through a central Madrid route that includes streets and landmarks such as Serrano, Puerta de Alcalá, Alcalá, Cibeles, Paseo del Prado, Ciudad de Barcelona and Avenida de la Albufera before reaching Vallecas.

For International competitors, the stadium finish creates one of the most memorable parts of the race. For spectators, the central-city sections offer better opportunities to see large numbers of runners passing through recognizable Madrid locations.

Full fixture or event schedule

San Silvestre Vallecana Popular: The main mass-participation 10K is limited to 42,000 runners. Participants are divided into several starting waves according to qualifying times and the wave selected during registration.

San Silvestre Vallecana Internacional: This is the elite-focused 10K. The 2026 regulations limit the field to 2,000 runners who meet the qualifying requirements. Men must have a qualifying time under 39 minutes and women under 45 minutes in an accepted race.

Virtual race: Popular registration also includes participation in the official virtual 10K, allowing registered runners to complete their own 10K route through the event’s official application.

Runner’s Expo: Registered runners collect their race pack, bib, timing chip and commemorative shirt through the official runner-pack collection process. Participants must select a collection slot when registering.

San Silvestre Mini: The wider event programme also includes a children’s San Silvestre Mini, giving younger runners their own age-appropriate races and supporting charitable causes. It is a separate youth event from the main adult races.

Teams, athletes & participants

San Silvestre Vallecana is an individual athletics competition rather than a team tournament. Participants are classified individually according to their race, gender, age category and finishing performance.

The Popular race is open to participants aged 16 and above. Runners aged 16 or 17 must provide authorization from a parent or guardian when collecting their race bib. The regulations also establish multiple veteran categories for older competitors.

The event has provisions for handbike and racing-wheelchair athletes, who are assigned a dedicated starting wave. Blind athletes can also participate, with the regulations providing for guide assistance where required.

The International field is much more selective. Competitors must prove their qualifying performance when collecting their race number. Accepted qualifying results must come from races recognized by the organization, and athletes can be required to provide official documentation.

The race’s historical field includes some of the biggest names in distance running. Previous winners include Eliud Kipchoge, Joshua Cheptegei, Geoffrey Kamworor, Jakob Kiplimo, Paula Radcliffe, Vivian Cheruiyot, Brigid Kosgei and Marta García.

Tournament format & competition structure

The event consists of two principal 10-kilometer road races rather than multiple tournament rounds. The Popular race is divided into successive starting waves, while the International race has a smaller field and a single elite start.

The Popular course is a certified 10-kilometer urban course run entirely on asphalt. Its waves are organized around qualifying performance, allowing faster runners to start ahead of the larger recreational field.

The published Popular structure includes:

• Handbike and racing-wheelchair wave: dedicated early start
• Under-50-minute runners: first major competitive wave
• 50-to-60-minute runners: subsequent qualifying wave
• General Popular field: later waves distributed according to the official schedule

The Popular race has a 42,000-runner capacity and a maximum completion period of 1 hour and 20 minutes from each runner’s own starting signal.

The International race has a maximum field of 2,000 runners and requires qualifying performances under 39 minutes for men and under 45 minutes for women. Qualifying times must be verifiable, and runners must provide proof when collecting their bib.

Match/event times

The Popular race begins through successive waves:

• 4:50 PM: Handbike and racing-wheelchair participants
• 5:00 PM: Runners with certified times under 50 minutes
• 5:15 PM: Runners with certified times between 50 and 60 minutes
• 5:35 PM: Later Popular wave
• 5:55 PM: Later Popular wave
• 6:20 PM: Final Popular wave

The official regulations state that the waves are organized by time and that the faster groups have controlled participant limits. This system is designed to reduce congestion and create a more manageable start for a field of up to 42,000 people.

The International race has a single start at 7:55 PM. Its finish is inside Estadio de Vallecas, with the official mobility plan estimating completion of the International race around 8:40 PM.

Ticket types

San Silvestre Vallecana uses race registration rather than conventional spectator tickets.

Popular registration: The 2026 Popular entry price is $30.30 for the first 10,000 places, $32.55 for places 10,001 to 20,000, and $34.79 for places 20,001 to 42,000. Each registration also carries a $0.90 management fee.

International registration: The International entry fee is $28.06, plus a $0.90 management fee. Participants without an eligible Madrid Athletics Federation or RFEA license must additionally pay approximately $3.37 for the one-day federation license.

Mobile bag drop: The optional mobile start-to-finish bag service costs approximately $5.62.

Fixed Vallecas bag drop: The fixed finish-area bag service costs approximately $1.12.

Popular registration includes the race, virtual race access, commemorative Boomerang shirt, timing chip, official classification, accident insurance for the physical race, hydration, medical support and access to the selected bag-drop service.

Ticket release phases

The Popular registration uses participant-number tiers rather than fixed calendar-based price changes. The first 10,000 entries receive the lowest published registration price, the next 10,000 move to the second tier, and entries from 20,001 through the 42,000 capacity use the highest standard tier.

The organizer’s official website currently displays the three Popular tiers and states that registration is subject to the 42,000-runner limit. This means earlier registration provides both a lower price and a better opportunity to secure a preferred starting wave.

International registration follows a different model because participation depends on qualifying performance. Registration remains available until the field is full or the official closing deadline, with runners required to provide qualifying documentation.

The Popular registration deadline is 11:00 PM on December 23 unless the field sells out earlier, while International registration closes when places are exhausted or at 3:00 PM on December 30.

VIP & hospitality options

San Silvestre Vallecana is not structured around traditional stadium VIP boxes or corporate hospitality suites. The official 2026 information instead focuses on race participation, elite entry, runner services and charitable participation.

The International race represents the premium competitive experience because it is restricted to athletes who meet the qualifying standard and has a much smaller field. It provides a single elite start and a finish inside Estadio de Vallecas.

The event also offers a voluntary Charity Bib option. Participants can choose to support charitable projects through their registration, with the organization highlighting support for childhood-cancer initiatives and disadvantaged families in Vallecas.

For spectators, there is no requirement to purchase a standard race ticket to watch runners from public areas along the urban course. However, crowd density and municipal access controls should be considered when choosing a viewing location.

Stadium & event rules

Participants must be properly registered and wear their official race identification as required by the regulations. Race entries are personal and non-transferable, and competitors are responsible for ensuring that they are physically prepared to participate.

Participants cannot use unauthorized vehicles or equipment to accompany runners. The race regulations prohibit forms of accompaniment that could create safety problems on the course.

Popular runners must use their assigned starting wave. The wave structure is designed to control congestion, so moving into another start group without authorization can cause operational and classification problems.

The timing chip is an important part of official results. The organization specifies that the chip must be used correctly, and incorrect placement can prevent an official result from being recorded.

Medical services are available at the start, along the course and at the finish. International competitors are also subject to the applicable athletics regulations, including potential anti-doping controls.

How to get there

Madrid’s extensive public transportation system is the most practical way to reach San Silvestre Vallecana locations. The organizer specifically encourages participants to use public transportation for collecting race packs, reaching the start and returning home after the race.

The start area is close to Santiago Bernabéu Metro station on Line 10 and can also be reached from Nuevos Ministerios, which is served by several Metro and Cercanías services. The organizer recommends Santiago Bernabéu as a particularly convenient stop for the start.

Because the race occupies major Madrid roads, participants should avoid planning a direct car journey to the start. The course and associated preparation areas create extensive temporary traffic restrictions.

The finish is in the Vallecas area, with Estadio de Vallecas and Portazgo Metro station providing important reference points for participants and spectators.

Public transport & parking

Public transportation is strongly recommended because race-day traffic restrictions affect major roads along the course. The official mobility plan lists restrictions around Concha Espina, Serrano, Puerta de Alcalá, Cibeles, Paseo del Prado, Ciudad de Barcelona, Avenida de la Albufera and several streets around Vallecas.

For the start, the recommended Metro options include Santiago Bernabéu on Line 10 and Nuevos Ministerios on Lines 6, 8 and 10. Cercanías services also serve Nuevos Ministerios.

For the finish, Portazgo on Metro Line 1 is the main recommended station. Additional options include buses serving Avenida de la Albufera and Estadio de Vallecas, as well as Cercanías services to Asamblea de Madrid–Entrevías.

Parking immediately beside the course should not be relied upon. The event’s mobility plan warns of restrictions affecting parking areas, while road closures can make vehicle access difficult. Leaving a car at accommodation or a suitable car park away from the busiest race streets is a more practical approach.

Accommodation areas

Central Madrid is a convenient base for visitors because it provides access to both the starting area and the city’s main attractions. Salamanca, Retiro, Centro, Atocha and Arganzuela are useful areas to consider.

Runners who prioritize proximity to the start can look around the Salamanca and Santiago Bernabéu areas. Visitors more concerned with the finish may prefer accommodation closer to Vallecas, although staying in central Madrid generally offers a broader choice of hotels, restaurants and transportation.

A central location also makes it easier to avoid driving on race day. With extensive street closures and large crowds, walking to public transportation is usually more convenient than trying to move a private vehicle through the affected areas.

Participants collecting their runner pack should also consider their distance from the Expo location when choosing accommodation. The current regulations identify Centro Deportivo Municipal Daoiz y Velarde for pack collection.

Food & drink at the venue

The event provides hydration at the start and finish as part of the participant services. Medical assistance is also available at the start, along the course and at the finish.

San Silvestre Vallecana is not centered on a conventional stadium food court. Most visitors will use Madrid’s restaurants, cafés and bars before or after the race.

Runners should plan their pre-race meal carefully and avoid depending on last-minute food purchases around the starting corrals. The large number of participants can make central areas particularly busy.

After the race, visitors can enjoy Madrid’s extensive dining scene in neighborhoods around Salamanca, Centro, Retiro, Atocha and Vallecas. Restaurants close to major transport hubs can be especially convenient for participants who want to eat before returning to their accommodation.

Accessibility

San Silvestre Vallecana has specific participation provisions for athletes with disabilities. The Popular regulations include men’s and women’s handbike and racing-wheelchair categories, with a dedicated early starting wave.

Blind runners can also participate, and the regulations provide a procedure for guide assistance. Participants requiring this support should follow the organization’s registration and guide requirements rather than making independent arrangements that could conflict with race procedures.

The race takes place on public roads, so spectators with reduced mobility should expect temporary barriers, crowds and changes to normal pedestrian routes. The most suitable viewing position can depend on the latest municipal arrangements.

Participants who need specific assistance should contact the official organization before attending so that the latest start, finish and collection arrangements can be confirmed.

Best matches/events to attend

International race: This is the most important competition for athletics fans. It features a highly selective field and concludes with the final section inside Estadio de Vallecas.

Popular race: The Popular race is the best choice for experiencing the mass-participation side of San Silvestre Vallecana. With capacity for 42,000 runners and multiple waves, it creates the largest part of the event atmosphere.

Central Madrid route: The route through areas around Serrano, Puerta de Alcalá, Cibeles and Paseo del Prado provides some of the most recognizable settings for spectators.

Vallecas finish: The finish area is particularly important for fans following the International race because its final 150 meters take place on the stadium grass.

San Silvestre Mini: Families can also consider the separate children’s event, which provides age-specific distances and promotes participation in athletics from a young age.

Previous year’s highlights

The previous edition produced another high-level field and continued the event’s long tradition of attracting international distance-running stars. Geoffrey Kamworor is listed as the men’s winner in the official San Silvestre Vallecana hall of fame, while Marta García won the women’s race.

The event’s historical winners demonstrate its importance within international road running. Men’s champions include Eliud Kipchoge, Joshua Cheptegei, Jakob Kiplimo, Zersenay Tadese and Geoffrey Kamworor, while the women’s roll of honor includes Paula Radcliffe, Vivian Cheruiyot, Tirunesh Dibaba, Brigid Kosgei and Marta García.

The race has also built a reputation for producing memorable performances on its fast urban course. Its combination of elite competition and enormous mass participation makes it one of the most recognizable San Silvestre races in the world.

Beyond the elite results, the scale of the Popular event remains one of its defining features. The 42,000-runner capacity means that recreational athletes form a huge part of the spectacle, turning Madrid’s streets into a large running celebration.

Official tickets

The official San Silvestre Vallecana website is the primary source for registration, regulations, race information and participant updates. The organizer states that Popular registration is completed through the official event system, while International runners must register and provide their qualifying information.

Official San Silvestre Vallecana website (https://www.sansilvestrevallecana.com/index_en.php)

The official registration pages should be used instead of unofficial resale services because entries are personal and non-transferable. International runners should also ensure that their qualifying result is accepted before relying on their eligibility.

For general questions, the official event contact supplied for the race is info@sansilvestrevallecana.com.