San Silvestre Vallecana Popular 2026

Every 31 December, Madrid turns into a race. As the last afternoon of the year begins to fade, tens of thousands of runners fill the streets of the capital, in fancy dress, hats and wigs, wearing Spain's most famous bib-shirt, for the San Silvestre Vallecana Popular. Ten kilometres of celebration, emotion and pure Madrid that end in Vallecas, the neighbourhood that gives the race its name and its soul, among crowds that turn every street into a party. There are many New Year's Eve races, but #VallecanaSoloHayUna: there is only one Vallecana.A legend born in a neighbourhoodThe story of the San Silvestre Vallecana began in 1964, when Antonio Sabugueiro and a group of friends came up with a race to see out the year in Vallecas. Only 57 runners took the start at that first edition. Six decades later it is the most iconic race in Spain and a genuine social and sporting phenomenon: tens of thousands of people choose every year to say goodbye to December by running through Madrid, and in 2006 it overtook the legendary São Paulo San Silvestre in registrations. The bib-shirt was born here in 2002, a trademark that colours the streets differently every year and is now a classic of mass-participation races. In 2026 the Popular race celebrates its 49th edition, with room for 42,000 runners, organised by Last Lap with the support of Spain's National Sports Council, the Community of Madrid and Madrid City Council.Ten kilometres past Madrid's iconsThe certified, fully urban road course is a parade through some of the city's most recognisable places. The start is on Calle Concha Espina, by Plaza de los Sagrados Corazones. The race heads down Calle Serrano and Plaza de la República Argentina to the Puerta de Alcalá, then follows Calle de Alcalá, Plaza de Cibeles, Paseo del Prado and the Neptune fountain against the usual direction of traffic, a privilege reserved for this day. After passing Plaza del Emperador Carlos V in Atocha, the race takes Avenida Ciudad de Barcelona and Avenida de la Albufera into Vallecas, where the whole neighbourhood turns out to cheer. Sierra del Cadí, Carlos Martín Álvarez and Martínez de la Riva lead runners to the finish on Calle Candilejas, next to the Vallecas Stadium. Much of the course has a favourable profile, and the finish, surrounded by music and people, is a real celebration.A start designed for everyoneTo make sure every runner enjoys their race, starts are organised in waves by time from 16:50, with a special start for handbikes and racing wheelchairs. Runners with an accredited time under 50 minutes start at 17:00, and those between 50 and 60 minutes at 17:15. Everyone else chooses their wave at registration: 17:35, 17:55 or 18:20. Each wave has a maximum of 8,000 runners, and the time limit is 1 hour 20 minutes from the starting gun. Times are accredited with 10 km races validated by the organisation. Runners aged 16 and over can take part; under-18s need authorisation from a parent or guardian. Blind runners can take part with a guide, provided by the organisation if needed.What your entry includesRegistration includes the commemorative Boomerang T-shirt, which doubles as your bib, a shoe timing chip, accident insurance, water at the start and finish, medical services at the start, along the course and at the finish, and a place in the official results. It also gives access to the Virtual race, which can be run anywhere between 28 and 31 December. After the race you can download your diploma from the official website, and trophies for the overall category are presented on the 31st at the Vallecas Stadium.The runner's pack is collected at the Runner's Expo from 26 to 30 December, 10:00 to 21:00, on the day and time slot chosen at registration, or can be delivered to your home. There are two bag-drop options: a fixed one in the finish area next to the Vallecas Stadium, and a mobile one that collects your belongings at the start and takes them to the finish.Getting thereThe organisation recommends public transport. Metro reinforces lines 9 and 10 at the start (Santiago Bernabéu and Concha Espina stations) and line 1 at the finish, with Portazgo station as the main reference, plus Nueva Numancia, Puente de Vallecas and Buenos Aires.Running for a causeWhen registering you can make a charitable donation and choose where it goes: childhood cancer research through the Intheos Foundation, or support for disadvantaged families in Vallecas through Avanza ONG, which delivers Christmas hampers and supports charity dinners at local soup kitchens.RegistrationRegistration opened in June 2026 and closes on 23 December at 23:00 or when bibs sell out. Prices rise in tiers: €27 for the first 10,000 runners, €29 up to 20,000 and €31 up to the full 42,000, plus a booking fee.Puerta de Alcalá, Cibeles, Neptune, Atocha, Vallecas and tens of thousands of runners seeing out the year together: the San Silvestre Vallecana is the best way to say goodbye to December in Madrid.