San Silvestre Vallecana 2025: timetables, route and traffic closures in Madrid

The San Silvestre Vallecana 2025 returns to Madrid on 31 December, bringing together more than 40,000 runners in a festive sporting atmosphere. The event, which links the Santiago Bernabéu stadium with Vallecas over 10 kilometres, has established itself as one of the essential dates for running enthusiasts and for those seeking a different way to see out the year.

The race, recognised with the IAAF Gold Race Running Label, organises the start in several corrals according to participants’ certified times. The first group, reserved for handbikes and racing wheelchairs, sets off at 16:50. At 17:00, runners with a time below 50 minutes start, followed at 17:15 by those certified between 50 and 60 minutes. Runners without a time or with times above 60 minutes will start in three waves: 17:35, 17:55 and 18:20. The international race, exclusively for elite athletes, begins at 19:55 from the same point.

The route passes through some of Madrid’s most emblematic places, such as Concha Espina, Serrano, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Cibeles, Paseo del Prado and Avenida de la Albufera, until it reaches the popular finish at Candilejas and the international finish at Vallecas stadium. The festive atmosphere and variety of costumes turn the event into a unique spectacle, where both elite and recreational runners share the tarmac and sporting spirit.

Madrid City Council has announced major traffic closures from 15:00 on 31 December on key streets such as Avenida de Concha Espina, Serrano, Plaza de la República Argentina, Alcalá, Plaza de Cibeles, Paseo del Prado and Avenida de la Albufera, among others. The use of public transport is recommended, with reinforcements on the Metro and changes to numerous EMT lines. For long journeys, using the M-30 and M-40 is advised, avoiding the centre during the race.

Race-bib and T-shirt collection takes place at the Rafaelhoteles Atocha hotel from 26 to 30 December, from 10:00 to 21:00. The event, which was born in the 1960s as an initiative by athletics enthusiasts, has become a tradition that sees out the year by running and celebrating in the streets of Madrid.