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SAN SILVESTRE VALLECANA 2012

Every year on December 31, Madrid stages the increasing popular race which ushers in the new year. Make sure you sure you keep an eye out, though, because registration for the event opens in November and places run out fast!

In 2011, 31,501 people took to the city streets to send off the year and take part in this 10-km race that beautifully combines a very high level of sporting passion and mass participation. Sports and celebration unite in one event that combines costumes and artificial snow with an athletic drive for self-improvement.

The San Silvestre Vallecana comprises two competitions. Participants in the fun run need only be at least 16 years of age. Men going for the professional race must prove that they have run a 10km race over the past year, or the previous edition of the San Silvestre, in under 38 minutes, while women have 45 minutes.

The fun run, which this year celebratese its 35th edition, starts out at 5,30pm and is organised by times, making it faster. and more relaxed since it allows participants to run at their own pace. Both pros and amateurs can certify their best time and register for the corresponding category. There are nine slots (<38', <42', <45', <48', <50', <52', <55', <60' and +60'), each with a different coloured bracelet.

The international competition, (which is on its 48th edition and in 2011 was won by Ethiopean runners Hagos Gebrhiwet and Tirunesh Dibaba), starts out at 8pm. This race puts the spotlight on star runners taking part, such as Carlos Lopes, Ondoro Osoro, Paul Bitok, Martin Fiz, John Brown, Chema Martínez, Benita Johnson and Tadesse Tola.

An enjoyable route

The race departs from the city's financial centre: Calle Concha Espina (next to Paseo de la Castellana. Metro station: Santiago Bernabéu) and passes by tourist locations such as Puerta de Alcalá, Cibeles and the Art Walk. Athletes will be running from one football pitch to another, since the Teresa Rivero stadium in Vallecas, which is home to the Rayo Vallecano football team, is the official finishing line for the professional race (amateurs reach the grounds outside the stadium).

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