Every year since 1964, on the last day of the year, Madrid has played host to the largest athletics event in Spain. One of the only four 10K races in the world to boast the IAAF Gold Race Running Label, the festive competition consists of two races, the fun run and the international race.
The event consists of two parts, the fun run (which anyone over 16 can take part in) and the international race, and is regarded as a fairly easy competition since 8 out of the 10 kilometres are slightly downhill. Although the fun run officially kicks off at 5.30pm from Calle Concha Espina it will have a wave start, meaning runners will be starting at different intervals (check times). The professional race, which is run by top international athletes, commences at 8pm and will finish in the Vallecas Stadium. The finishing line for the fun run will be placed near the football stadium.
A few days earlier, on 26 December, the central Paseo del Prado will hold the San Silvestre Mini for kids up to and including the age of 16.