Alicante prepares for its annual San Silvestre Solidarity Run, inviting runners to gather on Friday, December 29 at 19:30. The event is expected to attract a large field of participants, with early estimates suggesting around 2,800 runners, surpassing initial projections of 2,500 and the final count reaching 2,602 officially registered runners. Registration remains open until 15:00 on Thursday for those who wish to join the festive evening.
The organizer highlights that this year could set new participation records, underscoring the city’s enduring commitment to popular sport. The San Silvestre is celebrated not only as a race but as a family-friendly, playful, and solidarity-driven occasion, designed to engage both residents and visitors in a healthy way to end the year.
The start and finish line are located on Rambla de Méndez Núñez, near Casa de la Festa. The course unfolds along a roughly three-kilometer loop through Rambla, San Vicente, Alfonso El Sabio, General Marvá, Avenida de la Estación, Gadea, Soto, Alfonso El Sabio, López Torregrosa, and back to Rambla de Méndez Núñez.
Awards will recognize the top three finishers with trophies, while gift sets will be awarded for outstanding individual and group costumes for both men and women. At the race’s end, participants will enjoy solid and liquid refreshments, and the start and finish areas will be animated with confetti cannons and music to heighten the celebratory mood.
Registration costs five euros via the official website, and a portion of the proceeds will support charitable purposes, reinforcing the event’s community impact.
Skating and costumes
In this edition, the City Council welcomes skaters, provided they follow safety guidelines to prevent any risk to participants. Skaters will compete in the race but will not be eligible for prize placement based on classification.
As a fun, carnival-like event, costume participation is encouraged. Organizers note that participants wearing group or individual costumes with bright, high-visibility elements will be placed in the starting order to minimize interference and ensure safety for all runners.
Closing circuit traffic
The race will progressively close sections of the route as it advances. Expected closures include: at 19:20, access to General Marvá Boulevard will be restricted; at 19:30, access to Avenida de la Estación will close as the course turns from Plaza de los Luceros toward Federico Soto; and at 19:40, access to Federico Soto Boulevard will close, redirecting the course toward Alfonso X el Sabio Boulevard. Final adjustments may be made by the organizers to align with security and traffic management needs.
As the event unfolds, municipal bus services will undergo temporary changes. Several lines—1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 22, 27 and C-6—will operate differently to accommodate the race, and a special Christmas service will run from 18:00 until the end of the event.
Official event communications, Alicante City Council