Crevillent bids farewell to the year with top athletes in San Silvestre
Runners gathered for the traditional San Silvestre Crevillentina, a standout event that caps the year in the town of Crevillent. Nearly 1,500 athletes took part, with around 1,700 registered at the outset. Illnesses along the way trimmed attendance, yet the race remained one of the most prestigious road disciplines on Spanish soil, drawing elite competitors from across the region and beyond. The meeting showcased speed, strategy, and the enduring appeal of this year end test on the local calendar.
The women’s race crowned a Kenyan champion, with David Kiplagat claiming victory after a tense duel. A decisive final sprint determined the result over a compact lead group, ending with a finish time of 30 minutes and 13 seconds. Although not a new record, the performance highlighted the depth of international talent present on the Crevillente course as the field navigated the final meters with tough, close finishes. The winner edged her breakaway rival by a single second, underscoring the race’s reputation for thrilling conclusions. [Citation: local race report]
The podium in the men’s race featured a strong Spanish challenge. Miguel Baidal from Alicante secured the bronze in a time around 30.56, after a gripping duel with a fellow Crevillentino runner of Moroccan heritage, Hocine Bouchrak. Bouchrak, returning to his hometown on a scholarship, crossed the line with 30.57, while the Andalusian Jose Ignacio Giménez finished just behind in 30.59. The final placements saw Allam Kemboi Biwott from Kenya finish among the favorites, but the late pace proved too tough for the lead group, and several contenders faded as the finish approached. [Citation: race results summary]
The women’s competition yielded a dominant display from Kenyan Carolyne Jepchumba Biwott. She led from start to finish, sprinting clear with impressive speed and finishing well ahead of the pack with a time of 33.45. While not approaching the race record, the triumph solidified her status as a top distance runner on this course. Carolyne Jepchumba Biwott was celebrated as the winner of the San Silvestre Crevillentina in a result that echoed her early leadership of the event. [Citation: race recap]
Valencian resident Julia Font Gomez, living in Vega Baja, repeated last year’s second place with a time of 36 minutes and 42 seconds. A homegrown Alicante competitor also claimed a spot on the podium, with Yesica Mas finishing strong after clocking 36.59. The competition reflected a mix of seasoned veterans and rising talents from across the region, all pushing toward strong finales on the familiar Crevillente course. [Citation: podium review]
Despite some last minute absences, the organizing clubs and the Crevillent city council delivered a successful event that highlighted strong community support and the sport’s ongoing vitality. The race once again served as a key prelude to national level championships and showcased the town’s capacity to host major athletics events with a festive finish to the year. [Citation: event recap]
Crevillent will host the Spanish 10K Road Championships in April 2024
JA Galvan
Crevillent provided a perfect testing ground for the upcoming Spanish 10K road championships. The event is scheduled to reuse the same route as the San Silvestre and will take place in the town of Alfombrera on 6 April 2024. Runners will start and finish at Paseo de Fontenay, with the course offering a mix of flat stretches and challenging segments that test endurance, pacing, and tactical speed. The championship promises intense competition among the best kilometer specialists in the nation as athletes line up to chase national titles on a familiar and forgiving course. [Citation: championship preview]