This Saint Silvestre Eldense stands among the oldest events in the province and remains a beloved fixture in the Community of Valencia. In 2019, registrations reached a peak with 8,401 runners, 349 more than the previous year. The celebration marked another milestone as the event continued to grow, with a commemorative edition featuring 40 prints and a finish-line celebration that included performances and a mascot to be named by the Eldense supporters.
Registration continues to be free and mostly completed online, a format that keeps attracting more participants year after year. The refreshed website hosts all essential details at www.sports.elda.es, serving as the central hub for upcoming events, schedules, and registration instructions.
Those who encounter difficulties can register for the Central Market during Bibis pick-up hours. Runners who cross the finish line without registering still have a chance to win prizes, including a Caribbean cruise for two courtesy of Arena Viajes.
TV, tablet, bicycle, electric skateboard
Dozens of prize drawings accompany the survivors as they compete for trophies and a range of gifts. Prizes include a mountain bike, a tablet, an electric skateboard, a 55-inch television, a tracksuit from a major football club, and various Christmas and sports-themed packages. The trophies are handed over on the castle square stage during the New Year’s celebration, with a rest area and surprises for spectators and participants alike.
The ceremony unfolds on the stage near the finish line, creating a festive atmosphere that blends sport with local tradition.
Award for best costumes
In addition, a group prize is awarded for the best costume, a celebratory dinner for the second-place group, and Christmas packages for all participants in the top three costumes. The winning group gains recognition and a memorable prize package.
100 to 300 Euros
In the absolute category, prizes are distributed among the top finishers with substantial rewards: 300 euros for first place, 150 euros for second, and 100 euros for third. The first man and first woman across the finish line each receive 100 euros along with additional gifts.
Goat mascot
Sports consultant Fernando Gomez introduced the San Silvestre mascot at the Central Market stand, where registrations and number pickups take place. He explained that the mascot, a goat, mirrors values associated with sport such as strength, agility, balance, and nobility, making it a fitting symbol for the event.
A San Silvestre Eldense Mascot with a History
The sports mayor described the mascot as a symbol rooted in ancient domestication, a playful and friendly creature that embodies the spirit of the race. The Eldense team invited residents to help name the mascot, inviting suggestions from the public through a December 25 vote. Names proposed have included Sansil, Silvestrina, Bolonita, and Elderica, with the winning option determining the mascot’s name.
San Silvestre Eldense reaches its 40th edition after a two-year hiatus
Residents can vote on the Elda City Council Facebook page and Instagram account to choose one of four names for the mascot. The candidate with the most votes will become the official mascot. The sports department approved that the mascot will participate in the event to assist participants with stretches and warm-ups and to cheer at the finish line.
Delivery of chest numbers
As in past editions, the Ministry of Sports has set up a registration area at the Elda Central Market where attendees can sign up in person and collect their race numbers for the traditional New Year’s event held on the final day of the year.
3,700 registered and growing
Registration has already surpassed 3,700 participants as of the latest Saturday. In recent years, the process has largely moved online through the central site deportes.elda.es, which provides all race information and directions for obtaining a chest number at the Market stand.
The chest-number pickup schedule is as follows: those who registered before December 14 may pick up starting today; those registered by December 29 can pick up on December 31. The pickup and information point is in the commercial area and operates from 09:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 21:00 daily through December 31, with special Sunday hours on the 24th and a final day cutoff on the 31st. Pickups run from 9:00 to 17:00 without interruption on the last day.