Asturias is set to welcome the final hours of 2024 with its beloved tradition of San Silvestre races, encouraging locals to don their running shoes and step out for what is often called the most athletic day of the year. On December 31, from various towns like Gijón and Oviedo to Avilés and Langreo, thousands of participants will take part in these races, celebrating community and sport.
More than 20,000 runners are expected to flood the streets, turning Asturias itself nearly entirely athletic. The TotalEnergies San Silvestre of Gijón stands as the star of the day, drawing 7,200 participants—2,000 youth competitors and 5,200 adults—aiming to close out the year on a high note with record participation. This year, improvement to the route promises to amp up the visual experience of this oldest San Silvestre event within Asturias.
Among the competitive faces expected to shine are Rubén Marqués and David Alfonso, two of the top distance runners from the region, poised for fierce competition. Meanwhile, Isabel Barreiro aims for the winning spot among the women, with Claudia Rendueles and Laura Silverio also being names to watch. The event is organized by the Patronato Deportivo Municipal and Gijón Atletismo, marking another milestone for regional athletics.
Also significant is the San Silvestre Ciudad de Oviedo, which has convinced 6,500 runners to fill its ranks—5,000 adults and 1,500 youth. This race covers the historic heart of Oviedo and has adapted its course due to urban changes. The predicted duel between Alejandro Onís and Jaime Bueno is generating buzz, particularly with Mariam Benkert appearing strong going for the women’s victory.
Traffic alterations will affect both Gijón and Oviedo around the events, with streets being closed to the public. Starting at 15:00 on December 31, Oviedo will see barricades around the race starting point on Calle Uría, flooding the city with cheers from supportive spectators. The Gijón event will kick off various distance challenges at 16:00, with the main adult race beginning at 17:00, ensuring participants encounter properly vibrant energy along their route.
Avilés is gearing up for its own race, slated for 18:00, with up to 2,500 participants expected to cover the 5.6 km course. Additional towns throughout Asturias, including Langreo, Villaviciosa, Luarca, and Cudillero, will host their own unique runs, pulling community members out to cheer and run. Candás plans to honor the day with its traditional cycling event, gathering about 700 participants for their own San Silvestre fiesta.
Despite festive revelry, participants are reminded of public safety and traffic regulations. Local police will conduct traffic management, with notable closures starting well before the races to facilitate preparations. Roads around the events will have limited access, encouraging the use of public transportation or rideshare services to lessen congestion.
With excitement surrounding the local competition, many runners are set not just to participate, but to push against previous records and personal bests. "It’s all about the atmosphere of the races; the energy is unmatched, especially as we close out the year," remarked one enthusiastic local runner. Historically, athletes like Bruno Toledo and Moha Bakali have dominated the San Silvestre races; this time, the victories remain open for newcomers and seasoned participants alike.
While the race routines may vary, the core values unite all the runners: family, community, and the spirit of competition, hoping to finish strong as they head toward the new year. The San Silvestre races encapsulate the essence of Asturias as people from all walks of life come together, creating memorable moments and solidifying traditions as the clock winds down for 2024.
Asturias’s San Silvestre races showcase not only athleticism but the community’s dedication to health and happiness as they celebrate the day together, leaving behind 2024 with pride and fervor.