The 2024 San Silvestre Salmantina has once again transformed the streets of Salamanca, Spain, as thousands of runners celebrated the year's final race on December 29. Braved by over 6,700 participants, the event showcased vibrant colors and cheerful crowds, solidifying its status as the most popular sporting event of the year.
Held on the last Sunday of the year, the race kicked off with the youngest competitors starting first, racing through the city’s historic avenues even as the cold winter morning made itself known. The sub10 category led the charge, igniting excitement for the day’s festivities.
The official route covered several iconic locations, spiraling around approximately 1,070 meters before leading to the finish line at Paseo de San Antonio. Among the winners, Enzo Alburquerque took victory for the boys, and Olivia García claimed the title for the girls' sub10 category.
When the clock hit 11:30 AM, it was the moment everyone had been waiting for—the main race began. Under the bleak winter sky, Mousaab Hadout, hailing from Morocco, and Salamanca's own Gema Martín emerged as the champions. Hadout completed the rigorous 10-kilometer race with a blistering time of 29 minutes and 40 seconds, edging out the competition.
"It's great to see such enthusiasm and color on the streets of Salamanca," shared Hadout, capturing the spirit of the event. His closest competitors included Jorge Blanco, who finished at 30:05, and David de la Fuente at 30:10, both showcasing impressive talent.
On the women's side, Gema Martín did not disappoint, finishing the race at 35 minutes and 2 seconds. This win marks her fourth championship title at the San Silvestre Salmantina, adding to her victories from previous years. Martín expressed her delight after the race, stating, "Winning this beautiful and special race for Salamanca is always heartwarming. This city supports its athletes so passionately."
The event, renowned for its festive atmosphere, attracted participants not just from Salamanca but also from afar, all donning vibrant outfits and costumes, celebrating the year’s end with camaraderie and sport. Local residents lined the route, cheering for participants and creating an electrifying ambiance.
This year’s race was particularly notable, as it was held on December 29, unlike the previous year, which coincided with New Year’s Eve. The shift proved successful, bringing record-breaking participation numbers and even more animated local support.
Reflecting on the weather conditions, several runners remarked on the cold—a gripping 0 degrees meant many competitors had to dig deep to push through. "I usually handle heat well, but the cold was quite challenging for me today," admitted Martín, highlighting the discomfort many felt. Yet, undeterred by the chill, the runners embraced the energy of the event.
The San Silvestre Salmantina continues to build on its rich history and community involvement, with specific segments of the race reserved for younger athletes. The sub14 and sub16 categories also saw exciting performances, with Andrea Diego and Adrián Sánchez winning for sub14, and Silvia Rodríguez and Jorge Hernández taking the sub16 category.
Overall, 6,783 athletes gathered to compete, marking another successful year for the San Silvestre Salmantina. Enthusiasts and spectators alike were treated to exhilarating performances and memorable moments. The streets lit up with cheers, laughter, and the colorful vestiges of enthusiasm as the community once again united for the spirit of competition.
Reflecting on this year’s event, organizers expressed their satisfaction with the triumphs and the glowing turnout, emphasizing the importance of such events for community bonding and sport promotion. The tradition of the San Silvestre continues to thrive, ensuring the folding away of another calendar year filled with athletic spirit and local pride.