December 31st is a date marked in red on every Donostiarra’s calendar. Not just for the lucky grapes, the champagne, or the family dinner, but because the city streets transform hours before midnight. If you are thinking of spending New Year’s Eve in our city, there is one event that embodies the sporting and festive spirit of San Sebastián like no other: the San Silvestre de San Sebastián 2025.
Far from the competitive tension of other races, this event is an explosion of joy, witty costumes, and, of course, grassroots sport. Below, we tell you everything you need to know to run it or to enjoy it as a spectator in an incomparable setting.
A Tradition Uniting Sport and Celebration
The “San Silvestre” is the quintessential popular race to say goodbye to the year in many cities around the world, but the San Silvestre Donostiarra has a special flavor. Historically organized by the Amara Kirol Elkartea club, this race has managed to maintain a perfect balance between athletes looking to beat their personal bests and groups of friends (“cuadrillas”) running while pushing a shopping cart disguised as Vikings.
With a distance usually around 8 kilometers (approx. 5 miles), it is an accessible test for the vast majority of regular runners. However, what really attracts the more than 4,000 annual participants is not the medal, but the atmosphere. The streets fill with applause, music, and color that contrasts with the usual grey of the Cantabrian winter sky.
The Route: A Moving Postcard
Running in San Sebastián is a luxury, and doing it on the last day of the year with the streets closed off just for you is an unforgettable experience. Although the route may undergo slight variations from edition to edition, the essence remains: connecting the Antiguo neighborhood with the city center and Amara, bordering the coast.
The start is traditionally located in the Benta Berri area or near Plaza Easo (depending on the year and construction works), but the highlight for any runner is when the human tide heads down the Paseo de La Concha.
Imagine running with the sound of the waves on your left, passing by the majestic white railing. It is here that you feel the true magic of the city. If you are a visitor, this stretch will allow you to enjoy a privileged view of the bay and the famous La Concha Beach, considered one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe. The sea breeze, the crowds cheering from the sidewalks, and the Christmas lights beginning to turn on create a vibrant atmosphere.
The race usually continues towards the Old Town (Parte Vieja) and the Boulevard, then heads into the Gros neighborhood or returns towards the finish line in the Amara neighborhood, the true heart of this competition.
Competition or Costume Parade?
If anything defines the San Silvestre de Donostia, it is humor. While races like the Behobia-SS breathe epic struggle and suffering, here one breathes an early carnival. Don’t be surprised if you are overtaken by a group of giant bananas, a family of superheroes, or a team simulating a full rowing boat (“trainera”).
There are prizes for the best costumes, which encourages the creativity of the participants. For the tourist or visitor who doesn’t dare to lace up their sneakers, the plan is just as attractive: stand at any point along the route (especially on Avenida de la Libertad or near Plaza Easo) and enjoy the parade. It is a visual spectacle that brings smiles and laughter, ideal for warming up before the New Year’s Eve dinner.
Practical Tips for Participating
If you’ve got the itch to run and want to be part of the multicolored tide this coming December 31st, here are some key tips to make your experience perfect:
1. Early Registration
The popularity of the race has grown exponentially. Bibs fly off the shelves. It is essential to keep an eye on the organizer’s official website (Amara Kirol Elkartea) or sports ticketing platforms starting in November. Don’t leave it for the last day.
2. The Donostia Weather
We are in the north and it is December. The chances of rain are real. However, the locals are not daunted by the “xirimiri” (light drizzle). If it rains, we run anyway (and sometimes, it’s even more epic). That said, bring dry clothes to change into immediately after crossing the finish line. The damp cold can be treacherous when you stop running.
3. Getting to the Start Line
Public transport is your best ally. Driving through the center of San Sebastián on the afternoon of the 31st, with streets closed for the race, is mission impossible. Use the Topo (Euskotren) or Dbus buses to get to the start area with plenty of time.
4. The “Third Half”
The race usually finishes around 5:00 PM or 5:30 PM. It is the perfect time to enjoy the famous “poteo” (bar hopping) through the Amara neighborhood or head to the city center. The bars will be overflowing with runners in their medals and costumes, sharing “pintxos” and anecdotes. It is the moment of social integration par excellence.
The Impact of the San Silvestre de San Sebastián 2025 on the City
The San Silvestre in Donostia is more than a sporting event; it is a social engine. It brings together entire families, promotes healthy lifestyle habits, and energizes the local hospitality industry in the hours leading up to the end-of-year dinner.
In addition, it often has a charitable nature. It is common for part of the proceeds or parallel initiatives during the race to go to NGOs or charities in Gipuzkoa, so your physical effort also contributes to a good cause.
Why Choose San Sebastián for New Year’s Eve?
If you are visiting, coinciding with the San Silvestre is the perfect excuse to discover the city. You can spend the morning walking by the Comb of the Wind (Peine del Viento), eating at a cider house or a quality restaurant, running (or watching) the San Silvestre in the afternoon, and ending the day with an unforgettable dinner.
San Sebastián offers elegant lighting and a cozy atmosphere at Christmas which, added to the adrenaline of the race, turns the last day of the year into a well-rounded experience.
Conclusion: A Finish Line That Is a New Beginning
Crossing the finish line of the San Silvestre de Donostia leaves you with a feeling of fulfillment. You say goodbye to the year doing what you love, surrounded by good people and in a spectacular setting. Whether fighting against the clock or laughing under a clown wig, this race symbolizes the vitality of a city that loves sports.
Are you up for finishing the year running by the sea? Get your sneakers (or your costume) ready and see you at the starting line.
¡Urte berri on! (Happy New Year!)
For more official information on registration and updated routes, you can visit the Amara Kirol Elkartea website.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-