On December 31, Madrid will once again host the famous San Silvestre Vallecana race, which traditionally draws thousands of participants and spectators. This year, city authorities warn that traffic will be restricted on several central streets from early morning until midnight. Organizers and the municipality are strongly advising residents and visitors to use public transportation and avoid planning trips by private car through the affected areas.
If you do need to travel by car for long distances, it’s recommended to use the M-30 and M-40 ring roads. Otherwise, you risk getting stuck in traffic jams or not being able to reach your destination at all.
Two races, two routes
This year, as in previous years, the San Silvestre Vallecana will be split into two parts: the mass race and the international race. The first starts at 16:50 and will finish by 19:50, with up to 40,000 runners registered. The second, a more elite race, begins at 19:55 and ends at 20:45, expecting up to 2,000 participants.
Both races follow a north-south route through the city. The start is on avenida de Concha Espina, with the mass race finishing on calle de Candilejas and the international race ending at Estadio de Vallecas. The route passes through the neighborhoods of Chamartín, Salamanca, Centro, Retiro, and Puente de Vallecas.
Runners will pass such iconic spots as calle de Serrano, plaza de la República Argentina, plaza de la Independencia, calle de Alcalá, plaza de Cibeles, paseo del Prado, plaza de Cánovas del Castillo, plaza del Emperador Carlos V, avenida de Ciudad de Barcelona, and avenida de la Albufera.
Traffic restrictions
From 8 a.m. until midnight on December 31, full and partial road closures will be in effect along the race route and in adjacent neighborhoods. These restrictions are due not only to the event itself, but also to the installation and dismantling of temporary structures at the start and finish lines.
In the area around Santiago Bernabéu stadium, restrictions will begin on December 30 at 3:00 p.m. and continue until 11:59 p.m. the following day. On avenida Concha Espina, between plaza de los Sagrados Corazones and calle Serrano, traffic will be closed except for one lane reserved for emergency services and residents.
Rafael Salgado street (calle de Rafael Salgado), Padre Damián street (calle del Padre Damián), the service road of paseo de la Castellana, paseo de La Habana, as well as Santo Domingo de Silos, San Juan de Lasalle, and Marceliano Santa María streets will also be affected.
Near the finish line at Vallecas stadium, Cándiljejas, Payaso Fofó, Arroyo-del-Olivar, Javier de Miguel, Martínez de la Riva, La Diligencia, Puerto-del-Monasterio, and Sierra-del-Cadi streets will be closed. Some restrictions will remain in place until January 2, especially along avenida Payaso Fofó.
Parking and access
From December 30, parking bans will be in place in the start and finish areas and along the race route. Around Santiago Bernabéu, this will affect avenida Concha Espina, plaza de Lima, plaza de los Sagrados Corazones, paseo de La Habana, calle Serrano, and nearby streets.
Around the Estadio de Vallecas, restrictions will apply to Cándil Street, Payaso Fofó, Arroyo del Olivar, Javier de Miguel, Sierra del Cadí, Puerto del Monasterio and adjacent roads. In some areas, the restrictions will remain in place until January 2.
Installation of temporary structures will begin on the morning of December 30 and intensify on race day. Dismantling will start after the international race kicks off and finish by midnight. Where possible, access will be maintained for residents, emergency services, and garage entry during these operations.
Public transport
Due to the event, EMT city bus operations will be adjusted. From 16:00 to 21:00 on December 31, 56 routes will follow modified schedules. These include lines 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 24, 26, 27, 28, 32, 34, 37, 43, 45, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59, 61, 74, 85, 86, 102, 103, 111, 113, 120, 136, 141, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 156, 310, 001, C03, C1, C2, E1 and Exprés Aeropuerto.
From December 30, route diversions will begin due to site preparations on Avenida Concha Espina and Plaza Sagrados Corazones. For lines 14, 43, 120 and 150, these changes will be in effect from 14:00 on December 30 until 23:00 on December 31.
In the Puente de Vallecas area, installation and dismantling of race infrastructure will impact route 103 on Payaso Fofó Street from 6:00 to 23:00.
Additionally, several Bicimad city bike-share stations will be closed during the race. This affects spots on Ortega y Gasset, Serrano, Plaza República Argentina, and Paseo de La Habana.
