As the year comes to a close on this 31st of December, runners across the globe are preparing to take part in a tradition that has spanned nearly a century, the San Silvestre race. Steeped in history and celebrated across continents, this race unites communities in a unique way, embodying both a festive farewell to the old year and an enthusiastic embrace of the new.
The Origins: Who Was Saint Silvester?
The race’s name is inspired by Saint Silvester I, the 33rd Pope of the Catholic Church, who served as the Bishop of Rome from 314 to 335 AD. His time as Pope was transformative; his leadership spanned the period when Emperor Constantine embraced Christianity, reshaping the religion’s place within the Roman Empire. Saint Silvester’s feast day falls on 31 December, commemorating his legacy. Today, his name lives on through races held on this date, celebrating both his influence and the year’s end.
How the San Silvestre Race Began in São Paulo
The most iconic of the San Silvestre races takes place in São Paulo, Brazil, and dates back to 1925. Brazilian journalist Cásper Líbero brought the idea home after witnessing a remarkable New Year’s Eve race in Paris, where participants ran with torches through the streets. Inspired by the spectacle, Líbero organised a similar event in São Paulo to welcome the New Year with a festive yet challenging run.
The first race began on the night of 31 December 1925 at 11:40 pm and covered 6.2 kilometres. It was a simple yet powerful way to connect people and celebrate the end of the year. Since then, the São Paulo race has grown into an annual event, drawing thousands of participants and inspiring similar races across the world.
International Recognition and San Silvestre’s Evolution
Twenty years later, in 1945, the San Silvestre race in São Paulo expanded to include international competitors. After Líbero’s passing, organisers began inviting foreign runners, transforming the race into an international event. Argentine runner Osvaldo Suárez won the race three times, helping to elevate its profile on the world stage.
The race’s popularity surged in 1975 when a women’s division was introduced, marking a new era of inclusivity. For decades, the race distance fluctuated, but in 1991 it was set at 15 kilometres, aligning with international standards. With its new status, the São Paulo San Silvestre became part of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), cementing its reputation as one of the most prestigious year-end races.
The San Silvestre Race: A Global Tradition
While São Paulo’s San Silvestre race remains iconic, it’s far from the only one. The concept has spread globally, becoming a symbol of New Year’s Eve celebration in cities worldwide.
In Madrid, Spain, the San Silvestre race has become a fixture of the Vallecas neighbourhood since its first edition in 1964. Known for its festive and spirited atmosphere, it has become one of the most popular San Silvestre races and is often hailed as the world’s best.
Mexico also boasts a prominent San Silvestre tradition, with Mexico City’s Gandhi Circuit hosting its own version since 1994. In the scenic setting of Chapultepec Park and near the National Museum of Anthropology, participants take part in an event that captures the festive yet reflective spirit of New Year’s Eve. Additional races are held in cities such as Guadalajara, Monterrey, Mérida, and León, each bringing a local flavour to this international celebration.
In Guatemala, thousands have participated in the San Silvestre race since 1957. Known for its costumes and awards for the best-dressed runners, this version has a playful twist, combining athleticism with light-hearted celebration.
A Legacy of Celebration and Unity
As runners around the world prepare to line up on this December day, they will join a legacy that spans nearly a century. What began as a torchlit run through Paris has blossomed into a shared tradition, where the year’s final hours are marked by athleticism, joy, and camaraderie. From São Paulo to Vallecas, from Chapultepec to the streets of Guatemala City, the San Silvestre race remains a celebration that transcends borders, inviting everyone to share in the spirit of community.
So, as the clock ticks towards midnight, thousands will set off, each runner embodying the hopes, goals, and joys that lie ahead. Through each step, they honour a tradition that has become as much about looking forward as it is about celebrating what has been. Here's to another New Year, welcomed on foot and with open hearts, in the time-honoured spirit of the San Silvestre.