The 22nd edition of the Cursa Sant Silvestre de Tarragona will take place on the afternoon of 31 December, with registrations now open. This popular sporting event is highly anticipated by local runners.
The race will commence at 17:15 from the Llotja de Pescadors in the Serrallo district, covering a distance of 6.5 kilometres through the streets of the Part Baixa area of the city. The Mercat Central will once again play a significant role, serving as the collection point for race numbers and participant bags on 29 and 30 December from 10:00 to 20:00. Additionally, the market will provide shopping vouchers as prizes for winners in each category.
This year, the event will maintain the limit of 2,100 places, consistent with previous editions. The race also retains its charitable spirit, with the ninth edition of the Sang Silvestre campaign offering 300 free registrations to runners who donate blood at the Hospital Joan XXIII between 12 and 30 November, or until places run out. This initiative is a collaboration with the Banc de Sang i Teixits, aimed at encouraging blood donations in the region.
Event presentation
The race was presented at the Mercat Central of Tarragona, attended by various officials including Montse Adan, President of Mercats de Tarragona and Councillor for Commerce and Tourism; Mario Soler, Councillor for Sports at the Tarragona City Council; Josep Maria Estelrich, spokesperson for Tarragona Fondistes; Neus Pàmies, Director of the Centre for Maritime Studies and Activities at the Port of Tarragona; and Dr Núria Vilanova, Coordinator of Blood Donation at Banc de Sang in the Camp de Tarragona and Terres de l’Ebre.
Montse Adan highlighted the Mercat Central's ongoing commitment to this traditional race, stating, "We are very pleased to once again be the collection point for the race numbers and bags for over 2,000 participants. Thank you to Tarragona Fondistes for organising the Sant Silvestre for the 22nd time, maintaining its charitable character and turning the afternoon of 31 December into a great celebration of health and sport."
Mario Soler added, "It is a pleasure for Tarragona Esports to collaborate with this event, one of the most beloved in the city's Christmas calendar, which has become a tradition for many residents." He emphasised that there is no better way to end the year than by promoting health, sharing sports, and contributing to a good cause.
A charitable and sporting initiative
For the ninth consecutive year, the Sang Silvestre campaign, in collaboration with the Banc de Sang i Teixits, aims to boost blood donations in the region. This campaign runs alongside the race and seeks to increase blood donations ahead of the Christmas holidays, a period when donor numbers typically decline due to changes in public habits. The Banc de Sang requires 1,000 donations daily to meet the needs of patients in hospitals and clinics, with around 20 patients at Hospital Joan XXIII receiving blood components each day.
The first 300 runners who donate blood at the Hospital Joan XXIII will receive a code for free registration to the race and a participant bag. This initiative is also open to anyone wishing to contribute, even if they do not participate in the race, through the 'Dorsal Cero' blood donation option.
Furthermore, the Cursa Sant Silvestre's charitable efforts extend beyond the blood donation campaign, with actions to support the Liga Contra el Cáncer, #Epilep ‘si yo puedo, tú también’, and the Fundación Bonanit. Notably, one euro from each registration will be donated to these associations.
