The best races to burn off those holiday meals
To work off the excesses of the holiday feasts, or to help athletes maintain their fitness levels, there's a wide range of athletic races before New Year's Eve, such as Sant Esteve and Las Narices or San Silvestre, offering everyone a chance to test their limits. We've put together a few suggestions in case you can't resist the temptation to break in those new running shoes and rack up the miles!
San Silvestre Race in Hospitalet del Infante
On December 21st, L'Hospitalet de l'Infant, in the Baix Camp region, will celebrate the fourteenth edition of the Sant Silvestre Race. The Berenguer de Entença square will serve as both the start and finish line. The 2,000-meter circuit is completed twice, for a total of 4,000 meters. The registration fee is €2, and all proceeds will be donated to the Tarragona-Terres de l'Ebre Region Cancer League. Prizes will be awarded to the top five male and female finishers overall, as well as the first local male and female runners. There will also be a trophy for the most original costume among those participating in the race wearing unusual attire.
webtretzesports.wixsite.com/santsansihospitalet
Ullastrell Mushroom Race
In Ullastrell, in the Vallès Occidental region, this year marks the 46th edition of the Cursa de la Seta (Mushroom Race), held annually on Sant Esteve (Saint Stephen's Day), December 26th. The course is a 6-kilometer loop around the town. The start and finish in the town are on paved roads, while the rest of the route follows wide dirt tracks, making it easier for everyone to participate. Registration is open until December 22nd, and participants can register in different categories: children (up to 11 years old), children (12 to 14 years old), youth (15 to 17 years old), seniors (18 to 44 years old), and veterans (45 years and older).
Mollerussa Indian Race
The Sports Department of the Mollerussa Town Hall, in the Pla d'Urgell region, and the Xafatolls Athletic Association organize this sporting event, held every December 26th. The 10-kilometer race is open to everyone over 16 years of age, regardless of category, age, gender, or nationality, and the 5-kilometer race is open to everyone over 12 years of age. Traditionally, the prize for the overall winner was a turkey, but for several years now, the live animal has been replaced by a turkey-shaped trophy. This year marks the 42nd edition of the race, and registration is open until noon on December 23rd through the race website.
San Silvestre Race of Tarragona
The traditional San Silvestre race in Tarragona reaches its 21st edition. This event, one of the most anticipated popular sporting events, will take place on December 31st, starting at 5:15 pm, and will run through the streets of the city's lower town and the Port of Tarragona. It is a 6,500-meter urban athletic race that will start and finish at the Serrallo Fish Market. This year, for the eighth consecutive year, and thanks to the collaboration of the Blood and Tissue Bank, the campaign is being launched.Wild BloodTo encourage blood donations in the area, the first 250 runners who donate blood at Joan XXIII Hospital will receive a code for free race registration and a runner's pack.
The San Silvestre race in Reus
In the capital of the Baix Camp region, the San Silvestre race takes center stage on New Year's Eve. The 5-kilometer course starts and finishes on Sant Jordi Avenue, winding through the city's main streets. Organizers encourage participants to wear costumes for added fun. Children can also enjoy the day with the SanSiKids races, which offer three different categories and distances, allowing families to enjoy the sport together. New this year, prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers in each age category. Registration is open on the race website until December 27th.
santsilvestrereus.wixsite.com/santsilvestrereus
14th Torroella de Montgrí Nose Race
The Torroella de Montgrí Noses Race, in the Baix Empordà region, is a popular, festive, and charitable race that invites all participants to join in on December 31st to end the year in a healthy and fun way. The route runs through different, clearly marked sections of the town's old quarter and is divided into three races: the Mini Race (900 meters), the Half Race (2.5 kilometers), and the Race (5 kilometers). Organized by the Montgrí Hiking Club, participants are encouraged to donate a kilogram of food to the Girona Food Bank when they pick up their race number. Registration closes on December 31st at 5:00 PM.