Nationale-Nederlanden San Silvestre Vallecana: Kamworor and Van Es Lead Star-Studded Elite Fields
The unique magic of the Nationale-Nederlanden San Silvestre Vallecana returns on December 31, once again transforming Madrid’s iconic 10-kilometre course into a celebration of world-class athletics and the perfect farewell to the sporting year.
As tradition dictates, the Estadio de Vallecas will host a fiercely contested finish, where Spain’s top runners will dream of standing on the top step of the podium. Yet victory will come at a high price, with several global stars lining up to etch their names into one of road running’s most prestigious palmarès.
Kamworor headlines the men’s race
Kenyan great Geoffrey Kamworor arrives as the leading favourite, looking to follow in the footsteps of compatriots such as Eliud Kipchoge, Leonard Komen and Mike Kigen—all former Vallecana champions.
A three-time world half marathon champion, two-time world cross country champion, world 10,000m silver medallist and two-time New York City Marathon winner, Kamworor brings immense pedigree back to the 10K distance after several years excelling over longer races.
His 2025 season has been outstanding, highlighted by victory at the Rotterdam Marathon in 2:04:33 and a runner-up finish at the Barcelona Half Marathon, behind Vallecana legend Jacob Kiplimo. Kamworor’s personal best of 27:44 over 10K remains one of the fastest in history, even if it dates back more than a decade.
Spain’s challenge will be led by Carlos Mayo, Eduardo Menacho and Adrián Ben, all eager to make life difficult for the Kenyan star on home soil.
Van Es faces Spain’s best in the women’s race
The women’s race will showcase one of Europe’s most exciting emerging talents in Diane Van Es. The Dutch athlete is the current European road 5K record holder with a stunning 14:39 and the reigning European silver medallist over 10,000 metres on the track.
Van Es will go head-to-head with Spain’s leading contenders Marta García and Carla Gallardo, in what promises to be a thrilling battle for victory on Madrid’s streets. The Dutchwoman arrives with the fastest 10K road personal best in the field at 30:29, making her a formidable opponent.
Strong international depth
The elite fields are further strengthened by North Macedonian record holder Dario Ivanovski, Finnish record holder over 3,000m, 5,000m and 10K road Nathalie Blomqvist, her compatriot Emma Ranta, promising Colombian Dylan Carrasco, Puerto Rican Hector Pagan, and France’s Edmond Demoulin.
With elite depth, national pride and global stars colliding, the San Silvestre Vallecana is once again set to deliver an unforgettable finale to the year—true to its status as the greatest New Year’s Eve race in the world.
