There are two types of runners in December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Those who decide the racing season is officially over, and those who think the best way to end the year is with one more bib number pinned to their shirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Portugal, the second group has plenty of options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
S\u00e3o Silvestre races have become a December tradition, bringing runners together for festive events that often combine competitive 10Ks, shorter distances, walking events, and an atmosphere that feels very different from a typical race morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And despite the name, you don’t have to wait until New Year’s Eve to run one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some events take place at the beginning of December, while others bring the festive running season right up to the final days of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re looking for a S\u00e3o Silvestre race in Portugal in 2026, here are five events worth adding to your calendar, with official registration available through RaceFinder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not every race needs to be a season-defining personal best attempt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes, the best reason to sign up is simply to have something enjoyable to look forward to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
S\u00e3o Silvestre races offer a mix of competition and celebration. They’re popular with runners who want one final performance target, but also with friends, running clubs, and families looking for a shared experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For runners who have spent the autumn training for a half marathon or marathon, a December 10K can provide a shorter-distance challenge without committing to another long race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For beginners, shorter events and walking options can make the atmosphere more accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And for everyone else? It’s a good excuse to keep running when the days get shorter and staying on the sofa starts looking increasingly attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 December 2026 | Ermesinde, Valongo<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Distances:<\/strong> 10 km race and 5 km walk<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why wait until the final week of the year?<\/p>\n\n\n\n The S\u00e3o Silvestre Cidade de Ermesinde takes place on 1 December, giving runners an opportunity to kick off the festive season with a race rather than wait until Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The competitive 10K starts at 18:00, followed by a non-competitive 5K walk at 18:05.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With electronic timing for the 10K, a finisher medal and a technical event T-shirt included in the participant package, it’s a strong option for runners looking for an organised end-of-season challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There’s also an interesting incentive for running clubs: for every 10 athletes registered from the same team in the 10K, the organisation offers an additional registration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your running group has been discussing one last race together, this could be the motivation you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore S\u00e3o Silvestre Cidade de Ermesinde and register on RaceFinder<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 5 December 2026 | Mozelos, Santa Maria da Feira<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Distances:<\/strong> 8.6 km race and 4.3 km walk<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not every December race has to be a 10K.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The S\u00e3o Silvestre de JAM, associated with the S\u00e3o Silvestre de Mozelos, offers a slightly different challenge: an 8.6 km competitive race through the streets of Mozelos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The course consists of two laps, while the accompanying 4.3 km walk offers a more relaxed way to participate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There’s a strong community element to the event, with a solidarity walk and prizes for individual and team performances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The unusual race distance is part of its appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s long enough to be a meaningful challenge but short enough to approach differently from a half marathon or longer endurance event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For runners who enjoy discovering smaller regional races, it’s also an opportunity to experience a local event rather than another large city race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore S\u00e3o Silvestre de JAM and register on RaceFinder<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 12 December 2026 | Batalha, Leiria<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Distances:<\/strong> Approximately 10 km race, 5 km walk and children’s races<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the challenges of planning a race weekend with family or friends is finding an event that offers something for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 13th S\u00e3o Silvestre da Batalha makes that easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alongside the main 10K road race, there’s a 5K walk and a programme of youth events with distances adapted to different age groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The children’s races take place earlier in the afternoon, followed by the main race at 17:00 and the walk at 17:15.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For competitive runners, the event includes age-group classifications and awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For families, it’s an opportunity to turn a running event into a shared afternoon out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And because Batalha is known for its historic monastery and surrounding heritage, you can also use the occasion to explore somewhere beyond your usual training routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore S\u00e3o Silvestre da Batalha and register on RaceFinder<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 19 December 2026 | Seixal, Set\u00fabal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Distances:<\/strong> 10 km race, 5 km walk and Kids Race<\/p>\n\n\n\n A festive running event with a waterfront setting?<\/p>\n\n\n\n The S\u00e3o Silvestre Ba\u00eda do Seixal offers exactly that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking place around the Ba\u00eda do Seixal, the event brings together competitive runners, walkers and younger participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The programme begins with the Kids Race at 16:45, followed by the 10K at 17:30 and the 5K walk shortly afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main race uses electronic chip timing, with classifications for different age groups and prizes for individual and team performances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The location is another reason to consider it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rather than racing through a conventional city-centre route, participants experience the surroundings of the Seixal waterfront, offering a different atmosphere for a December event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For runners based in the Lisbon metropolitan area, it’s an appealing opportunity to discover a race on the south bank of the Tagus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore S\u00e3o Silvestre Ba\u00eda do Seixal and register on RaceFinder<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 23 December 2026 | Vila Nova de Famalic\u00e3o, Braga<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Distances:<\/strong> 10 km race and 4 km walk<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you prefer the excitement of evening races, the S\u00e3o Silvestre de Famalic\u00e3o deserves a look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scheduled for 23 December, just two days before Christmas, the event starts at 21:30 in front of the C\u00e2mara Municipal de Vila Nova de Famalic\u00e3o.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both the competitive 10K and non-competitive 4K walk take place in the evening, bringing a festive atmosphere to the town centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The event is a well-established part of the local sporting calendar, attracting runners looking to combine competition with a celebration of the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s also an interesting choice for athletes who don’t usually race at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Running after dark brings a different experience from an early Sunday start, with cooler conditions, city lights and a crowd that can make the evening feel more like a celebration than a conventional race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For runners in northern Portugal, it’s a fitting way to wrap up the season before Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. S\u00e3o Silvestre de JAM \u2014 A Different Distance in Mozelos<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. S\u00e3o Silvestre da Batalha \u2014 A Race for the Whole Family<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. S\u00e3o Silvestre Ba\u00eda do Seixal \u2014 Race by the Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. S\u00e3o Silvestre de Famalic\u00e3o \u2014 A Festive Night Race<\/h3>\n\n\n\n