São Silvestres 2025: The Weekend That Closed the Year Running
The last weekend of the year delivered one of Portugal’s most beloved running traditions: the São Silvestres.
Thousands of runners — from elite athletes to people who lace up only during the holiday season — filled the streets across the country to celebrate speed, resilience and the festive spirit that defines late December.
This year, the atmosphere was even more electric: sold-out races, illuminated streets, cheering crowds and standout performances that marked the end of the 2025 running calendar.
Here’s a look back at what happened.
🏃♀️ 1. A Nationwide Weekend of São Silvestre Races
Portugal experienced a true running festival.
From North to South — and including the islands — the entire country seemed to move together, keeping alive a tradition that grows stronger and more meaningful every year.
The biggest highlights of the weekend were:
- São Silvestre do Porto
- São Silvestre de Lisboa
- São Silvestre do Funchal
Each race brought its own atmosphere, but all shared the same celebratory energy that makes these end-of-year runs so iconic.
🥇 2. Mariana Machado Shines in Porto
The São Silvestre do Porto delivered an exciting finish, with Mariana Machado taking the win in the women’s race.
The young Portuguese athlete continues to confirm her enormous potential, reinforcing her place as one of the most promising talents in national athletics.
Her performance was strong, confident and beautifully executed — a well-deserved victory in one of the country’s most symbolic events.
🥇 3. Nuno Pereira Dominates in Lisbon… and Funchal
One name stood out above the rest this weekend: Nuno Pereira.
The athlete won two of the most iconic São Silvestre races in Portugal:
- São Silvestre de Lisboa
- São Silvestre do Funchal
Winning two highly competitive races, on consecutive days, in two different regions, is no small achievement.
It shows exceptional form, consistency and competitive strength — one of the most impressive highlights of this year’s São Silvestre season.
🔥 4. The Growing Popularity of São Silvestre Races
Year after year, São Silvestres are becoming more than just running events: they are cultural celebrations that unite communities.
This weekend reinforced that trend:
- A festive and inclusive atmosphere — families running together, spectators cheering, music everywhere
- End-of-year motivation — many runners use these races as their “final challenge” before the new year
- A stronger running community — more runners, more clubs, and more events filling up quickly
São Silvestres continue to be one of the most anticipated and joyful moments in Portugal’s running calendar.
🎯 5. What’s Next? Start Planning Your First Race of 2026
If these races inspired you to tie your laces, you’re not alone.
The beginning of the year brings dozens of events across Portugal — from 5 km races to trail runs and half marathons — perfect for starting 2026 with a clear goal.
👉 You can already find many early-year races with open registration on RaceFinder.
Pick your next challenge and step into 2026 with purpose.
