This morning, the iconic San Silvestre Race unfolded across the bustling streets of Havana, drawing hundreds of local runners eager to say goodbye to one of Cuba's most challenging and sorrowful years with a burst of athletic spirit and enthusiasm. Participants embarked on a 10-kilometer circuit around the Ciudad Deportiva, in an event orchestrated by the Havana Sports Directorate alongside the National Commission of Marabana-Maracuba Races and Walks.
The course weaved through notable avenues such as Vía Blanca, Primelles, Santa Catalina, and Boyeros, with runners completing five laps of the circuit. Commencing at seven in the morning from the Ciudad Deportiva parking area, participants arrived an hour early to confirm their registration, donning official Marabana 2024 bibs.
Awards were presented to the top three finishers in both the male and female categories, as well as to outstanding representatives from associations of people with disabilities. The roots of this competition trace back to 1925 in São Paulo, Brazil, where journalist Cásper Líbero, inspired by nocturnal races witnessed in Paris, organized a similar event on the night of December 31st.
Today, it has blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon, and in Havana, it offers a chance for elite athletes, amateur runners, and the broader community to end the year with vigor and a sense of unity amid the island's ongoing economic, political, and social turmoil.
A Look Back at Marabana 2024
Just over a month ago, on November 17th, the Marabana 2024 in Havana attracted 2,367 Cuban and international athletes for its 38th edition, commemorating the 505th anniversary of the Cuban capital and the Day of Physical Culture and Sports. This race featured distances of 5, 10, 21, and 42 kilometers, with both start and finish lines situated at the multipurpose Ramón Fonst stadium, opposite the Capitolio de La Habana.
In this edition, the state-run program "Mesa Redonda" granted a special award to the first male and female runners to reach the 25-kilometer mark, located at Monserrate, near the equestrian statue of José Martí. Additionally, it was announced that participants would sport athletic apparel provided by Adidas, thanks to an agreement between the company and Cuba's National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (INDER).
San Silvestre Race in Havana: Key Insights
What is the San Silvestre Race?
The San Silvestre Race is a traditional running event held annually on December 31st, originating in São Paulo, Brazil, and now a global phenomenon, including in Havana.
Where does the San Silvestre Race take place in Havana?
In Havana, the race is conducted around the Ciudad Deportiva, covering notable streets like Vía Blanca, Primelles, Santa Catalina, and Boyeros.
How does the San Silvestre Race in Havana support community spirit?
The race allows athletes and citizens to unite in a celebration of physical activity and community, providing a positive outlet amid Cuba's ongoing crises.