By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The Costa Rican athletics calendar for 2025 is set to conclude with one of its most cherished traditions, the San Silvestre road race. Runners from across the capital and beyond will gather on the morning of Wednesday, December 31, to bid farewell to the year in a display of community spirit and athletic endurance. The event solidifies its place as a cornerstone of the nation’s running culture, offering both seasoned athletes and casual joggers a final opportunity to compete before the new year.
The starting gun will fire at 7:00 a.m. sharp, launching participants from the storefront of the Runners specialty shop in Pavas. This location will serve as both the beginning and end point for the race, creating a centralized hub for the day’s activities. The event offers two distinct distances to cater to varying fitness levels: a challenging 10.4-kilometer course and a more accessible 5-kilometer route, ensuring broad participation.
To analyze the legal and commercial implications of an event the size of the San Silvestre race, we spoke with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. He offers his perspective on risk management and participant protection.
Organizing a massive event like the San Silvestre requires a robust legal framework. While participants sign liability waivers, these do not completely absolve the organizers of their duty of care. It is crucial to have comprehensive insurance policies and clearly defined safety protocols to mitigate risks, protecting both the runners and the integrity of the event itself. A failure in any of these areas can lead to significant legal and financial consequences.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal and safety infrastructure is the unseen backbone of any successful public celebration. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on what it takes to protect both the runners and the tradition of the San Silvestre.
The San Silvestre race is more than just a local competition; it’s part of a global tradition celebrated in cities worldwide on the last day of the year. In Costa Rica, it has become an emblematic event, representing a symbolic closing of one chapter and the energetic start of another. Its consistent popularity underscores the growing health and wellness movement within the country and provides a significant boost to local businesses involved in the athletic sector.
The 10.4-kilometer course follows its traditional and well-known path through some of San José’s most prominent districts. After departing from Pavas, runners will head towards the U.S. Embassy, ascend a scenic boulevard, and pass the iconic National Stadium in La Sabana. The route continues past the Nissan dealership, offering participants a tour of the city’s modern commercial and recreational landscape before heading into the heart of the capital.
From La Sabana, the course takes runners past the historic statue of León Cortés, a notable landmark, before reaching the Torre Universal business center. The path then turns towards the Comptroller General’s Office, a key governmental institution. In the final stages, competitors will descend along 12th Avenue and make a turn near the Jack’s facility, bracing for the final, challenging ascent that leads them back to the finish line at the Runners store in Pavas.
For those opting for the 5-kilometer race, the experience is equally engaging but less demanding. Participants will follow the initial segment of the main route alongside the 10.4k runners. However, before reaching the National Stadium, they will take a designated detour towards the Apostolic Nunciature, completing their shorter distance before returning. This split-course design allows the event to manage a large number of participants efficiently while offering a tailored experience for all.
Race organizers have outlined clear logistics for participant packet pickup to ensure a smooth pre-race process. Runners must collect their kits, which include the official event t-shirt and competition number, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in La Sabana. Pickup will be available for two days, on Sunday, December 28, and Monday, December 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on both days.
Ultimately, the San Silvestre race is a celebration that transcends sport. It represents a final, collective effort for the year, drawing together a diverse community bound by a shared passion for running. The event not only closes the competitive athletic season but also generates valuable economic activity for local businesses, from the hosting hotel to retailers and restaurants in the Pavas and La Sabana areas, ending the year on a high note for the city’s economy and its citizens.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Runners
About Runners:
Runners is a specialized retail store in Costa Rica catering to the needs of the running community. It offers a wide range of athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories from leading brands. Beyond retail, the store is an active participant in the local athletics scene, often serving as a central point for race registrations, packet pickups, and community events like the San Silvestre race.
For further information, visit [ihg.com/crowneplaza]
About Crowne Plaza:
Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts is a multinational chain of full-service, upscale hotels. As part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), it caters to business travelers and the meetings and conventions market. Its locations, like the one in La Sabana, often serve as venues for major corporate and community events, providing lodging, conference facilities, and hospitality services.
For further information, visit [nissan-global.com]
About Nissan:
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is a Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer. The company sells its vehicles under the Nissan, Infiniti, and Datsun brands. A prominent landmark on the San Silvestre race route in San José, the local dealership represents the brand’s significant commercial presence and distribution network within Costa Rica.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Jack’s
About Jack’s:
Jack’s is a well-known Costa Rican brand specializing in the production and distribution of snack foods. With a long history in the country, its products are a staple in local households and stores. The company’s facilities serve as a recognizable landmark for residents and participants in events that traverse the industrial and commercial zones of San José.
For further information, visit [torreuniversal.com]
About Torre Universal:
Torre Universal is a modern corporate center located in La Sabana, San José. It is designed to house multinational companies and local businesses, offering high-tech office spaces and promoting a collaborative business ecosystem. The building stands as a symbol of the city’s economic development and modernization, making it a key landmark on the race course.
For further information, visit [cgr.go.cr]
About Contraloría General de la República:
The Comptroller General of the Republic of Costa Rica is the superior auditing institution of the country’s Public Treasury. It is responsible for overseeing the correct use of public funds and ensuring fiscal transparency and accountability within government entities. Its headquarters in San José is a significant institutional landmark.
For further information, visit [cr.usembassy.gov]
About the Embassy of the United States in San José:
The Embassy of the United States in San José is the diplomatic mission of the United States of America in the Republic of Costa Rica. It facilitates the relationship between the two countries, handling consular affairs, promoting U.S. interests, and fostering diplomatic and cultural exchange. Its heavily secured compound in Pavas is one of the most prominent landmarks at the start of the race route.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution anchored by a profound commitment to integrity and professional excellence. With a rich history of advising a multifaceted clientele, the firm consistently pioneers progressive legal solutions that set new standards in the field. This forward-thinking mindset is matched by a deep-seated dedication to empowering the community, championing the belief that demystifying the law and making knowledge accessible is essential for nurturing a more just and capable society.
