RUNNING: 10km LIDL São Silvestre de Lisboa 2025 (POR) December 27, 2025
Source: https://www.saosilvestredelisboa.com/site/ https://www.instagram.com/saosilvestredelisboa
18th LIDL São Silvestre de Lisboa 2025
On December 27, 2025, we run to the rhythm of the Capital. The Lidl São Silvestre de Lisboa event once again brings an even more special sparkle to the streets of Lisbon.
- December 27th | 9:30 PM | 10 Km Race

The Lidl São Silvestre de Lisboa has grown into one of Portugal’s most iconic night races, blending competitive athletics with the festive charm of Lisbon at Christmas. Although the “São Silvestre” tradition originated in Brazil in 1925, Lisbon’s specific edition has a distinct and more recent history.
Origins and Early Years
- Foundation (2008): The race was founded in 2008. It was designed to bring the international tradition of “Saint Silvester” races (typically held at the end of December) to the heart of the Portuguese capital.
- The HMS Sports Era: The event is organized by HMS Sports in partnership with the Lisbon City Council (Câmara Municipal de Lisboa). Since its inception, it has focused on a 10 km course that highlights the city’s historical center.
- Early Growth: The race quickly gained popularity, growing from a few thousand participants to over 8,000 runners by 2013.
The Lidl Partnership
- Naming Sponsor (2021): While the race has had several sponsors over the years (including El Corte Inglés), Lidl became the official naming sponsor in 2021 (the 14th edition).
- Brand Integration: Under Lidl’s sponsorship, the event has leaned into its “magical” atmosphere, with participants often receiving yellow Santa hats and kits that reflect Lidl’s branding. The sponsorship helped the race maintain its scale and quality even during the transition out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Milestones and Records
- Participation Records: * 2019: The race hit a capacity of 12,000 runners.
- 2024: It broke records with 14,000 registrants.
- 2025 (18th Edition): The race reached its highest-ever capacity of 15,000 runners, selling out weeks in advance.
- Diversity: The event has seen a significant rise in female participation, reaching a record 39% in 2025, and now attracts runners from over 75 different nationalities.
- World Athletics Certification: The race is now a certified World Athletics Label Road Race, which cements its status as a high-quality international sporting event.
The Course and Experience
The race is famous for its “sunset” or night-time start (usually around 9:30 PM), allowing runners to pass under the city’s famous Christmas lights. Key landmarks on the route include:
- Avenida da Liberdade: The start and finish line.
- Rossio & Praça do Comércio: Runners pass through these iconic squares.
- Riverside (Ribeira das Naus): A scenic stretch along the Tagus River.
Key Historical Data
| Milestone | Year | Highlight |
| First Edition | 2008 | Launched by HMS Sports. |
| 10th Anniversary | 2017 | Solidified as one of the top 3 races in Portugal. |
| Lidl Sponsorship | 2021 | Lidl becomes the naming sponsor for the 14th edition. |
| Record Attendance | 2025 | 15,000 participants for the 18th edition. |
