The International Urban Night of San Antón Race has become one of the most iconic events on Spain’s running calendar. Every January, thousands of runners light up the streets of Jaén in a unique course shaped by bonfires, the warmth of the crowd, and the challenge of racing at night. In the 2026 edition, the event once again broke participation records and delivered an unforgettable atmosphere.
The Magic of the Night of San Antón
The tradition of running alongside bonfires on January 16th—the eve of the San Antón feast—has deep roots in Jaén’s popular celebrations. Over the years, the race has evolved into a certified 10K event that attracts both international athletes and recreational runners. The combination of sport and festivity creates a truly special atmosphere: neighbors carrying torches, music groups performing in the streets, and participants running between the flames of the lumbres (bonfires). In 2026, nearly 14,000 people took part across the different categories, making it the biggest edition to date.
The course, with both the start and finish line on Virgen de la Cabeza Street, runs through Avenida de Madrid, the historic city center, and the Cathedral Square. This year, minor route adjustments were introduced for safety reasons due to roadworks on UNICEF Street. Even so, the festive spirit remained intact.
Results of the 2026 Edition
This year’s event featured two main races: the elite race and the popular race. The first brought together top-level professional athletes, while the second allowed amateur runners to experience the San Antón spirit in a competitive setting. Here are the key highlights:
Abderraahmane Aferdi Wins the Men’s Race
Moroccan runner Abderraahmane Aferdi claimed victory in the elite race with a time of 28 minutes and 4 seconds. Aferdi built his win over the final kilometers, overtaking Spaniards Daniel Arce (00:28:17) and Pol Oriach (00:28:33), who had led much of the race. The result confirms the growing strength of African runners in European 10K events and positions Aferdi as one of the athletes to watch in the road racing season.
Mekedes Alemeshete Retains Her Title in the Women’s Race
In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Mekedes Alemeshete was the standout performer, successfully defending her 2025 title and stopping the clock at 31 minutes and 32 seconds. Spaniards María Forero (00:32:02) and Carla Gallardo (00:32:14) completed the podium. Alemeshete proved her quality on fast courses and reinforced her status as a 10K specialist.
Popular Race Winners and Other Categories
The popular race saw massive participation from local runners and visitors. The overall winner was Andy Morales, who finished in 30 minutes and 55 seconds, followed by José Ángel Fernández and Manuel Cano. In the women’s race, Esther Ramos won in 00:35:07, ahead of Lola Chiclana and Ruth León. The youth races also had their moment in the spotlight with wins by Rafael Sánchez (11:49) and Cayetana Panadero (13:58). In the category for athletes with disabilities, Javier Marcos and Eva Ortiz stood out as top performers.
Local authorities highlighted the importance of the event not only for its sporting value, but also for the boost it provides to tourism and the local economy. With more than 60,000 people cheering in the streets, the Night of San Antón once again proved to be a social celebration that goes far beyond sport.
Tips for Running at Night
Night racing feels very different from a daytime event: cooler temperatures, lower visibility, and an atmosphere shaped by artificial lighting. To make the experience safe and enjoyable, keep these tips in mind:
- Visibility and safety: wear reflective clothing and use headlamps or LED lights on your arms to ensure you are visible to vehicles and other runners. Avoid listening to music at maximum volume and stay aware of your surroundings.
- Adjust your training: if your goal is to race at night, include nighttime sessions in your training plan. This will help your body adapt to the schedule, temperatures, and pre-race digestion.
- Pre-race nutrition: eat a light meal around three hours before the race. Choose easy-to-digest carbohydrates (rice, pasta, fruit) and avoid heavy or fatty foods that can make digestion harder.
- Proper warm-up: even if temperatures are low, take time to warm up correctly. A few minutes of easy jogging and mobility drills will prepare your body and reduce the risk of injury.
- Pace management: with the excitement of the bonfires and the energy of the crowd, it’s easy to start too fast. Keep your pace under control in the first kilometers and save energy for the second half of the race.
Get Ready for the Next Edition
If reading this recap has made you want to take part in the Night of San Antón, now is a great time to plan your season. The race is not only a sporting challenge, but also a cultural and social experience like no other. To arrive well prepared, adapt your training to the 10K distance and keep an eye on registration dates, as places often sell out in just a few hours due to high demand.
On our blog, we have also covered other popular races such as the Santa Pola Half Marathon 2026.