{"id":1435,"date":"2026-01-20T13:08:35","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T12:08:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/snaprace.app\/blog\/?p=1435"},"modified":"2026-01-20T15:47:38","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T14:47:38","slug":"san-anton-night-run-2026-recap-results-and-tips-to-shine-at-jaens-night-race","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snaprace.app\/blog\/en\/san-anton-night-run-2026-recap-results-and-tips-to-shine-at-jaens-night-race\/","title":{"rendered":"San Ant\u00f3n Night Run 2026: recap, results and tips to shine at Ja\u00e9n’s night race"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The International Urban Night of San Ant\u00f3n Race<\/strong> has become one of the most iconic events on Spain\u2019s running calendar. Every January, thousands of runners light up the streets of Ja\u00e9n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Magic of the Night of San Ant\u00f3n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The tradition of running alongside bonfires on January 16th\u2014the eve of the San Ant\u00f3n feast\u2014has deep roots in Ja\u00e9n\u2019s 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<\/em> (bonfires). In 2026, nearly 14,000 people took part across the different categories, making it the biggest edition to date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Results of the 2026 Edition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s 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 Ant\u00f3n spirit in a competitive setting. Here are the key highlights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abderraahmane Aferdi Wins the Men\u2019s Race<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Moroccan runner Abderraahmane Aferdi<\/strong> claimed victory in the elite race with a time of 28 minutes and 4 seconds<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mekedes Alemeshete Retains Her Title in the Women\u2019s Race<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the women\u2019s category, Ethiopia\u2019s Mekedes Alemeshete<\/strong> was the standout performer, successfully defending her 2025 title and stopping the clock at 31 minutes and 32 seconds<\/strong>. Spaniards Mar\u00eda 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Popular Race Winners and Other Categories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The popular race saw massive participation from local runners and visitors. The overall winner was Andy Morales<\/strong>, who finished in 30 minutes and 55 seconds<\/strong>, followed by Jos\u00e9 \u00c1ngel Fern\u00e1ndez and Manuel Cano. In the women\u2019s race, Esther Ramos<\/strong> won in 00:35:07, ahead of Lola Chiclana and Ruth Le\u00f3n. The youth races also had their moment in the spotlight with wins by Rafael S\u00e1nchez (11:49) and Cayetana Panadero (13:58). In the category for athletes with disabilities, Javier Marcos and Eva Ortiz stood out as top performers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 Ant\u00f3n once again proved to be a social celebration that goes far beyond sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Running at Night<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n