Carrera Urbana Internacional "Noche de San Antón"

42nd edition

This event is notable mainly due to the fact that it takes place at dark, on the famous night of San Antón, coinciding with the festivity in honour of the saint.

The race is run through the centre of Jaén, starting and ending at the Avda. de Andalucía. The athletes run through the city's streets which are bedecked with Christmas decorations, while the spectators cheer them on with flaming torches, particularly in the last stretch of the race. This custom derives from the bonfires of San Antón and over time has become one of the most distinctive features of the race. After the end of the event, the locals burn the torches on the bonfires and sing melenchones (traditional songs) and eat popcorn.

Although the race has an international scope and every year attracts some of the sport's top names, it still takes place in a genuinely popular atmosphere and strives to preserve the accessible and friendly spirit which is its hallmark.