Lakuntza
Lakuntza-Aralar Mendi Lasterketa
Sunday, 30 May 2027estimated date
Lakuntza-Aralar 26K
26km D+ 1200m
Lakuntza-Aralar 13K
13km D+ 650m
Your checklist for Lakuntza-Aralar Mendi Lasterketa
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 9 ready
Swipe to see all 10 categories
Swipe to see all 10 categories
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 45 mm
Onboard topo maps, unlike the Instinct 3 Solar
Downside: Shorter battery life than the Instinct 3 Solar (no solar charging or MIP display)
Gear
Trail shoes with good grip: forest and meadow terrain can be wet
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Salomon Speedcross 6
Exceptional grip in mud and technical terrain
Downside: Average durability on pavement
Nutrition
For the 26K: carry 3-4 gels and mineral salts
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Maurten Gel 100
Hydrogel technology: excellent gastric tolerance
Downside: High price compared to other gels
Sun Protection
SPF 50 sunscreen on face, neck, and arms
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)ISDIN Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Vaseline on feet and friction areas to prevent blisters
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Lurbel Desafío Four
Spanish brand specialised in trail running
Downside: Ankle-length model: doesn't protect the upper ankle area
Car Rental
Pick up in Pamplona or San Sebastián and drive via motorway
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud Country Plus
Mandatory
Reusable cup
Minimum 500 ml
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Salomon Soft Flask 250 ml
High-flow valve: quick sips without hard biting
Downside: Pricier than generic Amazon flasks
Mandatory
Emergency blanket
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Lifesystems Thermal Blanket
Mandatory
Windproof jacket
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Trip logistics
Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.
Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Reusable cup
Minimum 500 ml
Emergency blanket
Windproof jacket
Items tagged “Mandatory” are in the checklist above, with a recommended product.
Race data
Terrain
Mountain
Difficulty
Intermediate
Distance
2 modalities
Lakuntza-Aralar 26K
Price: 15 EUR
- Distance
- 26 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1200m
- Max Time
- 4h
Lakuntza-Aralar 13K
Price: 10 EUR
- Distance
- 13 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 650m
- Max Time
- 2h30
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakuntza-Aralar 26K | 26 km | D+ 1200m | 4h | 15 EUR |
| Lakuntza-Aralar 13K | 13 km | D+ 650m | 2h30 | 10 EUR |
Will your watch battery last the ~6 h of Lakuntza-Aralar Mendi Lasterketa?Worked out for the longest course (26 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchLakuntza-Aralar Mendi Lasterketa requires mandatory gear: get it sorted early
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Swipe to see all 4 comparisons
Historical weather
What to wear at 15 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
13°C – 22°C
Average 17°C
Rain
53%
3.3 mm avg
Wind
11 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
11h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (53% chance of rain)
Asics
Asics Gel-Trabuco 14 GTX
A best-selling beginner trail shoe: GEL cushioning, good stability and a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane. Versatile and reliable for training on mixed terrain in any weather.
Berghaus
Berghaus Paclite 2.0 GTX
Waterproof jacket with a Gore-Tex Paclite membrane (around 330 g). Fully waterproof with taped seams, fixed adjustable hood, storm flap behind the zip and cuff adjustment. Packs down small in a vest. Heavier than a pure running hardshell, but it meets the waterproof-breathable membrane requirement in race rules and is the affordable route into Gore-Tex.
Brooks
Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX
The Cascadia 20 with a GORE-TEX membrane: stability and protection for rocky mountain terrain, keeping the foot dry on cold, rainy days.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove
Glove with a fully waterproof, windproof GORE-TEX membrane and light insulation. The pick for running in snow, sleet or heavy rain while keeping your hand dry.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove
Warmer variant of the Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX: the same fully waterproof, windproof membrane, with extra thermal lining for intense cold on top of snow or rain. The pick when the problem isn't just water, but water AND hard cold at once.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Ultralight Gore-Tex Shakedry waterproof jacket (110 g). Full waterproofing without an inner membrane, highly breathable. The benchmark for mountain runners.
Nike
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
The best-selling gateway trail shoe: comfortable, cushioned and versatile for moving from road to trail. Waterproof GORE-TEX version, perfect for beginners and easy runs on mixed terrain.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti Pro Waterproof Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove built for running, not just standing still in the snow: a waterproof membrane with more dexterity and less bulk than a thick membrane glove, for sustained rain without giving up handling gels or poles.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti WP
Ultralight waterproof windproof jacket (135 g). Taped seams, adjustable hood and back ventilation. Packs into its own pocket.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX
The Speedcross 6 with a GORE-TEX membrane: the same aggressive 5 mm lugs for mud and soft ground, now waterproof for winter, rain and snow.
Sealskinz
Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove from a brand that specializes in outdoor sport waterproofing. A solid middle ground between a thin windproof glove and a thick membrane glove: genuinely waterproof without the bulk or price of the Gore C5.
Shokz
Shokz OpenRun
Open-ear bone conduction headphones with IP67 rating: they take rain, mud and a rinse under the tap. Up to 8 h of battery and quick charge (10 min for 1.5 h). The most rugged pick of the range for training in bad weather.
TRIWONDER
TRIWONDER Waterproof Trail Gaiters
Waterproof, breathable low gaiters for trail running, hiking and mountain use. Under-shoe strap and adjustable elastic band. A budget-friendly alternative to premium technical brand gaiters.
Sun protection essential (11h sunshine, up to 22°C)
Forecast for 30 May
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Lakuntza-Aralar Mendi Lasterketa
The Lakuntza-Aralar Mendi Lasterketa is a mountain race that traverses the Aralar Natural Park starting from Lakuntza, a small village in the Barranca valley of Navarra. Now in its 21st edition (2026), the race has been running for over two decades, organized by the Zabalarte Mendi Taldea collective, dedicated to exploring, enjoying, and protecting the mountains.
The Courses
The Lakuntza-Aralar 26K (1,200m D+) is the long distance. A circular course from the main square in Lakuntza that climbs through beech forests to the summits of Aralar, passing through:
- Guardetxe — Shepherd’s refuge at the base of the summits
- Txorrotxeta — Summit with panoramic views over the Barranca valley and the Alavese Plain
- Irumugarrieta (~1,400m) — Highest point of the course, on the Navarra-Gipuzkoa border
The Lakuntza-Aralar 13K (650m D+) is the short distance. A more accessible course that shares the first kilometers with the 26K and offers a compact version of the Aralar experience.
There is also a non-competitive 13K mountain walk that covers the same route as the 13K in reverse. Open to all ages, it starts at 8:30 AM with a maximum of 50 participants.
Terrain and Difficulty
The course crosses the Aralar Natural Park: beech forests, highland meadows, shepherd trails, and summit ridges. Altitude ranges from 456 meters in Lakuntza to approximately 1,400 meters at the peaks. Moderately technical terrain with sections that can be wet or muddy, especially in the forests.
The 26K with 1,200m of elevation gain is a demanding race requiring previous mountain experience. The 13K is more accessible but not a beginner race: 650 meters of climbing in 13 km means sustained steep sections.
Mandatory Gear
The organization requires:
- Liquid container of at least 500 ml
- Thermal blanket
- Long-sleeved hooded windbreaker
Weather in Aralar can change rapidly, even in May. These safety measures are essential.
How to Get There
Lakuntza is in the Barranca valley of Navarra, 40 km from Pamplona via the A-10 motorway (towards Alsasua). From San Sebastián it’s 75 km via the AP-1. A small, quiet village with the start and finish in the main square. If it’s your first mountain race in Navarra, check out our trail running gear guide and add Lakuntza-Aralar to your planner.
360Complete Pack
Lakuntza-Aralar 2026 Registration
Registration21st edition of the Lakuntza-Aralar Mendi Lasterketa. Registration through RockTheSport.
Tips
- •Online registration via RockTheSport
- •Limited spots: 200 for 26K and 170 for 13K
- •Minimum age 18, federated or non-federated runners
- •Non-federated entry includes accident and liability insurance
Where to Stay for Lakuntza-Aralar
AccommodationLakuntza is in the Barranca valley, with rural accommodation options and nearby towns like Alsasua and Irurtzun.
Tips
- •Alsasua 8 km away with hotels and guesthouses
- •Irurtzun 15 km away, transport hub with more options
- •Rural houses in the Barranca valley: quiet setting and moderate prices
- •Pamplona 40 km away for a wider hotel selection
Gear for Lakuntza-Aralar
GearMountain race through the Aralar Natural Park. Varied terrain with forests, meadows, and summit trails. Maximum altitude ~1,400 m.
Tips
- •Trail shoes with good grip: forest and meadow terrain can be wet
- •Hydration pack or vest to carry mandatory gear
- •Hooded windbreaker is mandatory: weather changes fast in Aralar
- •Poles not required but useful for the 26K with 1,200m D+
Which shoes for Lakuntza-Aralar Mendi Lasterketa?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Lakuntza-Aralar Mendi Lasterketa?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Best trail running poles 2026: Black Diamond, Leki and Komperdell compared. Carbon vs aluminium, folding length, technique and how to pick your size.
Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Best trail running hydration vests 2026: 12 vests and packs compared. How many litres you need by distance, soft flasks vs reservoir, and fit.
Strength Training Gear for Trail Running at Home 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Comparison of the best strength training gear for trail runners at home: dumbbells, resistance bands, kettlebell, TRX, weight bench and foam roller, with a 3-day-a-week routine.
Nutrition for Lakuntza-Aralar
NutritionThe 26K requires nutritional planning. The 13K can be managed with basic nutrition.
Tips
- •For the 26K: carry 3-4 gels and mineral salts
- •For the 13K: 1-2 gels are enough
- •Minimum 500 ml liquid is mandatory: bring isotonic drink
- •Full breakfast 2-3 hours before the start
How to Get to Lakuntza
TransportLakuntza is in the Barranca valley of Navarra, well connected by motorway from Pamplona and San Sebastián.
Tips
- •From Pamplona: A-10 towards Alsasua, 40 km (~30 min)
- •From San Sebastián: AP-1 to Alsasua, then A-10, 75 km (~50 min)
- •From Bilbao: AP-68/AP-1 to Alsasua, then A-10, 100 km (~1h)
- •Nearest airport: Pamplona (PNA) 45 km away
Car Rental for Lakuntza
Car RentalA car is recommended to reach Lakuntza. Public transport is limited on weekends.
Tips
- •Pick up in Pamplona or San Sebastián and drive via motorway
- •Take the chance to explore the Barranca valley and Aralar Natural Park
Sports Insurance for Lakuntza-Aralar
InsuranceRegistration for non-federated runners includes accident and liability insurance.
Tips
- •If you're federated, your license covers the race
- •If not federated, insurance is included in registration
- •The Navarra Mountain Federation offers one-day licenses
Body Care for Lakuntza-Aralar
Body CareMountain race with wet forest sections and meadows. Chafing and blister prevention.
Tips
- •Vaseline on feet and friction areas to prevent blisters
- •Technical trail socks: Aralar meadows can be wet
- •Cap or visor for sun-exposed sections
Sun Protection for Lakuntza-Aralar
Sun ProtectionLate May in the mountains: frequent sun with moderate-high UV radiation on the summits.
Tips
- •SPF 50 sunscreen on face, neck, and arms
- •Lip balm with SPF
- •UV radiation is stronger at the Aralar summits (~1,400 m)
Best Sunscreen for Runners 2026: 7 Sweat-Proof SPF 50 Picks
Which sunscreen survives a sweaty long run? We compared 7 SPF 50 sweat-proof picks — creams, sticks and a lip balm — on heat, altitude UV and sweat resistance. See the winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Lakuntza-Aralar 2026?
- The 21st Lakuntza-Aralar Mendi Lasterketa takes place on Sunday, May 31, 2026, starting from the main square in Lakuntza (Navarra, Spain).
- What distances does the Lakuntza-Aralar have?
- Two competitive distances: 26K (1,200m elevation gain) and 13K (650m elevation gain). There is also a non-competitive 13K mountain walk open to all ages.
- What is the mandatory gear?
- A liquid container of at least 500 ml, a thermal blanket, and a long-sleeved hooded windbreaker.
- What are the time limits?
- The 26K has a 4-hour cutoff and the 13K has a 2 hour 30 minute cutoff.
- How do I get to Lakuntza?
- Lakuntza is in the Barranca valley of Navarra, 40 km from Pamplona via the A-10 motorway. Also accessible from San Sebastián (75 km) via the AP-1/A-10.
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Photos and video of this race
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