Photo: Roncesvalles-Zubiri (opens in a new tab)Roncesvalles
Roncesvalles-Zubiri Half Marathon
Sunday, 3 October 2027estimated date
Half Marathon
21.3km D+ 314m
Race data
Terrain
Trail
Difficulty
Intermediate
Distance
1 modalities
Half Marathon
- Distance
- 21.3 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 314m
- Max Time
- 3h
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half Marathon | 21.3 km | D+ 314m | 3h | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~3 h of Roncesvalles-Zubiri Half Marathon?Worked out for the longest course (21.3 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchYour checklist for Roncesvalles-Zubiri Half Marathon
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 6 ready
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: the Camino surface can have loose stones and mud after rain
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
Salomon Speedcross 6
Agarre excepcional en barro y terreno técnico
Downside: Durabilidad media en asfalto
Nutrition
With aid stations every 5 km, you don't need to carry much nutrition of your own
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
Maurten Gel 100
Tecnología de hidrogel: excelente tolerancia gástrica
Downside: Precio elevado respecto a otros geles
Sun Protection
Autumn sun in the Pyrenees still has real intensity, especially on the exposed sections of the course
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Sunglasses for the open sections, especially around midday
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
Julbo Aerospeed
Photochromic lenses: adapt from forest to summits
Downside: Higher price compared to non-photochromic glasses
Car Rental
Pick it up at Pamplona Airport or in the city itself
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud Country Plus
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.
Seasonal kit
Rain and mud at Roncesvalles-Zubiri Half Marathon: pack this kit
Grippy shoes, rain jacket, gaiters and blister protection for a wet race.
See the full kit : Rain and Mud Trail Running Kit 2026: What to Bring to a Wet RaceRoncesvalles-Zubiri Half Marathon 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 10 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
9°C – 17°C
Average 12°C
Rain
43%
5.4 mm avg
Wind
18 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
8h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (43% 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
Chubasquero Gore-Tex Shakedry ultraligero (110 g). Impermeabilidad total sin membrana interior, altamente transpirable. El referente para corredores de montaña.
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
Chaqueta cortavientos impermeable ultraligera (135 g). Costuras selladas, capucha ajustable y ventilación trasera. Se pliega en su propio bolsillo.
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.
TRIWONDER
TRIWONDER Polainas Impermeables Trail
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.
Bring thermal layers (low of 9°C)
Buff
Buff Thermonet
Buff tubular térmico con tecnología Primaloft. Retiene el calor corporal, ultraligero y polivalente: gorro, braga, cinta. Ideal para alta montaña.
Craft
Craft Pro Hypervent LS Wind Top
Thermal top with a windproof ripstop panel on the chest and a highly ventilated soft jersey back. Built for high-intensity sessions in cold, windy conditions, with long cuffs and thumb loops.
HANKER
HANKER Braga de Cuello Térmica
Unisex thermal seamless neck gaiter in Soft Air Plus fabric (97% polyester). Seamless fit designed for trail running, cycling, motorcycling and outdoor sports. A budget alternative to Buff for moderate cold.
Icebreaker
Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS Crewe
Long-sleeve thermal top in 100% merino wool (200g). Natural temperature regulation, genuine multi-day odor resistance and a soft, non-itch handfeel from the fine merino yarn.
Odlo
Odlo Active Warm Eco
Camiseta térmica de manga larga con tejido reciclado y tratamiento antiolor. Regulación térmica activa, ideal como capa base en montaña.
Odlo
Odlo I-Thermic Longsleeve Mujer
Women's long-sleeve thermal top with insulating panels placed over cold-sensitive areas (lower back and kidneys). A mid-layer built for genuinely cold winter conditions, mountain outings or cross-country-style trail sessions.
ROCKBROS
ROCKBROS Pasamontañas Térmico y Cortaviento
Thermal windproof balaclava covering head, ears, cheeks and neck. Designed for cycling and motorcycling, it works just as well on windy, freezing trail runs.
Salomon
Salomon Agile LS Tee
Lightweight quick-dry polyester long-sleeve tee with underarm mesh, a side pocket and reflective details. Works as a standalone layer in mild cold or as a base layer under a windbreaker on colder days.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Run Tight
Mallas largas de trail con tejido elástico y transpirable. Cintura ajustable, bolsillo trasero con cremallera. Protección contra el frío y la vegetación.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Warm Glove
Guantes térmicos de running con palma antideslizante y puntas táctiles. Ligeros, cálidos y compatibles con bastones.
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock
Compression thermal top with a dual-layer fabric: ultra-warm brushed interior and quick-dry exterior. Second-skin compression fit with stretch mesh panels at the back and underarms for ventilation without losing warmth.
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock Hombre
Men's high-neck thermal compression top: brushed interior that holds heat and a quick-dry outer. Base layer for cold-weather runs.
Forecast for 3 October
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Roncesvalles-Zubiri Half Marathon
The Roncesvalles-Zubiri Half Marathon is one of the most distinctive races on the Navarre calendar: instead of climbing, it descends. Its course follows the entire first stage of the French Way of the Camino de Santiago, from the Royal Collegiate Church in Roncesvalles — the first Spanish landmark on the Camino after crossing the Pyrenees — to the town square in Zubiri, weaving sport and cultural heritage into a single route. Organized by Club Zaldiko alongside Diario de Noticias and M2 Eventos, the race caps participation at 1,300 bibs, which tend to sell out well ahead of time.
A 21.3 km Downhill Course
The route passes through Burguete, Espinal, Viscarret-Guerendiain and Lintzoain before reaching Zubiri, losing 523 meters of elevation from the 952 m of Roncesvalles down to the 528 m of Zubiri. The profile is an almost constant descent, broken only by a couple of short climbs. That doesn’t make it an easy race: the prolonged downhill on dirt and stone paths calls for shoes with good grip and takes a real toll on your legs, especially your quads, more than you’d expect from a half marathon.
Along the First Stretch of the French Way
Running the opening stage of the Camino de Santiago is the big draw here: the same route that thousands of pilgrims walk every year, except at race pace, with aid stations every 5 km. The generous 3-hour time limit (finish line closes at 2:00 PM) suits a mostly downhill course, making it accessible to experienced middle-distance runners who want to try trail running without facing a demanding elevation gain.
Roncesvalles and the Erro Valley Beyond the Race
Roncesvalles is far more than the starting point: its Royal Collegiate Church, founded in the 12th century, is a must-stop for pilgrims and visitors alike, and the surrounding Erro valley offers beech forests and charming villages like Burguete, the literary setting of Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises.” Use the trip to explore other mountain races in Navarre or plan your full season with the race planner.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
360Complete Pack
Roncesvalles-Zubiri Half Marathon 2026 Registration
Registration1,300 bibs with tiered pricing based on registration date. It's one of the most sought-after half marathons in Navarre thanks to its unique route along the Camino de Santiago.
Tips
- •€31 from April 1 to May 15, €35 until August 31, and €38 from September 1 to October 3
- •Bib pickup from September 30 to October 3 at Intersport (La Morea, Pamplona), or race day in Roncesvalles
- •Accident insurance is included with registration
- •Open to runners 18 and older, federated or not
Where to Stay for Roncesvalles-Zubiri
AccommodationRoncesvalles is a tiny village with limited lodging (mostly tied to the pilgrim hostel), so it's worth also looking in Pamplona or the villages of the Erro valley.
Tips
- •The pilgrim hostel in Roncesvalles has very limited spots and fills up fast on Camino dates
- •Burguete, 3 km from Roncesvalles, has charming rural houses and inns
- •Zubiri (the finish town) has rural lodging for those who'd rather stay near the finish line
- •Pamplona, 45 km away, has the widest hotel selection and pairs well with the organized shuttle bus
Gear for Roncesvalles-Zubiri
Gear21.3 km of nearly continuous descent on the dirt and stone paths of the Camino de Santiago, with technical sections that punish your quads more than a typical road half marathon.
Tips
- •Trail shoes with good grip: the Camino surface can have loose stones and mud after rain
- •The long descent demands shoes with solid cushioning to protect your knees
- •Technical shirt (included with registration, Joma brand) plus a windbreaker layer in case the weather turns at the pass
- •Technical socks to avoid blisters over 21 km of downhill running
Which shoes for Roncesvalles-Zubiri Half Marathon?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Roncesvalles-Zubiri Half Marathon?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Neck Gaiter (Buff) for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
Comparison of the best neck gaiters for trail running in 2026: Buff Original, Midweight, Windproof, DryFlx, CoolNet UV+, Thermonet, HANKER and Salomon Merino. Which to pick based on sun, wind, cold or budget.
Best Thermal Base Layer for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
The best thermal base layers for trail running in 2026: Odlo Active Warm Eco, Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis, Craft Pro Hypervent, Under Armour ColdGear, Salomon Agile LS Tee and Odlo I-Thermic. Which to pick based on cold, sweat management, merino wool, compression or built-in wind protection.
Best Trail Running Gaiters 2026: 3-Way Comparison
Comparing the 3 best trail running gaiters in 2026: Salomon Trail Gaiters High, Salomon Trail Gaiters Low and TRIWONDER waterproof gaiters. Which to pick by terrain and budget.
Nutrition for Roncesvalles-Zubiri
NutritionAid stations every 5 km starting at km 5, plenty for a half-marathon distance with a generous 3-hour time limit.
Tips
- •With aid stations every 5 km, you don't need to carry much nutrition of your own
- •1-2 backup gels are enough given the predominantly downhill profile
- •Eat a full breakfast 2-3 hours before the 11:00 AM start
- •Hydrate well the night before: October in the Navarrese Pyrenees can bring cold morning temperatures
Getting to Roncesvalles and Zubiri
TransportSince this is a point-to-point race, the organization provides an optional shuttle bus between Pamplona, Zubiri and Roncesvalles.
Tips
- •Optional shuttle bus (+€8) departing at 9:00 AM from Pamplona and 9:30 AM from Zubiri to Roncesvalles
- •Pamplona Airport (PNA) is 50 km from Roncesvalles
- •If driving, leave your car in Zubiri (the finish line) and take the shuttle to the start
- •Baggage storage is available at both the start and finish
Car Rental in Navarre
Car RentalIf you're coming from outside Navarre, a rental car makes it easier to get between Pamplona, Roncesvalles and Zubiri before and after the race.
Tips
- •Pick it up at Pamplona Airport or in the city itself
- •Handy for combining the race with a trip through the Navarrese Pyrenees or along the Camino de Santiago
Sports Insurance for Roncesvalles-Zubiri
InsuranceThe organization includes accident insurance in the registration fee, valid for both federated and non-federated runners.
Tips
- •Accident insurance is included with your bib
- •No federation license is required to take part
- •Check your regular travel/medical insurance if you're coming from outside Spain
Sun Protection for Roncesvalles-Zubiri
Sun ProtectionEven in October with milder temperatures, much of the course runs through open terrain along the Erro valley.
Tips
- •Autumn sun in the Pyrenees still has real intensity, especially on the exposed sections of the course
- •Sweat-resistant sunscreen for a 3-hour race
- •Lip balm for the wind and cold at the early start in Roncesvalles
Body Care for Roncesvalles-Zubiri
Body CareThe long 523 m descent is especially hard on quads and knees, so recovery after the race matters.
Tips
- •Sunglasses for the open sections, especially around midday
- •A buff or neck gaiter for the cold at the early start in Roncesvalles
- •Showers are available at the finish, at the Zubiri sports complex
- •The continuous descent heavily fatigues your legs: plan for stretching and recovery after the race
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Roncesvalles-Zubiri Half Marathon 2026?
- Sunday, October 4, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM from the Royal Collegiate Church in Roncesvalles. The finish line closes at 2:00 PM, with a 3-hour time limit.
- What does the course look like?
- 21.3 km that follow the entire first stage of the French Way of the Camino de Santiago, passing through Burguete, Espinal, Viscarret-Guerendiain and Lintzoain before reaching the town square in Zubiri. The profile is an almost continuous descent, dropping 523 m from Roncesvalles (952 m) to Zubiri (528 m), with just a couple of short climbs along the way.
- How many bibs are available and how much does registration cost?
- 1,300 bibs. Registration has three price tiers: €31 (April 1 - May 15), €35 (May 16 - August 31) and €38 (September 1 - October 3). Optional bus transport costs an extra €8.
- How do I get to the start in Roncesvalles?
- The organization offers an optional shuttle bus from Pamplona to Zubiri to Roncesvalles, departing at 9:00 AM from Pamplona and 9:30 AM from Zubiri. You can also leave your car in Zubiri (the finish line) and take the bus to the start.
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