Mendira Joan-Etorria

Mendira Joan-Etorria

The Mendira Joan-Etorria (“go and return to the mountain,” in Basque) is a mountain race that was born in Etxarri-Aranatz in 1975 out of a bet between friends, and today is one of the oldest mountain races in Navarre, Spain. In 2026 it reaches its 51st edition, organized by the Udaberri Elkartea mountain club and held, as every year, as part of the village festivities. It has been an official trophy race of the Navarre mountain running series since 2014.

An out-and-back route to Urbasa

The race starts from the main square of Etxarri-Aranatz (509 m), crosses the village, and heads straight for the Urbasa mountain range, gaining altitude through a dense forest of beech and oak trees up to 1,065 m at the top of the course. The descent follows the same route, making the race a demanding combination of a sustained climb and a technical descent on the same trail.

It’s only 10 km, but with 570 m of elevation gain packed into a short course, the climbing pace is demanding from the first kilometer. Organizers provide liquid aid at the summit and finish, solid aid at the finish, medical assistance at the summit and finish, and showers at the local school.

Half a century of history in Sakana

Few mountain races in Navarre can claim half a century of unbroken history. What started as a bet among a group of friends from Etxarri-Aranatz in 1975 has become a fixed date on the Navarre calendar, with a cap of 150 bibs that sells out every year. Its character as a club race, without major sponsors or fanfare, is part of its appeal: this is trail running at its roots, run by and for the mountain community of Sakana.

The Sakana valley beyond the race

Etxarri-Aranatz is the gateway to the Urbasa-Andía mountain range, one of Navarre’s most important natural areas, with centuries-old beech forests and an extensive karst system. The Sakana valley is also home to other well-known races, making October a great month to plan a trail running trip to the area. Check out the rest of the Navarre races and plan your season with the race planner.