Photo: Axari Trail Mendi Lasterketa (opens in a new tab)Idiazabal
Axari Trail
Sunday, 12 September 2027estimated date
Race data
Terrain
Mountain
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
2 modalities
Axari Trail 25K
- Distance
- 25 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1550m
- Max Time
- 4h
Axari Trail Txiki 16K
- Distance
- 16 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 750m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axari Trail 25K | 25 km | D+ 1550m | 4h | - |
| Axari Trail Txiki 16K | 16 km | D+ 750m | - | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~6 h of Axari Trail?Worked out for the longest course (25 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchYour checklist for Axari Trail
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
Shoes with strong grip on wet grass and mud
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
There are 6 aid stations on the 25K course
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
Science in Sport SiS GO Isotonic Energy Gel
No necesita agua, se toma directamente
Downside: Menos carbohidratos por gel que otros (22g)
Sun Protection
Apply sweat-resistant sunscreen before the start
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
Apply anti-chafe balm to feet, groin and pack contact zones
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Easy-to-apply stick format, even with sweaty hands
Downside: Higher price than traditional petroleum jelly
Car Rental
Free parking in the village, but limited on race day
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.
Axari Trail 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 25 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
16°C – 26°C
Average 20°C
Rain
43%
4.3 mm avg
Wind
14 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
9h
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.
Sun protection essential (9h sunshine, up to 26°C)
Forecast for 12 September
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Axari Trail
The Axari Trail Mendi Lasterketa is a mountain race held each September in Idiazabal, deep in the heart of the Goierri district of Gipuzkoa. Born as a tribute and memorial to Mikel Garmendia, the race blends the warm atmosphere of a village event with a demanding course across the slopes that watch over the bulk of Aizkorri, the highest range in the Basque Country.
With entries capped at 200 runners on its flagship distance, the Axari Trail keeps an intimate, family feel that sets it apart from the big, crowded events. Here you run among neighbours, farmhouses and beech woods, with locals cheering at every crossing through the village.
A 25K course with 1,550m of climbing
The flagship race covers 25 kilometres with 1,550 metres of positive climbing, starting and finishing in Idiazabal with a 09:30 gun. It is a short but intense layout: the average gradient demands smart pacing on the climbs and careful descending on technical trails.
- Start and finish in the centre of Idiazabal
- 6 aid stations plus the finish
- Intermediate cut-offs at Arteitta (9 km, 1h 25min) and Arteitta (18.5 km, 3h 15min)
- Maximum time of 4 hours
For those after a first taste of mountain trail there is the Axari Trail Txiki, 16 kilometres with 750 metres of climbing, which shares the start and the atmosphere of the big race without the brutality of the long one. The organisation also offers a non-competitive photographic walk (Ibilbide Fotografikoa) to enjoy the landscape at a calmer pace.
Changeable weather and Basque terrain
Racing in Gipuzkoa in September means dealing with unpredictable weather: cool mornings, the chance of rain and wet grass that turns descents slippery. The terrain mixes forest track, woodland trails and grassy sections across the Aizkorri foothills, where shoe grip makes all the difference. A light windbreaker and shoes with deep lugs are essential allies.
Idiazabal beyond the race
Idiazabal lends its name to one of Spain’s most famous cheeses, made from latxa sheep’s milk in the surrounding farmhouses. After the race, the Goierri invites you to discover its food, its agricultural fairs such as the historic Ordizia market, and access to the Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park. It’s the perfect excuse to extend the trip and get to know one of the most authentic districts of the Basque Country.
If you want to string together more Basque races, check out the rest of the trail races in the Basque Country and plan your season with the race planner.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Recommended given the fast-changing weather in Gipuzkoa
Many Basque aid stations are cupless
360Complete Pack
Axari Trail 2026 registration
RegistrationThe flagship 25K race is capped at 200 runners. Entries open on May 19, 2026 on the event platform.
Tips
- •Places limited to 200 on the 25K course: register early
- •A mountain federation licence or day insurance is required
- •There is a 16K Txiki option for a more accessible distance
Where to stay for the Axari Trail
AccommodationIdiazabal is a small Goierri village. Most runners stay in nearby towns such as Beasain, Ordizia or Zegama.
Tips
- •Beasain and Ordizia (10 min away) hold most of the Goierri's hotels
- •San Sebastián (50 min) pairs the race with food tourism
- •Book early: several races overlap in the area in September
Recommended gear for the Axari Trail
GearMountain course with 1,550m of climbing over 25K: wet grass, forest track and technical trails across the Aizkorri foothills.
Tips
- •Shoes with strong grip on wet grass and mud
- •Poles are allowed and very useful on the climbs
- •Pack a windbreaker: weather in Gipuzkoa shifts fast in September
Choosing trekking poles? Read our guide: Best trail running poles
See our complete buying guide: 5 foldable poles compared and tiered for trail running.
Which shoes for Axari Trail?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Axari Trail?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
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.
Best GPS Watches with Offline Maps 2026: Value Comparison
The best GPS watches with offline maps in 2026, ranked by value: Amazfit T-Rex 3, Suunto Race 2, Garmin Forerunner 570, Instinct 3 AMOLED, Coros Apex 2 Pro, Suunto Vertical 2 and Garmin Fenix 8. Maps vs breadcrumbs, the cheapest watch with maps and which to choose for your use.
Nutrition for the Axari Trail
NutritionA fast 25K with 6 aid stations plus the finish. Favour gels and hydration over solid food.
Tips
- •There are 6 aid stations on the 25K course
- •Carry your own soft flask: many Basque races are cupless
- •A gel every 30-40 minutes keeps the pace on the climbs
Best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running 2026
A comparison of the 7 best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running and trail 2026: 226ERS Sub9 Salts, Crown Pro Salt Caps, Victory Endurance, Precision Hydration PH 1500 and more. How many salt tablets to take per hour, how to calculate your sweat rate and which format to choose.
How to get to Idiazabal
TransportIdiazabal lies in the heart of the Goierri, beside the A-1 motorway linking San Sebastián and Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Tips
- •San Sebastián airport (EAS) about 60 km away
- •Bilbao airport (BIO) about 90 km away
- •Idiazabal-Lazkao station on Euskotren's Goierri line
Car rental in the Goierri
Car RentalA car makes it easier to reach Idiazabal and move between the Goierri villages where you'll find lodging.
Tips
- •Free parking in the village, but limited on race day
- •Arrive early: the town centre is closed off for the start
Sports insurance for the Axari Trail
InsuranceMountain race with technical terrain. The organisation requires cover to take part.
Tips
- •Mountain federation licence or day insurance is mandatory
- •The Basque federation licence includes basic insurance
- •Cover with mountain rescue is recommended
Sun protection for the Axari Trail
Sun ProtectionEven in autumn, there are exposed sections on the Aizkorri slopes where the mid-morning sun hits hard.
Tips
- •Apply sweat-resistant sunscreen before the start
- •Don't forget lip balm on the ridge sections
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.
Body care for the Axari Trail
Body CareWet grass, mud and technical descents punish feet and cause chafing. Prep your skin before you start.
Tips
- •Apply anti-chafe balm to feet, groin and pack contact zones
- •A buff manages sweat and shields you from wind on the ridges
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Axari Trail 2026 held?
- The Axari Trail 2026 takes place on Sunday, September 13 in Idiazabal (Gipuzkoa), starting at 09:30 from the village.
- What distances does the Axari Trail offer?
- Two competitive races: the Axari Trail of 25K with 1,550m of climbing and the Axari Trail Txiki of 16K with 750m of climbing. There is also a non-competitive photographic walk (Ibilbide Fotografikoa).
- How many places does the long race have?
- The 25K course is capped at 200 runners, so it pays to register as soon as entries open, from May 19, 2026.
- What are the Axari Trail cut-off times?
- The maximum time on the 25K course is 4 hours, with intermediate cut-offs at Arteitta (9 km) at 1h 25min and Arteitta (18.5 km) at 3h 15min.
- How do I get to Idiazabal?
- Idiazabal sits beside the A-1 motorway, about 50 minutes from San Sebastián and Vitoria-Gasteiz. The Idiazabal-Lazkao station is on Euskotren's Goierri line.
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