Axari Trail

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.