Race data
Terrain
Mountain
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
2 modalities
Itxinan Barrena 34K
- Distance
- 34 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 2000m
- Max Time
- -
Itxinan Barrena 14K
- Distance
- 14 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 800m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Itxinan Barrena 34K | 34 km | D+ 2000m | - | - |
| Itxinan Barrena 14K | 14 km | D+ 800m | - | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~9 h of Itxinan Barrena?Worked out for the longest course (34 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchYour checklist for Itxinan Barrena
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 →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)Garmin Forerunner 570
Full-color topo maps, a first for the Forerunner line
Downside: Shorter battery life than a Forerunner 965 with maps on
Gear
Aggressive-lug shoes: wet limestone and October mud demand them
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Nike Ultrafly
ZoomX foam: exceptional energy return inherited from the Vaporfly
Downside: High price (190 EUR)
Nutrition
One gel every 40-45 minutes from the first hour on the 34K
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Maurten Gel 100
Tecnología de hidrogel: excelente tolerancia gástrica
Downside: Precio elevado respecto a otros geles
Sun Protection
Lip balm: wind and altitude cold dry out your lips
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30
Stick format easy to apply mid-race
Downside: SPF 30 may fall short at extreme altitude
Body Care
Anti-chafe on feet, underarms and thighs: blisters appear sooner with wet feet
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Buff Windproof
Windblock membrane: cuts wind chill on ridges
Downside: Less versatile than a standard Buff: designed only for wind/cold
Car Rental
Pick it up at Bilbao airport
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
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.
Itxinan Barrena 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
12°C – 22°C
Average 16°C
Rain
33%
2.3 mm avg
Wind
15 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
8h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (33% 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 (8h sunshine, up to 22°C)
Forecast for 17 October
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Itxinan Barrena
Itxinan Barrena is a mountain race making its debut on 17 October 2026 in Orozko, inside the Gorbeia Natural Park. It was born from the initiative of a group of young locals, Itxinape Mendi Taldea, who had long wanted to create a race of their own, in the territory they know and love. The setting is the Itxina massif, one of the wildest limestone corners of Gorbeia.
A 34 km course with 2,000 m D+
There are two courses with the same spirit, both starting in the centre of Orozko:
- 34K: 2,000 m of positive elevation, 9:00 start. Designed for runners with plenty of mountain miles in their legs.
- 14K: 800 m of positive elevation, 9:30 start. The option for less experienced runners, without losing the technical character of the terrain.
Both combine traditional trails, technical sections and demanding climbs across the Itxina massif. If you are preparing for the 34K, train descents on rock and mud: that is where the race is decided.
A race with a green outlook
The organisation applies zero-waste measures and protects the park’s sensitive areas, under the supervision of the Bizkaia Provincial Government. Run without leaving a trace and stay on the marked trails.
Orozko and Gorbeia beyond the race
Orozko is the gateway to Gorbeia from its Bizkaian side: small villages, rural houses and hearty mountain food after the finish. Discover more races in the Basque Country or build your season in the race planner.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Recommended: October weather in Gorbeia changes quickly. Confirm the mandatory gear in the official rules
With the organisation's number saved
360Complete Pack
Itxinan Barrena 2026 Registration
RegistrationRegistration is handled on Kronoak and closed on 7 September. If you missed it, watch the official website in case bibs are released, and pencil in the 2027 edition.
Tips
- •Registration window: 31 March - 7 September 2026
- •Starts on 17 October: 34K at 9:00 and 14K at 9:30, from the centre of Orozko
- •Questions for the organisers: info@itxinanbarrena.com
Where to Stay for Itxinan Barrena
AccommodationOrozko is a small valley at the foot of Gorbeia: for a nearby bed, look at rural houses and agritourism stays, and use Bilbao as plan B with far more choice.
Tips
- •Book early: for a new race in a small valley, rural houses fill up
- •Bilbao is under an hour by car and has the widest hotel offer
- •With a 9:00 start, sleep in Orozko the night before and skip the early drive
Gear for Itxinan Barrena
GearOctober in Gorbeia means mud, wet rock and changeable weather. With 2,000 m D+ on technical terrain, a grippy shoe, a light pack and poles make a real difference.
Tips
- •Aggressive-lug shoes: wet limestone and October mud demand them
- •Pack a light windproof or waterproof jacket: the weather in Gorbeia changes fast
- •Folding poles if you run the 34K: they help on long climbs and technical descents
- •Check the official rules for mandatory gear before closing your pack
Which shoes for Itxinan Barrena?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Itxinan Barrena?
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 Itxinan Barrena
NutritionFive to eight hours of effort on the 34K call for a plan: gels as the base, electrolytes and something solid for the slower sections.
Tips
- •One gel every 40-45 minutes from the first hour on the 34K
- •Alternate gels with bars so your stomach does not get saturated
- •Recovery drink at the finish: the elevation punishes your legs
Getting to Orozko
TransportOrozko sits in the valley north of the Gorbeia massif, a little over half an hour from Bilbao by road.
Tips
- •Bilbao airport (BIO) is the easiest gateway
- •A car is the most practical option: public transport into the valley is limited
- •Check the official website for a recommended parking area on race day
Car Rental in Bilbao
Car RentalIf you arrive by plane or train, rent a car in Bilbao: it is the simplest way to reach Orozko and get around Gorbeia.
Tips
- •Pick it up at Bilbao airport
- •Use the car to round off the weekend in Urkiola or on the Bizkaian coast
Sports Insurance for Itxinan Barrena
InsuranceThis is a technical mountain race: confirm in the rules whether a federation licence or a one-day insurance is required.
Tips
- •The Basque Mountaineering Federation licence includes basic cover in competition
- •A policy with mountain rescue cover is recommended
Sun Protection for Itxinan Barrena
Sun ProtectionThe October sun is milder, but on the rock and ridge sections of the massif exposure is still high for hours.
Tips
- •Lip balm: wind and altitude cold dry out your lips
- •Sweat-resistant face stick for the open limestone areas
Body Care for Itxinan Barrena
Body CareDamp, rock and mud: prevent chafing and blisters, and wrap up warm before the start and after the finish.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe on feet, underarms and thighs: blisters appear sooner with wet feet
- •Neck gaiter or buff for the cold morning start
- •Recovery footwear and dry clothes in the car for after the finish
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Itxinan Barrena 2026?
- Saturday 17 October 2026 in Orozko (Bizkaia). The 34 km starts at 9:00 and the 14 km at 9:30.
- What distances and elevation gain are there?
- Two courses across the Itxina massif: 34 km with about 2,000 m of positive elevation and 14 km with about 800 m. Both mix traditional trails, technical sections and demanding climbs.
- How do I register?
- Through the Kronoak platform. Registration ran from 31 March to 7 September 2026, so it is currently closed: check the official website in case bibs are released.
- Is it a race for beginners?
- The long course is meant for runners with plenty of mountain miles in their legs. The 14 km is the option for less experienced runners, though the terrain is still technical.
- Who organises it?
- A group of young locals from the valley, Itxinape Mendi Taldea, together with Orozko town council and under the supervision of the Bizkaia Provincial Government. They apply zero-waste measures and protect the park's sensitive areas.
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