Izki Trail
Photo: RockTheSport

Apellániz, Álava

Izki Trail

Sunday, September 6, 2026

Izki Trail 21K

21km D+ 750m

Izki Trail 13K

13km D+ 450m

Register

Date, registration & deadlines

Sep 6, 2026 · Registration open

Registration

Prices, deadlines and direct registration link

Local guides

Race data

Terrain

Mountain

Difficulty

Advanced

Distance

2 modalities

Official website

Visit
ModalityDistanceElevation GainITRAMax TimePrice
Izki Trail 21K21 kmD+ 750m--25 EUR
Izki Trail 13K13 kmD+ 450m--20 EUR
360

What you need

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+8 more products ↓

How long will it take you?

Estimate your race time based on distance, elevation and your runner level.

Historical weather

Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)

Temperature

14°C – 24°C

Average 18°C

Rain

37%

2.1 mm avg

Wind

18 km/h

max. average

Sunshine hours

11h

daily average

Izki Trail

Izki Trail is a rarity on the Spanish mountain racing calendar: the only sporting event that runs entirely inside Izki Natural Park, in the municipality of Arraia-Maeztu (Álava). It’s organized by the non-profit cultural association Karrantan-Oskarbi, with support from Fundación Vital, and was born with a clear purpose: showcasing the park’s natural heritage and channeling part of the proceeds toward preserving its ecosystem. The 5th edition takes place on September 6, 2026, starting from Plaza Gerardo López de Guereñu in Apellániz.

A route through beech and chestnut forests

The main 21-kilometer course climbs around 750 meters of elevation gain across three summits: San Cristóbal, San Justi and Ipurtika. 90% of the route runs on mountain trail, crossing one of the best-preserved beech and chestnut forests in Álava, with views over the Sierra de Izki and the Álava mountains. For those who prefer a shorter distance, the 2026 edition debuts a new 13-kilometer course that starts at the dam and climbs San Cristóbal, skipping the ascents to Ipurtika and San Justi.

A race with environmental purpose

Beyond the sporting challenge, Izki Trail stands out for its commitment to the environment: environmental judges and volunteers monitor the course, and the regulations are strict about waste management. The race counts toward the Álava Mountain Running Cup and the Álava Athletics Championship, attracting both local runners and those looking to discover a less-traveled corner of Basque trail running.

Arraia-Maeztu and the Álava mountains beyond the race

Apellániz is a small village with a chestnut-growing tradition, and Izki Natural Park offers hiking routes, birdwatching and landscapes of oak woodland and heath worth exploring at a relaxed pace. Vitoria-Gasteiz, just over half an hour by car, is the natural base for lodging and rounding out the trip. Looking for more options in the area? Discover other Basque Country races or add Izki Trail to your calendar with the season planner.

Mandatory Gear

According to the official race regulations

Recomendable en las cimas de San Cristóbal, San Justi e Ipurtika, expuestas al viento

Salomon Bonatti WP

Salomon

Salomon Bonatti WP

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Habitual en pruebas de montaña dentro de espacios naturales protegidos

Fox 40 Classic

Fox 40

Fox 40 Classic

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Approx. pack cost:~122,00 €Prices may vary. Check the store for the current price.
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360Complete Pack

Inscripción Izki Trail 2026

Inscripción

5th edition of the Izki Trail, capped at 250 runners across both distances.

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Tips

  • Registration managed by Kronoak via RockTheSport: €25 (21K) / €20 (13K)
  • Registration window April 4 to September 1, 2026, or until spots run out
  • Capacity capped at 250 participants across both distances
  • Federation license or day insurance required

Dónde dormir para la Izki Trail

Alojamiento

Apellániz and Arraia-Maeztu are tiny villages; staying in Vitoria-Gasteiz or a rural inn in the Álava mountains is the most practical option.

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Tips

  • Rural inns and farmhouses in Arraia-Maeztu and nearby villages inside Izki Natural Park
  • Vitoria-Gasteiz (35 km) has the largest hotel offer in the area
  • Book ahead: rural lodging in the Álava mountains is limited

Material para la Izki Trail

Material

Technical mountain course through beech and chestnut forest with rocky sections near the summits. 90% on trail.

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Tips

  • Shoes with strong grip: mountain trail, leaf litter and possible mud under the beech canopy
  • Lightweight rain jacket recommended: September in Álava can bring sudden showers
  • Poles useful for the 750m elevation gain on the 21K
  • Lightweight vest pack to carry your own supplies
Nike Ultrafly

Which shoes for Izki Trail?

Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather

Garmin Forerunner 265

Which GPS watch for Izki Trail?

Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time

Nutrición para la Izki Trail

Nutrición

A mountain race up to 21K with demanding climbs; plan both liquid and solid fueling for the full effort.

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Tips

  • Energy gels for the steepest climbs toward the summits
  • Isotonic drink in a soft flask: key if September brings warm weather
  • Something solid and salty for the 21K, which can take 2-3+ hours of effort

Cómo llegar a Apellániz

Transporte

Apellániz sits in the Álava mountains, southeast of Vitoria-Gasteiz, inside Izki Natural Park.

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Tips

  • Vitoria airport (VIT) is the closest, about 40 km away
  • Bilbao airport (BIO) as an alternative, just over 1 hour away
  • By road from Vitoria-Gasteiz via the A-2124 and local roads

Alquiler de coche para la Montaña Alavesa

Alquiler de vehículo

A car is almost essential: public transport to Apellániz is very limited.

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Tips

  • Parking is available in Apellániz on race day, but arrive early
  • Use the car to explore Izki Natural Park before or after the race

Seguro deportivo para la Izki Trail

Seguro

A mountain race with technical sections at altitude; insurance or a federation license is mandatory.

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Tips

  • A mountain federation license or day insurance is required to start
  • The Basque Mountain Federation or private trail insurers offer day cover
  • Mountain rescue coverage is recommended

Protección solar para la Izki Trail

Protección solar

A September morning race with open stretches near the summits and shaded beech forest sections.

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Tips

  • SPF 50 sunscreen on face, neck and arms before the start
  • SPF lip balm for the more exposed hours near the summits

Cuidado corporal para la Izki Trail

Cuidado corporal

Mountain trails with leaf litter and possible moisture under the beech canopy: watch for chafing and blisters.

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Tips

  • Anti-chafe balm on feet, thighs and underarms
  • Technical anti-blister socks, especially if the terrain is damp
  • Buff or sunglasses for the open stretches near the summits

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Izki Trail 2026?
The 5th Izki Trail takes place on Sunday, September 6, 2026, with the start at 9:00 AM from Plaza Gerardo López de Guereñu in Apellániz (Arraia-Maeztu, Álava).
What distances does the Izki Trail offer?
Two distances: a 21K with around 750m of elevation gain that climbs the summits of San Cristóbal, San Justi and Ipurtika, and a new 13K (around 450m elevation gain) debuting in the 2026 edition, starting at the dam and climbing San Cristóbal.
What makes the Izki Trail special?
It is the only sporting event that runs 100% inside Izki Natural Park, with 90% of the course on mountain trails through beech and chestnut forests. It's organized by the non-profit cultural association Karrantan-Oskarbi together with Fundación Vital, and part of the proceeds go toward preserving the local ecosystem.
How do you get to Apellániz?
Apellániz (Apilaiz) is a small village within Arraia-Maeztu, in the Álava mountains. Vitoria-Gasteiz is about 35 km away and is the fastest road access; Vitoria airport (VIT) is the closest airport.