Photo: RockTheSport (opens in a new tab)Apellániz, Álava
Izki Trail
Sunday, 5 September 2027estimated date
Race data
Terrain
Mountain
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
2 modalities
Izki Trail 21K
Price: 25 EUR
- Distance
- 21 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 750m
- Max Time
- -
Izki Trail 13K
Price: 20 EUR
- Distance
- 13 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 450m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Izki Trail 21K | 21 km | D+ 750m | - | 25 EUR |
| Izki Trail 13K | 13 km | D+ 450m | - | 20 EUR |
Will your watch battery last the ~4 h of Izki Trail?Worked out for the longest course (21 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchYour checklist for Izki 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: mountain trail, leaf litter and possible mud under the beech canopy
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
Nike Ultrafly
ZoomX foam: exceptional energy return inherited from the Vaporfly
Downside: High price (190 EUR)
Nutrition
Energy gels for the steepest climbs toward the summits
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
Maurten Gel 100
Tecnología de hidrogel: excelente tolerancia gástrica
Downside: Precio elevado respecto a otros geles
Sun Protection
SPF 50 sunscreen on face, neck and arms 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
Anti-chafe balm on feet, thighs and underarms
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
Julbo Aerospeed
Photochromic lenses: adapt from forest to summits
Downside: Higher price compared to non-photochromic glasses
Car Rental
Parking is available in Apellániz on race day, but arrive early
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.
Izki 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 15 °C: guide and kit →
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
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (37% 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 (11h sunshine, up to 24°C)
Forecast for 5 September
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
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
Habitual en pruebas de montaña dentro de espacios naturales protegidos
360Complete Pack
Inscripción Izki Trail 2026
Registration5th edition of the Izki Trail, capped at 250 runners across both distances.
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
AccommodationApellániz and Arraia-Maeztu are tiny villages; staying in Vitoria-Gasteiz or a rural inn in the Álava mountains is the most practical option.
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
GearTechnical mountain course through beech and chestnut forest with rocky sections near the summits. 90% on trail.
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
Which shoes for Izki Trail?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Izki Trail?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Best trail running poles 2026: Black Diamond, Leki and Komperdell compared. Carbon vs aluminium, folding length, technique and how to pick your size.
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.
Nutrición para la Izki Trail
NutritionA mountain race up to 21K with demanding climbs; plan both liquid and solid fueling for the full effort.
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
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.
Cómo llegar a Apellániz
TransportApellániz sits in the Álava mountains, southeast of Vitoria-Gasteiz, inside Izki Natural Park.
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
Car RentalA car is almost essential: public transport to Apellániz is very limited.
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
InsuranceA mountain race with technical sections at altitude; insurance or a federation license is mandatory.
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
Sun ProtectionA September morning race with open stretches near the summits and shaded beech forest sections.
Tips
- •SPF 50 sunscreen on face, neck and arms before the start
- •SPF lip balm for the more exposed hours near the summits
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.
Cuidado corporal para la Izki Trail
Body CareMountain trails with leaf litter and possible moisture under the beech canopy: watch for chafing and blisters.
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.
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