Photo: Organisation Kolitza Balmatrail (opens in a new tab) / Source (opens in a new tab)Balmaseda
Kolitza Balmatrail
Saturday, 31 October 2026
Carrera de montaña 26K
26km D+ 1500m
Marcha de montaña 21K
21km D+ 1100m
Carrera de montaña 13K
13km D+ 700m
Récord del Kolitza 12K
12km D+ 720m
Your checklist for Kolitza Balmatrail
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 6 ready
Swipe to see all 7 categories
Swipe to see all 7 categories
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 deep lugs for mud and wet stone
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Salomon Speedcross 6
Exceptional grip in mud and technical terrain
Downside: Average durability on pavement
Nutrition
One gel every 40-45 minutes in the 26K race
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Maurten Gel 100
Hydrogel technology: excellent gastric tolerance
Downside: High price compared to other gels
Sun Protection
Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)ISDIN Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Anti-chafe balm on armpits, thighs and feet
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
Book in advance and check the mileage policy
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA 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.
Seasonal kit
Rain and mud at Kolitza Balmatrail: pack this kit
Grippy shoes, rain jacket, gaiters and blister protection for a wet race.
See the full kit : Rain and Mud Trail Running Kit 2026: What to Bring to a Wet RaceRace data
Terrain
Mountain
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
4 modalities
Carrera de montaña 26K
- Distance
- 26 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1500m
- Max Time
- -
Marcha de montaña 21K
- Distance
- 21 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1100m
- Max Time
- -
Carrera de montaña 13K
- Distance
- 13 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 700m
- Max Time
- -
Récord del Kolitza 12K
- Distance
- 12 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 720m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrera de montaña 26K | 26 km | D+ 1500m | - |
| Marcha de montaña 21K | 21 km | D+ 1100m | - |
| Carrera de montaña 13K | 13 km | D+ 700m | - |
| Récord del Kolitza 12K | 12 km | D+ 720m | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~6 h of Kolitza Balmatrail?Worked out for the longest course (26 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchGear up for Kolitza Balmatrail
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
11°C – 19°C
Average 15°C
Rain
43%
3.3 mm avg
Wind
18 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
6h
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
Ultralight Gore-Tex Shakedry waterproof jacket (110 g). Full waterproofing without an inner membrane, highly breathable. The benchmark for mountain runners.
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
Ultralight waterproof windproof jacket (135 g). Taped seams, adjustable hood and back ventilation. Packs into its own pocket.
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.
Shokz
Shokz OpenRun
Open-ear bone conduction headphones with IP67 rating: they take rain, mud and a rinse under the tap. Up to 8 h of battery and quick charge (10 min for 1.5 h). The most rugged pick of the range for training in bad weather.
TRIWONDER
TRIWONDER Waterproof Trail Gaiters
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.
Forecast for 31 October
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Kolitza Balmatrail
The Kolitza Balmatrail is a mountain weekend in Balmaseda, in the Encartaciones of Bizkaia, organised by the Club Deportivo Eutsi Balmatrail. In 2026 it takes place on 31 October and 1 November, and all races start and finish at Plaza San Severino.
A programme for everyone
- 26K mountain race: 26 km with 1,500 m D+, competitive and scoring for the Euskal Herriko Kopa
- 21K mountain hike: 21 km with 1,100 m D+, non-competitive
- 13K mountain race: 13 km with 700 m D+
- Récord del Kolitza 12K: 12 km time trial with 720 m D+ along the GR-123 to the San Roque del Kolitza hermitage and back by the same route
There is also a 3.5 km family hike and children’s races. Time limits are 5 hours in the 26K, 6 hours in the 21K hike and 3 hours and 30 minutes in the 13K.
Basque mid-mountain in autumn
The long route crowns Garbea, Pico La Cueva, Terreros, Kolitza, Pico Güeci, Sabugal and Cerro del Castillo. In early November the ground is usually wet and muddy: shoes with good grip and a hooded windbreaker, mandatory in 26K and 13K, are the basics.
Balmaseda beyond the race
The medieval town of Balmaseda deserves a stroll before or after the race, and a traditional bean putxera awaits you at the finish. If you want to add more races to your season, take a look at the races in the Basque Country and plan your calendar with the season planner.
360Complete Pack
Kolitza Balmatrail 2026 registration
RegistrationOnline registration through the official platform. The fee includes a bag with a T-shirt, aid stations, insurance, showers, cloakroom and a bean putxera at the finish.
Tips
- •Choose your race by level: the 26K adds 1,500 m D+
- •With an EMF-FEDME licence or equivalent you get the licence-holder rate
- •If you are between 15 and 17 years old, you need a signed authorisation to collect your bib
Where to stay for Kolitza
AccommodationBook accommodation near the start in advance: the race weekend fills the area.
Tips
- •Look for accommodation within 30 min of the start
- •Book months ahead if the race falls on a holiday weekend or in summer
Gear for the Kolitza Balmatrail
GearBasque mid-mountain at the end of October: mud, humidity and changing weather. Shoes with good grip, a hooded windbreaker (mandatory in 26K and 13K) and poles for the long race.
Tips
- •Shoes with deep lugs for mud and wet stone
- •The hooded windbreaker (or buff) is mandatory in the 26K and 13K races
- •Check the rules: in bad weather a waterproof jacket with a membrane may be required
Which shoes for Kolitza Balmatrail?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Kolitza Balmatrail?
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 the Kolitza Balmatrail
NutritionWith a cut-off on Mount Kolitza and up to 5 hours of racing, nutrition decides the result. Test everything in training.
Tips
- •One gel every 40-45 minutes in the 26K race
- •Salts or isotonic drink to keep your pace
- •Use the bean putxera at the finish to recover
How to get to Balmaseda
TransportBalmaseda is in the Encartaciones of Bizkaia, about 30 km from Bilbao. Start and finish at Plaza San Severino.
Tips
- •By car from Bilbao, about 35 minutes
- •There is a commuter train between Bilbao and Balmaseda: check timetables
- •Bilbao airport (BIO) is the closest
Car rental for Kolitza
Car RentalA car makes it easier to reach the start and get around before and after the race.
Tips
- •Book in advance and check the mileage policy
- •Useful if your accommodation is far from the start
Sports insurance for Kolitza
InsuranceCover your participation with insurance that includes medical assistance and mountain rescue.
Tips
- •Check that it covers the race format and elevation gain
- •Review rescue cover if the race is in the mountains
Sun protection for Kolitza
Sun ProtectionSun exposure takes its toll on long races, especially on exposed sections and at midday.
Tips
- •Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
- •Protect lips, ears and neck
Body care for Kolitza
Body CareKilometres and descents punish feet and skin: anti-chafe balm and blister patches prevent DNFs.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe balm on armpits, thighs and feet
- •Blister patches in your pocket
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Kolitza Balmatrail 2026?
- On Saturday 31 October (Récord del Kolitza and children's races) and Sunday 1 November 2026 (26K race, 21K hike, 13K race and family hike) in Balmaseda, Bizkaia.
- What distances does the Kolitza Balmatrail have?
- A 26 km mountain race (+1,500 m D+), a 21 km mountain hike (+1,100 m D+), a 13 km race (+700 m D+), the Récord del Kolitza 12 km time trial (+720 m D+) and a 3.5 km family hike.
- What is the time limit at the Kolitza Balmatrail?
- 5 hours in the 26K race, 6 hours in the 21K hike and 3 hours and 30 minutes in the 13K. The two long routes have a cut-off point on Mount Kolitza.
- What gear is mandatory at the Kolitza Balmatrail?
- In the 26K and 13K races, a hooded windbreaker (or a windbreaker plus cap or buff), along with the rest of the gear required by the rules. If the weather is bad, the organisation may require a waterproof jacket with a membrane.
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