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Loiu 500 Trail
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Loiu

Loiu 500 Trail

Sunday, 1 November 2026

Loiu 500 Trail 12K

12km D+ 339m

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Your checklist for Loiu 500 Trail

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

  1. GPS watch

    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)

    View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
  2. Gear

    Shoes with medium lugs for mud and leaves

    Salomon Speedcross 6

    Exceptional grip in mud and technical terrain

    Downside: Average durability on pavement

    View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
  3. Nutrition

    A gel or dates for the final stretch

    Maurten Gel 100

    Hydrogel technology: excellent gastric tolerance

    Downside: High price compared to other gels

    View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
  4. Sun Protection

    Sweat-resistant SPF50 on face and ears

    ISDIN Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50+

    Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin

    Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras

    View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
  5. Body Care

    Anti-chafe lubricant on feet and underarms

    Julbo Aerospeed

    Photochromic lenses: adapt from forest to summits

    Downside: Higher price compared to non-photochromic glasses

    View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
  6. Car Rental

    Book early if you are flying in

  7. Trip logistics

    Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.

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Race data

Terrain

Trail

Difficulty

Beginner

Distance

1 modalities

Visit official website(opens in a new tab)
  • Loiu 500 Trail 12K

    Distance
    12 km
    Elevation Gain
    D+ 339m
    Max Time
    2h30
Will your watch battery last the ~2 h of Loiu 500 Trail?Worked out for the longest course (12 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch

Seasonal kit

Rain and mud at Loiu 500 Trail: 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 Race

You may also need: What to Wear for Cold-Weather Trail Running 2026: The Complete Layering Kit

2 weeks to Loiu 500 Trail: get your kit ready

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

Rain

47%

Wind

17 km/h

Sunshine hours

7h

Gear recommendations

Bring a waterproof jacket (47% chance of rain)

Asics Gel-Trabuco 14 GTX

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.

View on Amazon →
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Berghaus Paclite 2.0 GTX

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.

View on Amazon →
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Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX

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.

View on Amazon →
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Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove

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.

View on Amazon →
(opens in a new tab)
Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove

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.

View on Amazon →
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Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry

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.

View on Amazon →
(opens in a new tab)
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX

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.

View on Amazon →
(opens in a new tab)
Salomon Bonatti Pro Waterproof Glove

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.

View on Amazon →
(opens in a new tab)
Salomon Bonatti WP

Salomon

Salomon Bonatti WP

Ultralight waterproof windproof jacket (135 g). Taped seams, adjustable hood and back ventilation. Packs into its own pocket.

View on Amazon →
(opens in a new tab)
Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX

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.

View on Amazon →
(opens in a new tab)
Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove

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.

View on Amazon →
(opens in a new tab)
Shokz OpenRun

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.

View on Amazon →
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TRIWONDER Waterproof Trail Gaiters

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.

View on Amazon →
(opens in a new tab)

Loiu 500 Trail

The Loiu 500 Trail is a popular race organised by the Loiu town council in Bizkaia, with the help of local companies. The 2026 edition is the third and takes place on 1 November on a single 12-kilometre circuit of moderate difficulty, with 339 metres of elevation gain and a maximum altitude of 290 metres.

There are two categories on the same course: running, which is competitive and rewards the top ten men and women overall with gifts, and walking, which is non-competitive and meant to be enjoyed at your own pace. Registration includes insurance, a bib with chip, a T-shirt, aid stations, a prize draw and a finish-line txoripan. The price rises each month: 12 EUR until July and 15 EUR in October. The rules reserve 100 free places for registered residents.

Loiu and Bizkaia beyond the race

Loiu is a few minutes from Bilbao and the Bizkaia coast, with beaches, cliffs and great Basque food. To add more events, see the races in the Basque Country and plan your season with the planner.

360Complete Pack

Loiu 500 Trail 2026 registration

Registration

Registration is through RockTheSport. Places and prices can change with the deadline, so sign up early.

Browse all registration

Tips

  • •Price: 12 EUR until July, 13 EUR in August, 14 EUR in September and 15 EUR in October
  • •Registration until 29 October on RockTheSport and uno.es
  • •Bib collection on 29 and 30 October at Decathlon Bilbao (Villerías 10)

Where to stay for Loiu 500 Trail

Accommodation

Book accommodation near Loiu or in the nearest larger town. November has good availability, but secure the race weekend early.

Browse all accommodation

Tips

  • •Compare stays near Loiu and the closest city
  • •Book early if you travel with family or a group
  • •Ask about parking and early departure times

Gear for Loiu 500 Trail

Gear

November brings cold, damp and mud on the trail. Shoes with good grip and light layers make the difference.

Browse all gear

Tips

  • •Shoes with medium lugs for mud and leaves
  • •A light windbreaker in your pack
  • •Thin gloves for the start, which is usually cold
Salomon Speedcross 6

Which shoes for Loiu 500 Trail?

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

→
Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 45 mm

Which GPS watch for Loiu 500 Trail?

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

→
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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.

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🧥

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.

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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 Loiu 500 Trail

Nutrition

Even on manageable distances, arriving hydrated with fast energy improves pace and recovery.

Browse all nutrition

Tips

  • •A gel or dates for the final stretch
  • •Isotonic drink in a soft flask depending on distance
  • •Recovery drink within the hour after the finish

Getting to Loiu

Transport

Check the best access to Loiu from your starting point. Driving is usually the easiest option on race day.

Browse all transport

Tips

  • •Leave early to park and collect your bib
  • •Check the parking area indicated by the organisers

Car rental for Loiu 500 Trail

Car Rental

A car gives you freedom to reach the start, explore the area and get home after the race.

Browse all car rental

Tips

  • •Book early if you are flying in
  • •Choose a compact car for local roads

Sports insurance for Loiu 500 Trail

Insurance

Registrations include accident insurance according to the organisers, but check whether it covers you or whether you need a federation licence.

Browse all insurance

Tips

  • •Check what the registration insurance covers
  • •A federation licence adds mountain rescue cover
  • •If you travel from abroad, take travel insurance with sports cover

Sun protection for Loiu 500 Trail

Sun Protection

In November the sun is low, but on open sections and mid-morning it still hits face and lips.

Browse all sun protection

Tips

  • •Sweat-resistant SPF50 on face and ears
  • •Lip balm with SPF

Body care for Loiu 500 Trail

Body Care

Mud and damp encourage chafing and blisters. Prepare your feet and recover well afterwards.

Browse all body care

Tips

  • •Anti-chafe lubricant on feet and underarms
  • •Blister patches if your shoes are new
  • •Foam roller for recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Loiu 500 Trail 2026?
The 3rd Loiu 500 Trail takes place on Sunday 1 November 2026 in Loiu (Bizkaia), starting at 9:30.
What distances does Loiu 500 Trail offer?
A single 12,000 m circuit with 339 m of ascent and 339 m of descent, with a maximum altitude of 290 m. You can run it (competitive, 2h30 cut-off) or walk it (non-competitive, 3h30).
How do I get to Loiu?
Loiu is next to Bilbao airport, about 10 km from the city, so it is easy to reach by car or taxi from Bilbao.

Races similar to Loiu 500 Trail

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