Date, registration & deadlines
May 30, 2026 · Registration open
Local guides
Race data
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | ITRA | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trail Largo | 27.5 km | D+ 1775m | - | 6h | 30 EUR |
| Trail Corto | 14 km | D+ 550m | - | 3h30 | 20 EUR |
What you need
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
11°C – 20°C
Average 16°C
Rain
53%
2.9 mm avg
Wind
14 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
11h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (53% chance of rain)
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.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti WP
Chaqueta cortavientos impermeable ultraligera (135 g). Costuras selladas, capucha ajustable y ventilación trasera. Se pliega en su propio bolsillo.
Sun protection essential (11h sunshine, up to 20°C)
Forecast for May 30
Real-time data from Open-Meteo
Mitxarro Bira
Mitxarro Bira is a trail running race organised by Altzania Mendi Kluba through the Sierra de Altzania, within the Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park. Start and finish in Araia (Álava), with two trail distances to explore one of the wildest corners of the Basque Country.
The courses
From Araia, the courses head into the Sierra de Altzania through beech forests, rocky paths and mountain trails:
- Trail Largo (27.5K) — 1,775m D+ covering the full sierra circuit. Starts at 09:00. Passes by La Leze and Hirumuga-Arbarrain.
- Trail Corto (14K) — 550m D+ for a more accessible distance. Starts at 09:15.
Terrain and difficulty
The Sierra de Altzania offers varied terrain of mud, rock and beech forests. Trails pass through wooded areas, limestone sections and mountain meadows. The Trail Largo has considerable elevation gain (1,775m D+) making it a demanding but accessible race for experienced runners. Check our best trail running shoes guide for wet terrain recommendations.
La Leze and Hirumuga-Arbarrain
The long course passes near La Leze, the only place in Europe where you can go canyoning through a cave. It also crosses Hirumuga-Arbarrain, the natural border where three Basque provinces meet: Álava, Gipuzkoa and Navarra.
May weather in Araia
May in the Llanada Alavesa offers pleasant temperatures (12-20°C) but the mountains can spring surprises: rain, fog or wind are common in the Sierra de Altzania. The wet terrain typical of the Basque Country makes shoes with strong mud grip essential. Discover more races in the Basque Country.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
360 Complete Pack
Mitxarro Bira 2026 Registration
InscripciónRegistration open on BuscaMetas until 24 May. Affordable pricing for a mountain race.
Browse all inscripciónTips
- • Trail Largo 30€, Trail Corto 20€
- • 5€ surcharge for non-federated runners
- • Race-day registration only for federated runners
Where to stay for Mitxarro Bira
AlojamientoAraia is a small village in the Llanada Alavesa. Vitoria-Gasteiz is the most convenient alternative.
Browse all alojamientoTips
- • Vitoria-Gasteiz 30 minutes away with plenty of hotels
- • Rural guesthouses in the Llanada Alavesa area
- • San Sebastián 50 minutes away if you want to combine with tourism
Gear for Mitxarro Bira
MaterialMountain trail through the Sierra de Altzania with varied terrain: beech forests, mud, rock and mountain paths.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6
La zapatilla de trail más versátil de Salomon, ideal para terrenos técnicos y barro. Agarre excepcional con suela Contagrip y amortiguación EnergyCell+.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti WP
Chaqueta cortavientos impermeable ultraligera (135 g). Costuras selladas, capucha ajustable y ventilación trasera. Se pliega en su propio bolsillo.
Tips
- • Shoes with strong grip on mud and rock: the terrain is slippery
- • Waterproof windbreaker recommended for May in the mountains
- • Light pack with water and some food for the Trail Largo
Nutrition plan for Mitxarro Bira
NutriciónMid-distance race with aid stations along the route.
Maurten
Maurten Gel 100
Gel de hidrogel con 25g de carbohidratos. La tecnología de hidrogel encapsula los carbohidratos para una absorción sin molestias gástricas. Sabor neutro, sin edulcorantes artificiales. Usado por corredores de élite en maratón y ultra.
226ERS
226ERS Isotonic Drink
Bebida isotónica en polvo de la marca española 226ERS. Aporta carbohidratos, electrolitos y minerales para mantener la hidratación durante el ejercicio. Fórmula con amilopectina para absorción rápida sin molestias digestivas.
Tips
- • Carry at least 500ml of water or a soft flask
- • For the Trail Largo (27.5K) plan gels every 45-60 minutes
- • May temperatures are mild but hydration remains key
How to get to Araia
TransporteAraia is in the Llanada Alavesa, well connected by road from Vitoria-Gasteiz and San Sebastián.
Browse all transporteTips
- • From Vitoria-Gasteiz: 30 min via the A-1
- • From San Sebastián: 50 min via the AP-1
- • From Bilbao: 1h 15min via the AP-1
- • Vitoria Airport (VIT) 30 km away
Car rental for Mitxarro Bira
Alquiler de vehículoCar recommended to reach Araia, though road access is straightforward.
Browse all alquiler de vehículo
Tips
- • Araia is right off the A-1: easy motorway access
- • Parking available in the village
Sports insurance for Mitxarro Bira
SeguroFederation licence or day insurance required to participate.
Browse all seguroTips
- • Without federation licence: 5€ surcharge included in registration
- • Race-day registration only for federated runners
- • Mountain rescue coverage recommended
Body care for Mitxarro Bira
Cuidado corporalSpring trail with possible humidity and mud. Protect feet and chafing zones.
BodyGlide
BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Bálsamo anti-rozaduras en formato stick. Crea una barrera invisible sobre la piel que reduce la fricción sin obstruir los poros. Resistente al sudor, ideal para zonas críticas como ingles, axilas y pezones en carreras largas.
Compeed
Compeed Ampollas Medianas Duplo
Apósitos hidrocoloides para ampollas medianas. Alivio inmediato del dolor, protegen la ampolla mientras se cura y se mantienen en su sitio durante horas incluso con sudor. Pack de 10 unidades en envases individuales, ideal para llevar en la mochila de trail.
Tips
- • Anti-chafe balm on contact areas: Basque Country humidity multiplies chafing
- • Technical anti-blister socks for wet terrain
Sun protection for Mitxarro Bira
Protección solarMay in the Basque mountains: moderate sun but hours of exposure at altitude.
ISDIN
ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+
Protector solar facial ultraligero de fase acuosa con SPF 50+. Textura fluida que se absorbe al instante sin dejar residuo graso, ideal para aplicar durante la carrera. Resistente al agua y al sudor.
Sun Bum
Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30
Bálsamo labial con protección solar SPF 30 en formato stick. Hidrata y protege los labios de quemaduras solares, un punto que muchos corredores olvidan. Sabor a coco, sin parabenos.
Tips
- • SPF 50 recommended: altitude increases UV radiation
- • Protect lips with SPF balm
- • Cap or visor for exposed sections
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Mitxarro Bira 2026?
- Mitxarro Bira 2026 takes place on Saturday 30 May 2026, starting from Araia (Álava, Basque Country).
- What distances does Mitxarro Bira offer?
- Two trail distances: Trail Largo 27.5K with 1,775m D+ and Trail Corto 14K with 550m D+.
- How much does registration cost?
- Trail Largo costs 30€ and Trail Corto 20€. Non-federated runners pay a 5€ surcharge.
- What time does each distance start?
- Trail Largo starts at 09:00 and Trail Corto at 09:15.
- How to get to Araia?
- Araia is in the Llanada Alavesa, 30 minutes from Vitoria-Gasteiz via the A-1 and 50 minutes from San Sebastián via the AP-1.
- Who organises Mitxarro Bira?
- Altzania Mendi Kluba, a mountain club from Araia. Contact: mitxarrobira@gmail.com.
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