Photo: Mitxarro Bira (opens in a new tab)Araia
Mitxarro Bira
Saturday, 29 May 2027estimated date
Trail Largo
27.5km D+ 1775m
Trail Corto
14km D+ 550m
Your checklist for Mitxarro Bira
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 7 ready
Swipe to see all 8 categories
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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 on mud and rock: the terrain is slippery
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
Carry at least 500ml of water or a soft flask
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
SPF 50 recommended: altitude increases UV radiation
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 contact areas: Basque Country humidity multiplies chafing
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Easy-to-apply stick format, even with sweaty hands
Downside: Higher price than traditional petroleum jelly
Car Rental
Araia is right off the A-1: easy motorway access
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud City
Mandatory
Charged mobile phone
With charged battery
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Generic Running Waist Pack with Phone Pocket
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.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Charged mobile phone
With charged battery
Items tagged “Mandatory” are in the checklist above, with a recommended product.
Race data
Terrain
Mountain
Difficulty
Intermediate
Distance
2 modalities
Trail Largo
Price: 30 EUR
- Distance
- 27.5 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1775m
- Max Time
- 6h
Trail Corto
Price: 20 EUR
- Distance
- 14 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 550m
- Max Time
- 3h30
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trail Largo | 27.5 km | D+ 1775m | 6h | 30 EUR |
| Trail Corto | 14 km | D+ 550m | 3h30 | 20 EUR |
Will your watch battery last the ~7 h of Mitxarro Bira?Worked out for the longest course (27.5 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchMitxarro Bira 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
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)
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.
Sun protection essential (11h sunshine, up to 20°C)
Forecast for 29 May
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
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.
360Complete Pack
Mitxarro Bira 2026 Registration
RegistrationRegistration open on BuscaMetas until 24 May. Affordable pricing for a mountain race.
Tips
- •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
AccommodationAraia is a small village in the Llanada Alavesa. Vitoria-Gasteiz is the most convenient alternative.
Tips
- •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
GearMountain trail through the Sierra de Altzania with varied terrain: beech forests, mud, rock and mountain paths.
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
Which shoes for Mitxarro Bira?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Mitxarro Bira?
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.
Nutrition plan for Mitxarro Bira
NutritionMid-distance race with aid stations along the route.
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
TransportAraia is in the Llanada Alavesa, well connected by road from Vitoria-Gasteiz and San Sebastián.
Tips
- •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
Car RentalCar recommended to reach Araia, though road access is straightforward.
Tips
- •Araia is right off the A-1: easy motorway access
- •Parking available in the village
Sports insurance for Mitxarro Bira
InsuranceFederation licence or day insurance required to participate.
Tips
- •Without federation licence: 5€ surcharge included in registration
- •Race-day registration only for federated runners
- •Mountain rescue coverage recommended
Body care for Mitxarro Bira
Body CareSpring trail with possible humidity and mud. Protect feet and chafing zones.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe balm on contact areas: Basque Country humidity multiplies chafing
- •Technical anti-blister socks for wet terrain
Sun protection for Mitxarro Bira
Sun ProtectionMay in the Basque mountains: moderate sun but hours of exposure at altitude.
Tips
- •SPF 50 recommended: altitude increases UV radiation
- •Protect lips with SPF balm
- •Cap or visor for exposed sections
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.
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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