Sorginen Lasterketa

Sorginen Lasterketa

Sorginen Lasterketa — the “witches’ race” — is one of the classic fixtures on the mountain calendar of the Duranguesado. It starts in Axpe, the main settlement of the Atxondo municipality (Bizkaia), and heads into the Urkiola Natural Park to circle the unmistakable limestone bulk of Anboto. The long race is 21 kilometres with around 1,700 metres of positive elevation, with an 11.7-kilometre option for those wanting less punishment.

A 21-kilometre course

The route gives no respite: it climbs from the valley to the base of the Anboto ridge on grass and beech-wood paths, crosses the high part of Urkiola over limestone rock and descends technically towards Axpe. At 80 metres of climbing per kilometre, it is a short but brutal race, closer to a linked vertical kilometre than to runnable trail. Wet limestone and frequent fog on the ridge demand a sure foot.

Anboto and the goddess Mari

Anboto (1,331 m) is the most myth-laden mountain in the Basque Country: its north face hides the cave where, according to tradition, Mari lives — the chief deity of Basque mythology, mistress of weather and earth. The sorginak — witches — that give the race its name were part of that same imaginary world. Running here is running through the symbolic heart of Euskal Herria.

Atxondo beyond the race

The Atxondo valley is known for its food — one of the most famous grill restaurants in the Basque Country is here — and for the Urkiola beech wood, spectacular in October. The Urkiola sanctuary, at the top of the pass, is worth the visit. See more races in the Basque Country and plan your weekend with the planner.