Photo: Organisation WOP Challenge (opens in a new tab) / Source (opens in a new tab)Bilbao
WOP Challenge Bilbao-Bizkaia
Saturday, 24 October 2026
Your checklist for WOP Challenge Bilbao-Bizkaia
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 Solar 50 mm
Solar charging: near-unlimited battery in daily use
Downside: No onboard topo maps
Gear
Comfortable shoe for a mix of asphalt, track and trail
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
Eat and drink between legs, do not wait until you are hungry
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, reapplied 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 on feet, underarms and groin before the start
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 early: demand rises on race weekends
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud City
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.
Race data
Terrain
Mixed
Difficulty
Intermediate
Distance
2 modalities
WOP Challenge FULL 224K
- Distance
- 224 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 5000m
- Max Time
- -
WOP Challenge 1DAY 50K
- Distance
- 50 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 700m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WOP Challenge FULL 224K | 224 km | D+ 5000m | - | - |
| WOP Challenge 1DAY 50K | 50 km | D+ 700m | - | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~47 h of WOP Challenge Bilbao-Bizkaia?Worked out for the longest course (224 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchSeasonal kit
WOP Challenge Bilbao-Bizkaia runs into the night: low-light kit
Main and backup headlamp, battery, pre-dawn layers and night-time fuelling.
See the full kit : Night Trail Running Kit: What to Carry in Autumn and Winter Races With Short DaylightYou may also need: Rain and Mud Trail Running Kit 2026: What to Bring to a Wet Race
1 week to WOP Challenge Bilbao-Bizkaia: 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
12°C – 20°C
Average 16°C
Rain
40%
3.3 mm avg
Wind
17 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
8h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (40% 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 24 October
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
WOP Challenge Bilbao-Bizkaia
The WOP Challenge Bilbao-Bizkaia is not a conventional race: it is a charity team challenge in which dozens of teams go around Bizkaia on foot as a relay. It is organised by Fundación The Walk On Project with a clear goal: to raise awareness of and funds for the fight against neurodegenerative diseases. Before the start, each team must complete the so-called Stage 0, the charity contribution that unlocks the bib.
Two formats, one spirit
The FULL format adds up to about 224 km with about 5,000 m of positive elevation, shared among team members, and is lived through a whole night between Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October. The 1DAY format cuts the challenge to about 50 km with about 700 m of climbing, designed for teams that want to take part in a single day. The organiser publishes Bilbao as the venue, with bib pick-up at Ramón de la Sota quay.
Team strategy in October
In a relay, the challenge is keeping your body warm and fuelled between legs. Bring warm layers, a headlamp for the night and a solid nutrition and hydration routine. Check the gear checklist to prepare your relay pack.
Bizkaia beyond the challenge
Bilbao, the Guggenheim, the old town and the Getxo coast deserve a longer trip. If you want more races in the area, see the races in the Basque Country and plan your season with the planner.
360Complete Pack
WOP Challenge Bilbao-Bizkaia 2026 registration
RegistrationRegistration is by team through RockTheSport and requires completing the charity Stage 0 first. The official deadline ended on 7 October 2026: check the organiser website for spots or a waiting list.
Tips
- •Team registration: each format has its own minimum and maximum team size
- •The charity Stage 0 must be completed before bib pick-up
- •Registration includes bib, aid stations, medical assistance and a technical shirt according to the organiser
Where to stay for WOP Challenge Bilbao-Bizkaia
AccommodationBilbao concentrates the hotel offer and is the natural base for the event. On race weekend it is wise to book early, especially with a large team.
Tips
- •Stay near Ramón de la Sota quay to minimise transfers
- •With a big team, consider multi-bedroom apartments
- •Book with free cancellation until your spot is confirmed
Gear for WOP Challenge Bilbao-Bizkaia
GearA long relay alternates running legs with waiting time: a versatile shoe for asphalt and track, a windproof jacket and a headlamp for Saturday night.
Tips
- •Comfortable shoe for a mix of asphalt, track and trail
- •Headlamp and rear light: the challenge crosses the night of 24-25 October
- •Warm layer for the waits between legs
Which shoes for WOP Challenge Bilbao-Bizkaia?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for WOP Challenge Bilbao-Bizkaia?
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 WOP Challenge Bilbao-Bizkaia
NutritionWith short legs repeated over more than 24 hours, nutrition is a constant drip: gels, salts and easy solid food between legs.
Tips
- •Eat and drink between legs, do not wait until you are hungry
- •Salts and electrolytes for the accumulated hours of effort
- •Prepare a team bag with shared snacks
Getting to Bilbao
TransportBilbao has an international airport, a train station and a good metro and tram network out to Getxo.
Tips
- •Bilbao airport (BIO) is about 12 km from the centre
- •Bilbao metro to Getxo (line 1) for the 50K start area
- •To move the team between legs, a support car or van is the most comfortable
Car rental for WOP Challenge Bilbao-Bizkaia
Car RentalA car gives you freedom to reach the start, move between race points and explore the area before and after.
Tips
- •Book early: demand rises on race weekends
- •Check the fuel policy and the mileage included
Sports insurance for WOP Challenge Bilbao-Bizkaia
InsuranceA long mountain event: check what the day insurance or licence covers and consider rescue cover.
Tips
- •Federation licence or day insurance as the rules require
- •Rescue cover recommended on mountain terrain
- •If you travel from abroad, travel insurance with sports cover
Sun protection for WOP Challenge Bilbao-Bizkaia
Sun ProtectionMany hours outdoors punish the skin even on cloudy days. A sweat-resistant SPF and a lip balm are cheap and very useful.
Tips
- •Sweat-resistant SPF50, reapplied at aid stations
- •Protect lips and ears
Body care for WOP Challenge Bilbao-Bizkaia
Body CareHours of racing punish feet and skin: anti-chafe, blister patches and good sunglasses prevent silly DNFs.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe on feet, underarms and groin before the start
- •Blister patches and sports tape in your pack
- •Recovery footwear for after the finish
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the WOP Challenge Bilbao-Bizkaia 2026?
- The event runs from Saturday 24 October (16:30) to Sunday 25 October 2026 (20:30), based at Ramón de la Sota quay in Bilbao.
- What formats and distances are there?
- The FULL format covers about 224 km as a relay with about 5,000 m of climbing; the 1DAY format is about 50 km with about 700 m of climbing. Elevation figures come from third-party listings and may vary.
- Is it run as a team?
- Yes. It is a relay challenge: teams share the stages of the route. The general minimum age is 16, with guardian authorisation for minors.
- What is Stage 0?
- It is the charity contribution that comes first: to receive the bib, each team must generate minutes of fight against neurodegenerative diseases before bib pick-up in October 2026.
- Is registration still open?
- The registration platform set the deadline at 7 October 2026, 23:59, and showed registration as closed. Check the official website for any remaining spots.
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