Photo: Zegama-Aizkorri (opens in a new tab) / Source (opens in a new tab)Zegama
Zegama-Aizkorri
Sunday, 23 May 2027estimated date
Race data
Terrain
Skyrunning
Difficulty
Elite
Distance
2 modalities
Maratón Zegama-Aizkorri 42K
Price: 70 EUR
- Distance
- 42 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 2736m
- Max Time
- 10h
- ITRA
- 3 pts
Kilómetro Vertical
Price: 25 EUR
- Distance
- 4.5 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1050m
- Max Time
- 2h
- ITRA
- 1 pts
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | ITRA | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maratón Zegama-Aizkorri 42K | 42 km | D+ 2736m | 3 pts | 10h | 70 EUR |
| Kilómetro Vertical | 4.5 km | D+ 1050m | 1 pts | 2h | 25 EUR |
Will your watch battery last the ~12 h of Zegama-Aizkorri?Worked out for the longest course (42 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchYour checklist for Zegama-Aizkorri
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 6 ready
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Garmin Forerunner 570
Full-color topo maps, a first for the Forerunner line
Downside: Shorter battery life than a Forerunner 965 with maps on
Gear
Lightweight shoes with grip on wet grass
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
Salomon Speedcross 6
Agarre excepcional en barro y terreno técnico
Downside: Durabilidad media en asfalto
Nutrition
Aid stations every 8-10 km
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
Gourmet Latino Bocadillo de Guayaba Gourmet Latino
100% natural, sin ingredientes artificiales
Downside: Sabor muy dulce, puede cansar en ingestas repetidas
Sun Protection
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Tape or patches on hot spots before the start
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
BSN Medical (Leukotape) Leukotape P Cinta Deportiva
Car Rental
Free but limited parking on race day
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud Country Plus
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.
Seasonal kit
Snow and altitude at Zegama-Aizkorri: high-mountain kit
Thermal layers, windproof shell, gloves, gaiters, sunglasses and mandatory gear for running on snow.
See the full kit : What to Wear for Snow and High-Mountain Trail Running 2026: The Complete KitZegama-Aizkorri 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
Best GPS Watches with Offline Maps 2026: Value Comparison
See comparison
Best Skyrunning Shoes 2026: 8 Models for Rock and High Mountain
See comparison
Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
See comparison
Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
See comparison
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
Average 15°C
Rain
60%
3.8 mm avg
Wind
13 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
9h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (60% 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
Chubasquero Gore-Tex Shakedry ultraligero (110 g). Impermeabilidad total sin membrana interior, altamente transpirable. El referente para corredores de montaña.
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
Chaqueta cortavientos impermeable ultraligera (135 g). Costuras selladas, capucha ajustable y ventilación trasera. Se pliega en su propio bolsillo.
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.
TRIWONDER
TRIWONDER Polainas Impermeables Trail
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 23 May
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Recorrido y perfil de elevación
Race plan
Segment-by-segment course analysis with estimated times. Enter your target time, pace, or select a level.
What's your target finish time?
Your average pace on flat terrain
| Km | Elevation | Gradient | Est. time | Arrival time | Difficulty |
|---|
Coming soon
Zegama-Aizkorri
Zegama-Aizkorri is a 42K mountain marathon with 2,736m D+ through the Aizkorri range in the Basque Country. It is the most legendary skyrunning race in Spain and one of the most prestigious on the world calendar. Held in May from Zegama (Gipuzkoa).
Zegama-Aizkorri is not just a race — it’s a myth of trail running. Since its first edition, this event has become a world benchmark for skyrunning, drawing the international elite to a small village of barely 1,500 inhabitants in Gipuzkoa.
The course
The Zegama-Aizkorri course is a 42K marathon with 2,736m D+ through the Aizkorri range. It includes the climb to Aizkorri (1,528m), the Aketegi ridge and the San Adrián tunnel.
Runners start from Zegama and follow a circuit ascending and descending the main peaks of the Aizkorri range:
- Aizkorri (1,528m) — The highest point in the Basque Country
- Aketegi Ridge — Technical traverse with exposure
- San Adrián Tunnel — Historic medieval pass
- Sancti Spiritus — Legendary climb with wild crowds
The cathedral of skyrunning
Zegama-Aizkorri is considered the cathedral of Spanish skyrunning. The men’s record stands at 3h42min (Kilian Jornet) and the women’s at 4h22min (Maite Maiora). This is a race where technique matters more than endurance.
Kilian Jornet, Jim Walmsley, Stian Angermund and the world’s best female runners have competed here. The Zegama crowd is legendary: thousands of spectators cheer from the ridges and mountain passes, creating a unique atmosphere.
Technical terrain
Zegama’s terrain includes exposed ridgelines, wet grass, limestone scree and forest trails. Poles are NOT allowed. Lightweight shoes with grip on wet grass and rock are essential.
The race combines fast forest trails with technical ridge sections where hands are needed. The wet grass typical of the Basque Country is particularly slippery, making shoe choice critical — read our best trail running shoes guide for skyrunning footwear advice. The descent from Aizkorri to Aratz is one of the most technical downhills on the skyrunning circuit.
Vertical Kilometre
Alongside the marathon, Zegama-Aizkorri includes a Vertical Kilometre of 4.5 km with 1,050m D+. It’s an explosive event held the day before the marathon.
The Zegama VK is one of the toughest events on the Spanish skyrunning circuit. In just 4.5 kilometres runners climb 1,050 metres of elevation, with gradients exceeding 50%.
Use our pace calculator to plan your race strategy on this legendary course, and explore more races in the Basque Country.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Lightweight windbreaker
360Complete Pack
Zegama-Aizkorri 2026 Registration
RegistrationSpots sell out in hours. The registration lottery is usually in January.
Tips
- •Spots sell out in minutes: register as soon as the lottery opens
- •Federation licence or medical certificate required
- •No ITRA points required for the marathon
Where to stay for Zegama-Aizkorri
AccommodationZegama is a small village. Most people stay in Vitoria-Gasteiz or San Sebastián.
Tips
- •Zegama has very few accommodation options
- •Vitoria-Gasteiz (40 min) is the closest option with hotels
- •San Sebastián (1h) combines racing with gastronomic tourism
- •Many runners camp or park campervans nearby
Recommended gear for Zegama-Aizkorri
GearSkyrunning race with technical terrain: ridgelines, wet grass and scree.
Tips
- •Lightweight shoes with grip on wet grass
- •La Sportiva Bushido or similar work very well
- •Poles are NOT allowed at Zegama
- •Lightweight windbreaker mandatory
Choosing trekking poles? Read our guide: Best trail running poles
See our complete buying guide: 5 foldable poles compared and tiered for trail running.
Which shoes for Zegama-Aizkorri?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Zegama-Aizkorri?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
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.
Best Trail Running Gloves 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
The best waterproof and winter trail running gloves in 2026: Salomon Cross Warm, Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX, Salomon Bonatti Pro WP, Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight, Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo, Ronhill Windstopper, Salomon Fast Wing Winter, LEKI Ultra Trail Storm Shark and Icebreaker Oasis Liners. Which to pick based on cold, wind, rain and whether you run with poles.
Nutrition plan for Zegama-Aizkorri
NutritionFast marathon (4-10h). Focus on gels and hydration.
Tips
- •Aid stations every 8-10 km
- •Fast race: gels predominate over solid food
- •Hydration critical if May brings heat
Maurten Alternative: 5 Gels That Match or Beat the Premium Hydrogel
Looking for a cheaper Maurten alternative, more flavors, or something you can actually find in stock? We compare GU, SiS, 226ERS and Santa Madre against Gel 100 — plus the cheapest option of all: making your own gel at home.
How to get to Zegama
TransportZegama is between San Sebastián and Vitoria-Gasteiz, well connected by motorway.
Tips
- •San Sebastián Airport (EAS) 60 km away
- •Bilbao Airport (BIO) 90 km away
- •Vitoria Airport (VIT) 35 km away
- •Car or bus from San Sebastián or Vitoria
The Trail Runner's Boot: Car Kit for Race Day 2026
What to pack in the car for a trail race: a portable cooler, a boot organizer, a portable shower and a car mattress for very early race starts.
Car rental for Zegama
Car RentalCar recommended to reach Zegama and get around the area.
Tips
- •Free but limited parking on race day
Sports insurance for Zegama-Aizkorri
InsuranceSkyrunning race with technical terrain. Insurance recommended.
Tips
- •Civil liability insurance mandatory
- •RFEA or regional federation licence includes basic insurance
- •Additional insurance with rescue coverage recommended
Body care for Zegama-Aizkorri
Body CareFeet and skin face hours of sweat and friction. A blister and anti-chafe kit prevents the silliest DNF.
Tips
- •Tape or patches on hot spots before the start
- •Blister plasters in the vest from the first kilometre
Sun protection for Zegama-Aizkorri
Sun ProtectionMountain UV radiation is more intense. Protect your skin and lips with sweat-resistant sunscreen.
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 Zegama-Aizkorri 2026?
- Zegama-Aizkorri 2026 takes place on May 24 in Zegama, Gipuzkoa.
- How do I get a spot at Zegama-Aizkorri?
- Spots are allocated by lottery, usually in January. You need to enter during the pre-registration period and wait for the draw. Spots sell out every year.
- What distances does Zegama-Aizkorri offer?
- Two events: the Zegama-Aizkorri Marathon 42K with 2,736m D+ and the Vertical Kilometre 4.5K with 1,050m D+.
- What level is needed for Zegama?
- It's an elite-level race, considered one of the most demanding skyrunning events in the world. The terrain is highly technical with scrambling sections.
- How to get to Zegama?
- Zegama is 40 minutes from San Sebastián and 1 hour from Vitoria-Gasteiz via the AP-1. The organisation usually arranges shuttle buses from both cities.
- How much does registration cost?
- Marathon registration costs 70€ and the Vertical Kilometre 25€.
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Photos and video of this race
- Sergio Mayayo · Carreras de Montaña (opens in a new tab) · Photography + Video
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