Zegama-Aizkorri 2027: estimated date 23 May 2027
The organiser has not published the official 2027 schedule yet. The estimated date is based on last year's edition; we'll confirm it as soon as it's announced. Start sorting your gear and logistics.
Race data
| 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 |
Zegama-Aizkorri requires mandatory gear: get it sorted early
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Best Value Trail and Mountain GPS Watches 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
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Best Trail Running Shoes 2026: the 6 That Are Genuinely Worth It
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Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
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Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
See comparisonWhat you need
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6
Gourmet Latino
Bocadillo de Guayaba Gourmet Latino
DRIVALIA
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud Country Plus
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 – 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.
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 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 WP
Chaqueta cortavientos impermeable ultraligera (135 g). Costuras selladas, capucha ajustable y ventilación trasera. Se pliega en su propio bolsillo.
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
Real-time data from Open-Meteo
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.
Browse all registrationTips
- •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.
Browse all accommodationTips
- •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.
Browse all gearTips
- •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 tested 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 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 trail running gloves in 2026: Salomon Cross Warm, Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX, 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.
Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
In-depth comparison of the best hydration vests and packs for trail running in 2026: Salomon ADV Skin 12 Set, Salomon Active Skin 8, CamelBak Octane, Compressport UltRun Vest, NNormal Race Vest, AONIJIE 10L and HANKER waist belt. Soft flasks vs reservoir, how many litres by distance, how to stop the vest bouncing and how much water to carry.
Nutrition plan for Zegama-Aizkorri
NutritionFast marathon (4-10h). Focus on gels and hydration.
Browse all nutritionTips
- •Aid stations every 8-10 km
- •Fast race: gels predominate over solid food
- •Hydration critical if May brings heat
How to get to Zegama
TransportZegama is between San Sebastián and Vitoria-Gasteiz, well connected by motorway.
Browse all transportTips
- •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.
DRIVALIA
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud Country Plus
SUV/crossover vehicle rental subscription, ideal for reaching mountain races via rural roads and forest tracks.
DRIVALIA
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud City
Urban vehicle rental subscription, perfect for getting to races with good highway and conventional road access.
Tips
- •Free but limited parking on race day
Sports insurance for Zegama-Aizkorri
InsuranceSkyrunning race with technical terrain. Insurance recommended.
Browse all insuranceTips
- •Civil liability insurance mandatory
- •RFEA or regional federation licence includes basic insurance
- •Additional insurance with rescue coverage recommended
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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