Zegama-Aizkorri
Photo: Zegama-Aizkorri / Source

Zegama

Zegama-Aizkorri

Sunday, May 24, 2026

Maratón Zegama-Aizkorri 42K

42km D+ 2736m

Kilómetro Vertical

4.5km D+ 1050m

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May 24, 2026 · Registration closed

Registration

Prices, deadlines and direct registration link

Local guides

Race data

Terrain

Skyrunning

Difficulty

Elite

Distance

2 modalities

Official website

Visit
ModalityDistanceElevation GainITRAMax TimePrice
Maratón Zegama-Aizkorri 42K42 kmD+ 2736m3 pts10h70 EUR
Kilómetro Vertical4.5 kmD+ 1050m1 pts2h25 EUR
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What you need

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+1 more products ↓

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

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

Salomon Bonatti WP

Salomon

Salomon Bonatti WP

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Approx. pack cost:~109,97 €Prices may vary. Check the store for the current price.
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Zegama-Aizkorri 2026 Registration

Inscripción

Spots sell out in hours. The registration lottery is usually in January.

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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

Alojamiento

Zegama is a small village. Most people stay in Vitoria-Gasteiz or San Sebastián.

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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

Material

Skyrunning race with technical terrain: ridgelines, wet grass and scree.

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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 tested and tiered for trail running.

Salomon Speedcross 6

Which shoes for Zegama-Aizkorri?

Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather

Garmin Forerunner 165

Which GPS watch for Zegama-Aizkorri?

Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time

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Best Garmin watches for trail and mountain 2026

A comparison of the best Garmin watches for trail running and mountain in 2026: Forerunner 165, 265 and 965, Fenix 8, Enduro 3 and Instinct 3 Solar. Which to choose by battery, maps and budget. Figures verified against Garmin.

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Best GPS watches for marathon and 10K 2026: comparison

The best GPS watches for marathon, half and 10K in 2026. Garmin Forerunner 265 and 965, Coros Pace 3, Suunto Race 2 and Amazfit Cheetah Pro. AMOLED display, multi-band GPS, weight and training metrics. Figures verified against the manufacturer.

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Best Trail Shoes for Mud & Technical Terrain 2026

The 4 best trail shoes for mud and technical terrain in 2026: Salomon Speedcross 6, Inov-8 Mudclaw G 260, La Sportiva Bushido III and La Sportiva Mutant. Lugs, grip on rock and mud, and which terrain each one is for.

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Best Running Belt for Trail 2026: 4 Compared

The 4 best running belts and waist packs for trail running in 2026: phone, keys, gels and a bottle without a vest. Phone belt, HANKER, Salomon Pulse and Compressport Free Belt Pro compared.

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Best Technical Trail Running Apparel 2026: Jackets, Tights, Gloves and Gaiters

Comparison of the 7 essential technical pieces for trail running in cold, wind or rain: Gore-Tex rain jacket, windproof shell, thermal base layer, tights, gloves, buff and gaiters. What to combine depending on your race's weather.

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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.

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Best Trail Running Gloves 2026: 3 Compared

The 3 best trail running gloves in 2026: Salomon Cross Warm, Salomon Fast Wing Winter and Icebreaker Oasis Liners merino wool. Which to pick based on cold and use case.

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Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: 5 Models Compared

In-depth comparison of the 5 best hydration vests for trail running in 2026. Salomon ADV Skin 12 Set, CamelBak Octane, Compressport UltRun Vest, AONIJIE 10L and HANKER waist belt. Flasks vs reservoir, capacity, and who each one suits.

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Best Trail Running Poles 2026: 4 Foldable Models Compared

In-depth comparison of the 4 best foldable trail running poles in 2026. Technical analysis of Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z, Leki Ultratrail FX.One, Komperdell Carbon FXP Trail and Cascade Mountain Tech. Weight, folded length, system and grip.

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Best Trail Running Shoes 2026: the 6 That Are Genuinely Worth It

Comparison of the 6 best trail running shoes in 2026: Salomon Sense Ride 5, La Sportiva Bushido III, Hoka Challenger 8, Salomon Speedcross 6, Merrell Agility Peak 5 and NNormal Kjerag. Weight, drop, lugs, grip and which terrain each one is for.

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Best value trail GPS watches 2026

The best value-for-money trail GPS watches in 2026. Coros Pace 3, Amazfit T-Rex 3 and Cheetah Pro, Garmin Forerunner 165 and Suunto Race 2. Maximum features per euro: battery, maps and multi-band without overpaying. Figures verified against the manufacturer.

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Best Waterproof (GORE-TEX) Trail Running Shoes 2026

The best waterproof GORE-TEX trail shoes in 2026: Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX and Asics Gel-Trabuco 14 GTX, plus the non-membrane alternative that drains. When GORE-TEX helps and when a fast-draining shoe is better.

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Plus-Size Women's Trail Running Clothing: Fit Guide & Where to Buy

A plus-size women's trail running gear guide: high-support sports bra, high-waist leggings and a technical shirt. What's actually different about plus-size fit and where to buy.

Nutrition plan for Zegama-Aizkorri

Nutrición

Fast marathon (4-10h). Focus on gels and hydration.

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Tips

  • Aid stations every 8-10 km
  • Fast race: gels predominate over solid food
  • Hydration critical if May brings heat

How to get to Zegama

Transporte

Zegama is between San Sebastián and Vitoria-Gasteiz, well connected by motorway.

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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
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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

Alquiler de vehículo

Car recommended to reach Zegama and get around the area.

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Tips

  • Free but limited parking on race day

Sports insurance for Zegama-Aizkorri

Seguro

Skyrunning race with technical terrain. Insurance recommended.

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Tips

  • 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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