Bidasoa Half Marathon 2026: course, schedule, favourites and tips for the cross-border race between Irun and Hondarribia
The Bidasoa Half Marathon 2026 will take place on Sunday, 22 February and is shaping up to be much more than a race: it’s a sports festival linking two cities, two countries and thousands of runners. Entries sold out at 2,450 bibs — 41% of participants are French and 35% are women — and the event organised by Bidasoa Atletiko Taldea has become a must-do on the Spanish road-racing calendar. Below you’ll find a complete guide covering the course, the schedule, the main favourites and practical tips to enjoy this almost flat half marathon on the Basque–French border.
A flat, cross-border course
One of the biggest attractions of the Bidasoa Half Marathon 2026 is its course. The 10K starts at 9:50 and the half marathon at 10:00 from Paseo de Colón in Irun. From there, runners head through the city centre and the port, cross the Bidasoa River into Hondarribia, follow the bay, and return to Irun to finish in the central Plaza Urdanibia. The route is almost completely flat, certified by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, with minimal elevation gain — ideal for chasing a personal best.
Along the 21 km route you’ll find drink stations every 5 km and a sponge station to help you stay cool. The organisers also provide pacers for different target times and a massage service at the finish. The time limit is 2 hours 30 minutes, so even novice runners will have plenty of time to complete the distance. Those taking part in the 10K enjoy an equally pleasant course that shares much of the route with the half marathon.
Record participation and solidarity: a race uniting two countries
The success of the Bidasoa Half Marathon 2026 can be measured in numbers. For the first time, the organisers increased the bib allocation to 2,450, and it sold out weeks before race day. Women make up 35% of the field and only 22% of entrants come from the Bidasoa region; most travel from France, other parts of Spain, or even abroad. This cross-border spirit turns the event into a true celebration of sport, with supporters cheering on both sides of the river. In addition, part of the proceeds — €2,500 — will go to the “Vacaciones en Paz” programme run by the Tadamun association, which enables Sahrawi children to enjoy holidays in Irun and Hondarribia.
Favourites: elite runners chasing the record
This year’s edition features a strong elite line-up that should deliver excitement right to the finish. In the men’s race, the standout is local star Iraitz Arrospide, Spanish marathon champion in 2019 and a Mediterranean Games silver medallist, who arrives in the middle of his build-up for the Barcelona Marathon. He’ll be joined by Seville’s Álex González, Donostia runner Andoni Acebedo, and young Navarrese talent Unai Arroyo, all with half-marathon bests under 1:04. In the women’s field, the favourites include Ecuadorian Kathy Tisalema — winner of the 2025 edition — Basque athlete Elena Loyo (a Tokyo 2020 Olympian), Navarrese Maitane Melero, and Castellón runner Ana Llorens. Their presence promises a thrilling battle that could bring down the course records.
Practical guide: start times, bib collection and services
If you already have a bib, note these key dates and services to avoid surprises on race weekend:
- Start times: the 10K starts at 9:50 and the half marathon at 10:00 from Paseo de Colón in Irun.
- Bib collection: bib pick-up takes place at Uranzu Frontón in Irun. Hours are: Wednesday 19 February from 16:00 to 20:00; Thursday 20 and Friday 21 from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00; and Sunday 22 from 08:15 to 09:30 for last-minute pick-ups.
- Runner services: entry includes a goody bag with local products (ham, broth, energy bars), a cloakroom at the Artaleku sports hall, free parking at Mendibil shopping centre, shuttle buses, and showers at the finish. There will also be live music along the route and post-race physiotherapy.
- Rules and age limits: the minimum age for the half marathon is 18, and for the 10K it’s 16. Timing is by disposable chip. Only official bibs are allowed, and runners are asked to keep right except when overtaking.
Tips for tackling the Bidasoa course
Even with a flat profile, it’s worth racing smart. Here are some tips:
- Control your pace: it’s easy to get carried away early. Keep things controlled for the first 5 km and gradually increase the effort on the way back from Hondarribia.
- Use the aid stations: hydrating every 5 km will help you stay on pace. If it’s cold or windy, the sponge station can still be useful to avoid dehydration.
- Train in similar conditions: parts of the route run along the estuary and can be windy. Long runs in open areas will help you adapt your stride and breathing.
- Soak up the atmosphere: the Bidasoa region turns out in force. Feed off the crowd’s energy and find runners at a similar pace to stay motivated.
- Use the SnapRace app: if you want a plan tailored to a flat, fast course, SnapRace offers personalised sessions and tracking. It also lets you log race paces and compare progress with other runners.
A festive atmosphere and how to follow the race
The Bidasoa Half Marathon wouldn’t be the same without the support of the residents of Irun and Hondarribia. Throughout the morning there will be live music, children’s activities and sponsor stands in Plaza Urdanibia. If you’re not running but want to experience the event, head to any point along the course or follow it via social media and the official Bidasoa Atletiko Taldea page, where they’ll publish split times and photos.
With its almost flat course, elite competition and cross-border spirit, the Bidasoa Half Marathon 2026 promises an unforgettable day. Whether you’re running or spectating, enjoy this running festival in the heart of the Bidasoa region.