{"id":2881,"date":"2026-03-26T07:05:44","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T06:05:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/snaprace.app\/blog\/?p=2881"},"modified":"2026-03-26T07:05:51","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T06:05:51","slug":"zegama-aizkorri-2026-registration-course-and-tips-to-conquer-the-basque-marathon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snaprace.app\/blog\/en\/zegama-aizkorri-2026-registration-course-and-tips-to-conquer-the-basque-marathon\/","title":{"rendered":"Zegama-Aizkorri 2026: registration, course and tips to conquer the Basque marathon"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Zegama-Aizkorri 2026<\/strong> once again puts the Basque Country at the heart of trail running. The 25th edition of this legendary mountain marathon will take place on May 17, 2026<\/strong>, with the Vertical Kilometer<\/em> scheduled for May 15 and the Junior Trail<\/em> on the same day as the marathon. With only 225 race bibs available and a highly competitive lottery system, securing a spot requires strategy\u2014and a bit of luck. In this guide, you\u2019ll find everything you need to know about registration, the course, key updates, and how to prepare for a race that combines intensity, technical terrain and an unmatched atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get a bib for Zegama-Aizkorri 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The organisers have confirmed the registration timeline for the 25th edition. Pre-registration for the marathon opens on January 12, 2026<\/strong> at 12:00 and will remain open until January 23<\/strong>. During this period, runners can apply via the Kronoak platform to enter the draw for one of the limited 225 bibs. On January 26<\/strong>, pre-registration opens for the Vertical Kilometer<\/em> (5.2 km with 1,015 m of elevation gain) and the Junior Trail<\/em>. The public draw will take place on February 20<\/strong>. According to the organisers<\/a>, priority is given to runners with strong mountain race results and previous participants, although all applicants enter the lottery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the lottery, there are reserved entries for elite runners and federations. As part of the Golden Trail World Series<\/em>, athletes invited by organisers or sponsors gain direct access. For everyone else, the only way in is through the lottery. If you don\u2019t get a bib, attending as a spectator is still an unforgettable experience\u2014especially at iconic points like Sancti-Spiritu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Course and race categories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Zegama marathon covers 42 km<\/strong> through the Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park, with around 2,736 metres of elevation gain<\/strong> and summiting four of Gipuzkoa\u2019s most iconic peaks: Aratz, Aizkorri, Aitxuri and Andraitz. The terrain is highly technical, combining mud, rocks and grassy sections where maintaining rhythm is a constant challenge. Continuous climbs and descents, combined with unpredictable weather, make this race particularly demanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2025, favourable conditions led to a fast race, with victories by Morocco\u2019s Elhousine Elazzaoui<\/strong> (3:43:28) and local runner Sara Alonso<\/strong> (4:27:25).<\/p>\n\n\n\n