Zegama Aizkorri: Cold, Mud, and the Battle for Victory at the Anniversary Race. The anniversary Aizkorri marathon kicked off in Zegama. More than 500 participants faced cold and mud. Among the favorites were Kilian Jornet and Sara Alonso, while the course proved to be one of the toughest in recent years.
The Basque Country has launched the anniversary, twenty-fifth edition of the Zegama Aizkorri race. More than 500 athletes set out on the 42.109-kilometer course with an elevation gain of 5,472 meters. From the very first minutes, it became clear that the weather conditions had turned the route into a real challenge. Heavy rain, snow, and low temperatures made the surface slippery and dangerous, with mud becoming the main obstacle for all participants.
This year, all eyes are on Kilian Jornet, who has already won this race eleven times and is considered the top contender for victory. According to him, such tough conditions require not only speed but also the ability to wisely manage one’s energy. On the course, he will compete with strong athletes like Manuel Merillas, Elhousine Elazzaoui, Davide Magnini, Rémi Bonnet, Alain Santamaría, Robert Pkemoi Motayango, Louison Coiffet, and Lorenzo Beltrami. Each of them hopes to fight for the lead and the prestigious txapela—the traditional Basque cap awarded to the winner.
The women’s marathon is also set to be intense. Sara Alonso, current holder of the txapela, returned to the start line with confidence and without extra pressure. She notes that after last year’s victory she feels calmer, but remains aware of her strong rivals. Among them are Tove Alexandersson, Malen Osa, Judith Wyder, Ida Amélie Robsahm, María Fuentes, and Lucille Germain. Alexandersson stands out in particular: this is her Zegama debut, but she has already declared herself ready to fight.
Organizers note that this year the course has become one of the most challenging in the marathon's history. Local residents and fans traditionally support the participants along the entire route, despite difficult weather conditions. According to RUSSPAIN, Zegama Aizkorri has long been regarded not just as a sporting event, but as a true regional festival that every year attracts attention not only from athletes, but also from tourists.
This year, Zegama is taking place alongside other major events in Spain. For example, large-scale city celebrations, concerts, and exhibitions are continuing in Madrid, highlighting the richness of the country's May calendar. You can read more about the capital's cultural events in the article about new routes and programs for San Isidro.
For reference: Zegama Aizkorri is one of the most renowned mountain marathons in Europe, annually bringing together the world's top trail runners. The challenging course and unpredictable weather make this race unique. A victory here is considered prestigious not only among professionals, but also among extreme sports enthusiasts. In recent years, interest in trail running in Spain has grown noticeably, and Zegama remains a symbol of this movement.
