Mountain runners had to contend with the heat today, conquering the 42.8 kilometers and 2,878 meters of positive elevation gain of the T3T Marathon. The fastest were Anartz Artola from Hernani and Eneritz Aramendi from Azpeitia. Artola, who previously couldn't participate in the T2T race due to injuries, secured victory in his first T3T Marathon.
The winner stated that he participated because the Basque Championship for teams was at stake and expressed great satisfaction with the achievement. "If it hadn't been for the team championship, I would have thought about quitting the race around the 18th or 19th kilometer," he admitted. The heat significantly impacted the race, and Artola commented, "I enjoyed the race very little, but I am very proud of what I have achieved." The runner believes he has made a "leap" physically and psychologically this year.
For Eneritz Aramendi, this was her first participation in the T3T Marathon. "I was eager; it had always been a race I wanted to set as a goal," she said. She added that she did not expect to win, especially considering the heat, but her body "responded well." "Hernio is the mountain I like the most, and it's true that I haven't enjoyed climbing Hernio as much as I wanted with this heat," but nevertheless, "it was a beautiful race."
Aitor Sanchez from Ibarra, participating for the third time, described the race as "very tough" due to the heat. "I gave it my all, and there was nothing left in my legs," he stated. He was the first finisher from Tolosaldea, ranking fifth overall. Meanwhile, Irene Iturria from Bidania-Goiatz was the first from the region and ninth in the general classification.
“"I tried to hydrate a lot, but even so, with this kind of heat, it's very little. The heat affected everyone, so there's no excuse there."
The Basque Championship for teams was also contested in the event. In the women's category, the Soronea-Ammma CMO Valves team took the victory, despite the requirement for four runners from each team to finish the race. In the men's category, Aiaramendi secured first place, followed by Zanpatuz in second and Alpino Uzturre in third.
