The Ikazkin Trail, celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, held its presentation yesterday, and it will return with the same format. Runners can choose between two routes: a long one covering 23.2 km with 1,300 meters of elevation gain, and a shorter one of 14.8 km with 920 meters of elevation gain. Both routes will remain the same, with the start from Durana street at 10:00 AM. However, the first 100 meters of the street will be neutralized to give visibility to the members of the Aratz Elkartea.
Organizers are pleased with the participation, as 345 people have registered for this year's event. Of these, 123 (35%) are from Aretxabaleta, and 261 (75%) are from Debagoiena. In terms of gender, there are 64 women and 281 men. The oldest participant is 64 years old.
Although 345 people have registered, it is common to have last-minute dropouts. The organizers are working to "leave as few bibs as possible at home" and wish to see Durana street as full as possible. Despite the registration period being closed, they have urged individuals interested in signing up at the last minute to contact the organization.
The organizers have highlighted seven participants as favorites. In the men's category, five are considered favorites: Iñigo Alzola, Asier Azkarate, and Andoni Azkarate from Arrasate, Aimar Larrea from Antzuola, and Josu Galdez from Eskoriatza. In the women's category, two competitors are the favorites: Garazi Abasolo from Aretxabaleta and Irene Iturria from Tolosa.
The most significant change in this fifth edition concerns the time control. Last year it was located at the Kurtzebarri point, and this year it has been moved to Degurixa. Runners who do not reach it within two and a half hours will be disqualified. The maximum time to finish the race will be four hours.
There will be two days to collect bibs. The first call will be on Friday, the 11th, from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, at the Murrukixo Mendizale Elkartea premises at Durana street, number 13. The second will be on the day of the race, from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM. The organization has specifically asked the residents of Aretxabaleta to collect their bibs on the first day.
Furthermore, runners will be able to leave their backpacks at the old Town Hall, in the Loramendi premises. The shower service will be available at the Ibarra sports center until 3:00 PM. Mandatory equipment includes a thermal blanket and a soft cup; otherwise, runners will be disqualified.
The organizers have emphasized the importance of the volunteers' work. "The heart of a town's mountain race is undoubtedly the volunteers," explained Mikel Zumalde, a member of the organization. Approximately 60 volunteers will be working on the day of the race.
The race passes through the Aizkorri Aratz natural park. Organizers have urged runners and spectators to care for the environment, asking them to bring their own cups and not to litter. Waste disposal points will be available at the aid stations.
Those traveling by car to Urkulu have been asked by the organizers to share vehicles to minimize the number of cars.
