Norwegian runner Tobe Alexandersson (4:08:09) and Moroccan Elhousine Elazzaoui (3:45:07) claimed victory at the Zegama-Aizkorri mountain race. However, the event also highlighted many other protagonists, with some of the most prominent being from the Debagoiena region. Specifically, Malen Osa and Aitor Ajuria, who both won the Gatzatrail race two months prior, were among the top performers. Osa secured second place in the women's category (4:23:56), while Ajuria finished ninth overall in the men's race (3:57:56), successfully breaking the four-hour mark – an achievement accomplished by only four other Basque athletes.
In the women's competition, Tobe Alexandersson ran in a league of her own, finishing 15 minutes ahead of Malen Osa and setting a new course record. The podium was completed by Oñati's Malen Osa (4:23:56) and Sara Alonso from Donostia (4:25:51). The battle between these two Basque runners was intense; although Alonso led in the early stages, Osa overtook her at the summit of Aizkorri, establishing a new best time for Basque women.
Malen Osa had recently considered withdrawing from races due to physical issues. After finding a solution to her cramping problems, and following her victory at the Matheysins Skyrace in early May, she has now confirmed she is back on track. "I've tried to approach races more calmly, I've handled this past month very differently, I've taken the pressure off myself and come to enjoy it," she stated. "I know my body is in good shape, that I'm capable of running fast, and when the mind and body align, things turn out well".
The Oñati runner was clear that it made no sense to follow Tobe in the initial kilometers. "I was very clear that I had to run my own race. I started very calmly, I felt good on the climbs, and I usually do well on the descents. Tobe is on another level; it's very rewarding to see how women's sports are evolving, and I knew following her wouldn't make sense. But I didn't expect to be battling with Sara so early. I really enjoyed the competition with her, it was very hard-fought, and I'm very happy both for myself and for her".
In the men's race, Aitor Ajuria (3:57:56) was the top Basque athlete, finishing ninth. "I've become the fourth Basque runner to go under four hours, but there have been other Basque runners before who had incredible races," commented the Gatzaga native. "Ultimately, improving times is a normal progression." "I started at my own pace, keeping a cool head; I lost some rhythm at the end but not much, which is a sign I managed the race well." Ajuria also managed to overtake the renowned Kilian Jornet on the descent, although the Catalan runner experienced physical difficulties.
Xabier Lete also had a noteworthy performance. The Oñati runner finished fifth in the veteran category (4:32:24). Ander Nafarrate from Arrasate (4:37:26) and Asier Azkarate (4:38:30) also performed well. Furthermore, Iñigo Uribarren from Arrasate managed to break the 5-hour barrier (4:59:22). In the women's division, Garazi Abasolo from Aretxabaleta recorded a time of 5:34:49.
Debagoiena athletes also stood out in the vertical kilometer race. Aitor Ugarte from Aramaio finished fifth (34:27), Aritz Unamuno from Bergara was eighth (35:02), and Iñigo Alzola from Arrasate came in ninth (35:06).
