The two events organized by Aizkorri Mendizale Elkartea, the XII. Aizkorriko Bira Tomás Salazar and the VI. Gazteen Bira Aizkorrira Begira, brought together numerous mountaineering enthusiasts in Beasain last Saturday. Excellent weather and a fantastic atmosphere allowed participants to fully enjoy the spectacular natural landscapes of Goierri.
The main march, which began early in the morning from the Aizkorri Mendizale Elkartea headquarters, featured a challenging 52-kilometer route with nearly 2,700 meters of accumulated elevation gain, traversing some of Goierri's most emblematic spots. The route went from Beasain to Olaberria, then through the mountains of Idiazabal to the Etzegarate pass. From there, hikers entered the mountains of Zegama before ascending to the Aizkorri massif, one of Euskal Herria's best-known mountain areas. Subsequently, the route returned to Beasain, passing through Zerain, Segura, and Ormaiztegi.
The Aizkorriko Bira, established as a biennial event, pays tribute to Tomás Salazar, a figure closely linked to local mountaineering. Over the years, it has become a benchmark for many enthusiasts seeking to combine physical effort, nature, and camaraderie. In parallel, the sixth edition of the Gazteen Bira Aizkorrira Begira was held, aimed at young people aged 8 to 16, with the goal of fostering a passion for mountains among new generations and promoting healthy values.
The youth march started at 8:00 AM with a 16.8-kilometer route that ran between Beasain, Olaberria, the surroundings of Etzegarate, Idiazabal, and Urbizu. In the final part of the race, the young participants joined the main march to complete the last five kilometers to the finish line.
Aizkorri Mendizale Elkartea highlights the positive response to both initiatives, particularly the youth march, which is consolidating as a tool to bring mountain activities closer to children and adolescents. The aim is to ensure generational succession in mountaineering and keep a deeply rooted tradition alive in Goierri.
The organization provided several refreshment points along the routes to facilitate the march and ensure participants' well-being. The excellent weather, good organization, and the prevailing spirit of camaraderie once again turned the Tomas Salazar XII. Aizkorriko Bira into a true mountaineering festival, reaffirming its role as one of the most significant events for mountain lovers in the region and beyond.
