The organizers emphasize that, while it is difficult to pinpoint when a custom becomes a tradition, this tenth event clearly establishes the Izazpi Ascent as a deeply rooted popular race. Its origins are much older, stemming from a wager made in 1978 between Jose Antonio Aranzadi from Ezkio and Joxe Aierbe from Ataun.

The race has endured since its revival in 2016 by the San Miguel festival committee, and subsequently continued in collaboration with the EzkiOn MartxaN sports club. This Sunday's edition, a mountain race that starts near the Argindegi hostel, reaches the peak of Izazpi, and returns to the starting point, represents “a significant anniversary for an event that was in danger of disappearing”.

The record for this race dates back to the 20th century, set in 1982 by Pello Garin from Zizurkil, with a time of 31 minutes and 26 seconds. In 2017, Aritz Egea came very close to beating it, but needed 18 more seconds to complete the 6.3-kilometer course. The challenge of bringing that record into the 21st century remains, and this year the organization has reserved a 500-euro prize for anyone who manages to improve that time.

Registrations for the event are still open on the kirolzale.eus website. The winner will receive a txapela and a prize of 150 euros, and those who complete the podium will also receive a trophy. The first runners from Ezkio will also be awarded. The race will start at 12:00 PM, and a children's race will take place an hour earlier, at 11:00 AM. Adult participants will receive a bib and a t-shirt, and younger participants a backpack.