The 25th anniversary of the Zegama-Aizkorri mountain marathon will take place from May 15th to 17th, featuring over 900 athletes. The event will include 585 mountain runners in the marathon, with 92 of them being women. In the Vertical Kilometer, 248 athletes will compete, 55 of whom are women, and the Junior Trail will gather 100 young participants, including 30 girls.
The race was presented in Donostia, where it was highlighted that this year's edition will attract runners from 25 different nationalities. More than 25% of the participants come from Gipuzkoa, and over 35% from the Basque Autonomous Community. The Zegama race is the first scoring event of the Golden Trail World Series league.
“"The data shows us that the participation and capability of women, both in the present and in the future, are guaranteed."
The organizers have emphasized the increase in female participation. Women's presence in the marathon will be approximately 15%, in the Vertical Kilometer category it will reach 22%, and in the junior category it will be 30%. Furthermore, the U-23 Vertical Kilometer category will continue to gain visibility, fostering future talents.
This year's edition will feature extensive media coverage, produced by Warner Bros Discovery. It will be broadcast live worldwide through platforms such as HBO Max, Eurosport, discovery+, and TNT Sports. In the Basque Country, EiTB will offer the broadcast in Euskera, and Teledeporte or Eurosport in Spanish.
“"The objective is to improve the management of trail running events, incorporating sustainable practices from an environmental, social, economic, and ethical perspective in the organization of these mountain races."
The mayor of Zegama has stated that efforts are underway to obtain the Green Trail Concept seal, part of a sustainability project promoted by the Kilian Jornet foundation. To mark the 25th anniversary, a documentary chronicling the evolution of the race has also been produced, and an immersive exhibition will be set up at the Anduetza parketxe.
The Department of Mobility, Tourism and Territorial Planning will provide special Lurraldebus services throughout the weekend to reduce the use of private vehicles. These services will depart from Zaldibia on Saturday and Sunday, making stops in Ordizia, Beasain, Olaberria, Idiazabal, and Segura, before reaching Zegama.
