The streets of Tolosa and the surrounding mountains will be alive with runners this weekend as the 11th edition of the T3T marathon and the 9th T2T mountain race are held. According to Iñaki Insausti, a member of the organizing team, June has arrived and the events are proceeding as in previous years. A total of 350 participants will compete in the T3T event and 475 in the T2T.

Due to issues during the T2T registration process, organizers held a lottery because of the platform's collapse. Preference was given to female participants, resulting in a participation rate of around 25%, similar to previous years. A waiting list was also opened, and ultimately, after cancellations, everyone had the opportunity to participate.

In contrast, the marathon did not involve a lottery, and female participation is expected to be between 10% and 15%. Insausti explains that even though the Basque Country Team Championship is being contested in the T3T this year, female participation does not reach 25%. "In our race, the percentage of female participation has always been higher in the T2T," he noted.

This year, the direction of the races has been altered to generate excitement. The T3T marathon will pass through Erroizpe/Larte, Uzturre, and Hernio, while the T2T will cover Erroizpe/Larte and Uzturre. Insausti believes that "running in the opposite direction evokes different sensations in people".

The Trianguloa square will serve as the strategic hub, the center of the race and the festivities. This year, T3T participants will enter the Old Town briefly before the finish line to enhance the arrival experience on Zerkausi street. The race has been extended by 150 meters for this purpose.

Both races are considered "tough" in terms of elevation gain but "medium level" in technical difficulty. In the men's category, Insausti finds it challenging to beat Robert Pkemboi's record (3h 56m 32s) in the T3T, but believes it is possible for women. He also sees potential for improved records in the women's T2T.

Among the potential frontrunners, Insausti has named Beñat Ibañez, Ander Iñarra, Iñaki Olano, Anartz Artola, Hassan Ait Chaou, Endika De las Heras, Iraitz Legorburu, Ander Amonarriz, Sergio Oliveri, and Jon Durana for the men's T3T. For the women's T3T, he mentioned Sarah Ugarte, Itxaro Zabaleta, Amagoia Iribar, Sara Gutierrez, Oihane Unzalu, Irati Ortiz de Anda, Itziar Oteiza, Maialen Artiach, Larraitz Aragon, and Ainhoa Intxausti. In the T2T, for women, Ainhoa Garikano, June Agirrezabala, Irati Larrañaga, Leire Elola, Eider Zubeldia, and Enara Agote; and for men, Amets Aranberri, Asier Artola, Ibai Makazaga, Iker Ezeiza, Josu Urrestarazu, Jokin Tolosa, and Aitor Regillaga.

As a new feature, a bus service has been arranged this year to Elduain to avoid traffic issues. Through an agreement with the Tolosa City Council, a free service will be provided between 09:00 and 12:00.

The organizing team consists of twelve people, with an emphasis on encouraging youth participation. Insausti highlighted the crucial role of volunteers and mentioned that a few more are still needed.

Data:
T3T MARATHON: Start 08:45. Route: Tolosa, Erroizpe/Larte, Uzturre, Hernio, and Tolosa. Characteristics: 42.8 km and 2,878m positive elevation gain. Records: Robert Pkemboi (3h 56m 32s) for men, Mayi Mujika (4h 54m 14s) for women.
T2T MOUNTAIN RACE: Start 09:30. Route: Tolosa, Erroizpe/Larte, Uzturre, and Tolosa. Characteristics: 24.4 km and 1,600m positive elevation gain. Records: Oier Ariznabarreta (2h 06m 34s) for men, Maialen Muñoz (2h 38m 17s) for women.