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Vitoria Women's Race Defends Donation Model Amidst Controversy

Organizers clarify that 20% of registration income goes to solidarity projects, refuting lower figures.

Generic image of a group of runners.
IA

Generic image of a group of runners.

The organizers of the Women's Race in Vitoria-Gasteiz have clarified their donation distribution following social media controversy.

The organizers of the Women's Race in Vitoria-Gasteiz defended their donation model on Wednesday, addressing social media controversy regarding the funds reaching charities and solidarity projects. The organization denied allocating only 1% and stated that this figure is "incorrect" and "false".
Henar Calleja, spokesperson for the Women's Race, explained that the disputed calculation refers to the total turnover of Sport Life Ibérica, the organizing company. She noted that this company manages not only the Women's Race but also 56 other sports events and an editorial division with magazines and websites.
The organization presented its own figures during the event's presentation at the City Hall. According to Calleja, in 2025, the circuit's solidarity contributions amounted to 264,967 euros. This sum represents, the Women's Race stated, 20% of the income from registrations.
The spokesperson added that they anticipate exceeding this figure in 2026 with ongoing projects. She also highlighted that over the circuit's 22-year history, accumulated contributions surpass two million euros.
The Women's Race is not presented as a purely charitable event. Calleja clarified off-microphone that it is "not a charity race, but one with a strong social commitment".
This distinction is central to the debate. The organization argues that the circuit promotes women's sports, raises awareness for social causes, and allocates a portion of registrations to solidarity projects. Critics, however, question whether the event's communication might lead participants to believe a larger part of their entry fee directly supports cancer charities.
During the press conference, a direct question was posed about the allocation of non-100% solidarity race bibs. Calleja responded that the percentage designated for social purposes is 20% of the registration income.
The spokesperson indicated that this information is publicly available on the transparency portal of the official Women's Race website, established in 2025.
The Vitoria-Gasteiz edition will feature 100% solidarity bibs benefiting ASAMMA (the Alava Association of Women with Breast and Gynecological Cancer) and Maite Ta Bizi, an association for metastatic breast cancer in the Basque Country.
Initially, 50 bibs per entity were mentioned at the presentation. However, Calleja later clarified that there is no fixed limit. She explained that any participant can opt for this solidarity option when registering online.
These fully donated bibs are in addition to the general percentage the organization applies to all circuit registrations.
The Women's Race will take place in Vitoria-Gasteiz on Sunday, May 31st. The start is scheduled for 10:30 AM from the Mendizabala esplanade, which will also serve as the finish line. The route will cover approximately 5 kilometers through the city streets.
The organization anticipates over 3,000 participants. Following the race, Mendizabala will host a one-hour fitness and aerobics festival.
The day before, Saturday, May 30th, activities will be held at the Abetxuko sports center. This venue will host the runner's expo, open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, along with zumba, combat, dance, and fitness sessions.
The event will pay tribute to Tania Lamarca, Lorena Guréndez, and Estíbaliz Martínez. These three Alavan gymnasts won the gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games in the rhythmic gymnastics group discipline.
The recognition ceremony will take place before the start. The three athletes will serve as ambassadors for this edition, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of their Olympic medal.
Vitoria-Gasteiz marks the third stop on the national circuit of the Women's Race. Previous events were held in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Madrid. Following Vitoria, the calendar continues on June 7th in Valencia.
The circuit will proceed to Gijón, A Coruña, Zaragoza, Seville, and Barcelona, concluding in November.
The event arrives in Vitoria with an expected participation of over 3,000 runners, a tribute to three local athletes, and solidarity bibs for breast cancer associations. It also comes with a direct response from the organization to the controversy surrounding the use of funds.

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