Get The App
Race guide · Basque Country, Spain
How to train for Zegama-Aizkorri
The mountain marathon over the Aizkorri range: steep climbs, technical ridges and some of the loudest crowds in trail running. Here's what to know and how to get ready.
Next race Sun Jun 6, 2027
| Distance | Climb | Time limit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marathon | 42.195 km | ~2,736 m | 8:00 |
Starts and finishes in Zegama (296 m), with a high point of 1,551 m at Aketegi; the organiser gives 5,472 m of total elevation change (up and down). Pre-registration opens January 11, 2027 and bibs are allocated by draw; see zegama-aizkorri.com.
What makes it hard
Steep climbing, early
From Zegama at 296 m the course climbs to Otzaurte and on into the Aratz and Aizkorri ranges, up to 1,551 m at Aketegi.
Train for it: Steep hill repeats and power hiking, plus long climbs at a steady effort.
Half the course is technical
About half the route is technical: rocky ridges, limestone and steep, slippery descents, often in wet, foggy weather.
Train for it: Run your roughest local trail as often as you can, and build ankle and quad strength for technical descending.
An 8-hour limit
42 km with this much climbing and technical ground has to fit inside 8 hours, with control points along the way.
Train for it: Practise your marathon-distance fueling on long mountain runs and know your target splits.
How long to train
Plan on 14–18 weeks if you're already running regularly, like a mountain marathon build. Climbing and technical descending matter more than flat speed.
Get a plan built around race day
Set Zegama as your goal race and VertPro builds your training back from the start line, then adapts week to week. A Vert.run coach reviews your plan in the first 24 hours.
Want the most hands-on option? Premium gives you unlimited chat with your coach and a monthly call.
How much elevation gain is Zegama-Aizkorri?
The organiser gives 5,472 m of total elevation change over 42.195 km, which is about 2,736 m up and 2,736 m down. The high point is 1,551 m at Aketegi.
When is Zegama-Aizkorri 2027?
Sunday, June 6, 2027, according to the organiser. Pre-registration opens January 11, 2027 and bibs are allocated by draw.
Race facts checked October 22, 2026 against zegama-aizkorri.com. Confirm dates and rules with the organiser. Vert.run is not affiliated with the race.