In Goierri, sport and nature merge in a unique way. Its environment resonates strongly in the trail running scene thanks to events of international prestige, such as the famous Zegama-Aizkorri—valid for the Golden Trail World Series—which sparks mountain passion by drawing over 12,000 applications for just 225 raffled bibs. Among its outstanding sports offerings, the MarimurumendiMaratoia also stands out, a mountain marathon that provides runners with a great opportunity to experience the region’s demanding routes. Furthermore, the entire area boasts a wide variety of mountain races and trails that attract both local and international athletes year after year.
Zegama-Aizkorri
According to experts, the Zegama-Aizkorri marathon is one of a kind, not just one of the most prestigious mountain races in the world but also unique. Mud and cold are are bread and butter of this race. Kilian Jornet won it almost as many times as Rafa Nadal won the Roland Garros: eleven times! In his own words: “Zegama is Zegama. Is just a race that I always carry in my heart.”
Zegama-Aizkorri is a very technical, highly challenging race. It is one of the most relevant trail-running races internationally and one of the 6 events in the Golden Trail World Series, the circuit with the best races around the world, where the best runners in the world meet up. It is also the main event of the 5 events that make the Golden Trail National Series.
Zegama-Aizkorri mountain marathon has been celebrated since 2002 in Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park with departure and arrival in Zegama, where all the people become the organization of their most important event. The atmosphere in Zegama and the Natural Park during that weekend is excellent.
The route is medium mountain route, and includes four of the highest peaks of the Basque Country (Aratz – Aizkorri – Aketegi) including Mount Aitxuri (1,551 meters), the highest peak of the Basque Country!
From the city of Zegama (296 m.) you reach the top of Otzaurte (652 m.) to run a trail that crosses mountain roads of great natural beauty. It spreads between herds, areas soaked in living rock and grasslands of height.
Marimurumendi Maratoia
Marimurumendi Maratoia was one of the races involved in the ehunmilak triology. With 42,195 km. and 2,300 m. of positive slope, runs along the paths and mountains of the area of Beasain where Mari lives, one of the characters that gives life to the mythology of the Goierri. Mythology, sport and nature come together in the mmm!
