Zegama earns its title with a certainty that resonates through Basque country whispers and beyond. The Basque town, tucked in the interior of Gipuzkoa, is famous for hosting one of the world’s most iconic mountain marathons. The route is a magnet for thousands of spectators who line the path, turning the village into a sea of cheers and energy. The event’s pull is broad: not only are locals drawn to the spectacle, but participants from all corners of the globe flock to test themselves on a course that rewards grit and stamina alike.
Entries swell to more than 12,500 applications for roughly 200 official places, out of a pool of around 500 athletes who earn the right to tackle Zegama-Aizkorri. The lottery-like process adds a dash of drama to a competition known for its stringent selection and intense competition. The men’s race often filters into a battle of endurance and speed, with finishes that echo across the mountains. The women’s race, equally demanding, rewards those who push through the pain and maintain focus to the very last kilometer. Kilian Jornet has converted this challenge into a familiar triumph, routinely delivering performances that leave spectators in awe and rivals chasing his shadow.
Kilian’s Tenth Victory with a Fresh Jersey
The Catalan mountain athlete arrived at Zegama with a formidable field of challengers, a mix of seasoned rivals from across Europe and beyond. The lineup leaned toward the favorite side, including strong contenders from France and other neighboring countries, while local talent added a layer of fierce competition. Jornet, however, held the lead from the outset, passing key checkpoints with poise and power. After cresting the Aizkorri summit, he opened a decisive gap and edged ahead of Davide Magnini, who had pressed hard throughout the race.
The trail highlights were captured across social feeds and highlight reels, showcasing Jornet’s continued mastery of the terrain. His tenth win marked a new milestone in a career defined by extraordinary consistency and speed on some of the toughest mountain courses.
From that moment, Jornet shifted into a higher gear, rarely showing vulnerability even as rivals kept pace. His clean run in the final stretches solidified the victory, while setting a blazing pace that implied a new benchmark for the race. The record for the course remained a talking point, as the best performances in recent years were pushed to new heights by Jornet’s relentless effort.
The event also celebrated a striking promotional chapter as Jornet launched a new kit line, aligning with high-profile sponsors and showcasing the sport’s evolving athletic apparel. The race’s promotional narrative benefited from the image of Jornet conquering Aratz, Andraitx, and Aizkorri in motion, illustrating the synergy between athlete and brand on this storied route.
Behind the early leader, Manuel Merillas navigated the course with intelligence, adapting to challenging conditions and climbing steadily through the field. Although the day did not unfold as he might have hoped, his tactical ascent lit up the competition, earning him a podium finish that underscored his strengths in a discipline defined by steep climbs and technical ground. He pressed forward from the start to the finish, turning a tough race into a notable triumph for his team and supporters.
Also notable was the strong showing by Robert Pkemboy, whose fourth- to fifth-place finish signaled African endurance and speed can thrive on mountain terrain when the going gets rugged and technical. His performance reinforced the global appeal of Zegama-Aizkorri and its capacity to showcase diverse riding styles and athletic backgrounds.
Brinkman’s Breakthrough and Sara Alonso’s Euskadi Moment
The day’s narrative included a surprising and electrifying performance from Nienke Brinkman, a Dutch runner best known on flat tracks who challenged the mountain-course specialists with a bold strategy and fearless pace. Brinkman’s ascent of the mountain routes highlighted how athletes can cross disciplines and still deliver astonishing results on high-altitude, uneven ground. The result, a podium-worthy finish, marked a turning point in the young runner’s career, hinting at future possibilities beyond traditional road racing.
On the mountain stage, Maude Mathys, the Swiss contender with a recent return from injury, faced intense pressure and settled for a runner-up position. Her effort, though superb in its own right, could not match the surge from Brinkman as the clock ticked down toward the final hours of the race. Mathys’s performance nonetheless reinforced the depth of international talent that now defines the event’s competitive field.
In another striking moment of the day, Sara Alonso, a young Basque athlete, delivered a masterful performance that culminated in a strong third place finish. Alonso’s result further emphasized the region’s deep pool of athletic talent and its proud tradition in mountain sport. The Basque runners’ strong showing helped secure a local sense of pride and a sense that new stars are continuing to rise within this storied race. Alonso herself acknowledged the journey as a dream realized—an affirmation of the hard work, discipline, and community support that define Zegama-Aizkorri for many participants and fans alike.