Bilbao Night Running Fest 2026
- Next event : Sat, October 17, 2026Date confirmed
- Last event : Sat, October 18, 2025
The event in a few words
Located in the north of Spain 🇪🇸, Bilbao is renowned for its quality of life, charm, history, and magical setting. 🧙♂️ You're in luck: this beautiful city in the Basque Country welcomes you to the 18th edition of a highly anticipated event 🥰. Welcome to the TotalEnergies Bilbao Night Running Fest! This is a true celebration of running that you'll experience in October. As the sun sets 🌇 and the moon rises 🌔, it's the demons midnight runners that will guide you through the night 😈. Yes, the Bilbao Night Running Fest is above all a way to party with headlamps on! 😝
Now, let us tell you more about your evening program: for those who want to party until dawn, there's no need to tackle a marathon distance 😅. How about a fun and cheerful run? 😁 Just join the half-marathon for a thrilling atmosphere 💥. Prefer to turn in early? No worries, you can participate in the 10 km which also holds its own surprises 🎁. The race will take you to iconic city locations along a route that follows the Rìa 🌊. During your nighttime adventure, you'll discover the beauty of Bilbao illuminated and reimagined 🌃. You'll pass through main sites and streets: Guggenheim, Euskalduna, Gran Vía, Teatro Arriaga, Parte Vieja, City Hall, Isozaki Towers, Calatrava Bridge. Starting at the San Mamés Stadium, you'll begin your race like a champion! Your route will feature turnarounds, crossings, and re-crossings past several landmarks like the Iberdrola Tower, a 165 m-high skyscraper 🤯, the monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the modern art museum Guggenheim.
A unique feature, whether for the 21 km or the 10 km, is that everyone starts together, joining the festivities! 🥳 You won't be alone on the streets; this event brings the community together as residents come out to cheer on the runners and enjoy the numerous activities. This is more than just a race; it's a true event in the city of Bilbao 😍. Known for being a go-to spot for party-goers, Spain has pulled out all the stops for this event, inviting you to a genuine sports festival. Even before crossing the start line, you can enjoy a high-energy concert 🎤 visible from the corral, ensuring an explosive start 🧨... And by explosive, we mean true explosions—yes, a firework display 🎆 will light up the sky as you begin your race. With conditions like these, you're all set for an unforgettable experience ‼️.
In this vibrant Spanish city, you'll explore Iberian culture in an ideal setting. A cosmopolitan hub, Bilbao is also at the forefront of innovation, home to the Guggenheim art museum 🎨 and stunning architecture worth more than just a glance 👀. After exploring the historic center of Siete Calles, we recommend visiting the grand Arriaga Theatre 🎭, the Mercado de la Ribera, or the Palacio de la Diputación. You're also not far from the beach 🏖️ for a lovely autumn stroll. Furthermore, Basque cities are famed for their delicious cuisine. We suggest trying Bacalao pil-pil or a la Vizcaína, a cod-based dish, or Txangurro, a crab dish, a seafood delight 🦀.
So, what are you waiting for to join the festivities? 😎
4 reasons to join this race
A distance for every taste
Half MarathonTOP
10 km
- Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM
- Elevation gain : 317mD+
- 2,000+ runners in the last edition
- 1 loopx21.0975 km
A few more words
The half-marathon is a great event to test your endurance over a relatively manageable distance 😉.
Like the marathon runners, you'll start at the esplanade of the San Mamés stadium. Your first few kilometers will take you to the Plaza Moyua. At the roundabout, remember to signal, then take the fourth exit towards the Rìa, the famous river that flows through Bilbao. You'll reach Deusto, one of Bilbao's eight districts. After that, you'll make a U-turn at San Inazio and head back down Avenue Madariaga 🏃♂️.
You'll cross the river again and veer towards the Parque Doña Casilda to go around the Euskalduna Palace. Following the riverbank, you will pass by the Iberdrola Tower, in the Abandoibarra district, and the Guggenheim Museum. You will head up towards Casco Viejo, another district of Bilbao, before heading back towards the river to return to the Deusto district.
Time to turn around! You'll then follow the same route back to Casco Viejo. The finish line will be at the Guggenheim Museum. That's where you'll finish your night race, with stars in your eyes! 🤩
10 km : Pirate Race
Road Running- Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM
- Elevation gain : 137mD+
- 2,000+ runners in the last edition
- 1 loopx10 km
A few more words
The 10 km course is perfect for seasoned athletes 💪 and those curious about night races 👀. This distance offers you the chance to set a new personal best or simply embrace the adventure! 🎖️
Your route follows the same paths as the other runners 🏃. Your journey also starts at the esplanade of the San Mamés stadium, where you too will get a proper send-off! The first few kilometers will lead you to Plaza Moyua. At the roundabout, follow the crowd. Make sure not to miss the exit; it's the 4th one you'll need to take! You'll continue heading towards the Ria, the river that flows through Bilbao. You'll reach Deusto, one of Bilbao's eight districts, and make a U-turn at San Inazio to head back down Avenue Madariaga.
After crossing the river again, you'll veer off towards the Parque Doña Casilda, circling around the Euskalduna Palace. Following the Ria once more, you'll pass by the Iberdrola Tower in the Abandoibarra district. Soon after, you'll find yourself at the end of your journey near the Guggenheim Museum. There, you'll watch the half-marathon and marathon participants press on, while you can continue enjoying the evening's festivities 🎉.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
You can pick up your bib number, as well as your race T-shirt and runner’s bag, at the Palace Euskalduna:
Friday, 16 October 2026, from 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Saturday, 17 October 2026, from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm
The start for both races will take place on 17 October 2026 at San Mamés Stadium at 7:00 pm.
Yes—8 starting corrals will be set up at the start line to improve flow and reduce congestion.
For the half marathon:
Until 31 August 2026: €29
From 15 September 2026: €35
For the 10 km / "Pirate Race":
Until 31 August 2026: €22
From 15 September 2026: €28
The half marathon is open to athletes of any nationality—licensed or non-licensed—who are 18 years old on race day.
The "Pirate Race" is open to athletes of any nationality—licensed or non-licensed—from age 16 (on race day). Under-18 participants must complete a parental consent form during online registration.
No, it’s not required. However, the organisers recommend that all participants have a medical check-up before the event. By registering, each runner confirms they are in suitable physical condition to take part and does so under their own responsibility.
Several services will be available on site:
Changing rooms: separate men’s/women’s facilities, open from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, located in the ZUBIARTE shopping centre. To access them, you’ll need to show your bib number.
Bag drop / cloakroom: open from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, located in the ZUBIARTE shopping centre on level -1. You must place your belongings in the official event bag, which you’ll receive when you pick up your bib. You may store all your personal items inside. To identify your bag, insert the official bib ID card—you’ll find it in the envelope with your bib.
Showers: available after the race from 7:30 pm to 12:30 am, located at the Deusto Sports Centre, Jon Arróspide Street 1. To access, you’ll need to show your bib number.
In accordance with the rules set by the RFEA and World Athletics, you’ll find aid stations at kilometres 6, 10, 14 and 18.
When you pick up your bib, you’ll receive:
An official technical race T-shirt
An XL sports bag
After the race, you’ll receive:
Your finisher medal
Your finisher certificate
Half marathon: the cut-off time is 2:45. If you exceed this time, you will be asked to leave the course.
"Pirate Race": the cut-off time is 1:30. If you exceed this time, you will be asked to leave the course.
Once you’ve crossed the finish line, you’ll receive a bag containing:
Water
Isotonic drinks
A surprise snack provided by sponsors
You can check the race rules here
Focus
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