Do you like running? 😋 Or at least, do you like signing up for races and thinking "why did I do this?" on the D-day? 🤦♀️ Only to finally cross the finish line and be so proud of yourself? 💪 Then, welcome to the Rural Kutxa San Sebastián Semi-Marathon!
As you guessed, we're talking about 21 km, but at full speed! 💨 Rest assured, you won't be alone in this organized suffering: 5,000 brave souls from around the world 🌍 will share this with you! First things first, you need to get to San Sebastián, a city in Gipuzkoa, a beautiful department of the Basque Country Spain 🇪🇸. The big meet-up is set for October, with a start in front of the Town Hall, no worries, there's no wedding story involved 👨❤️👨, promise 🫣. The course, 100% urbanguarantees your legs won't face mud, gravel, or sneaky stairs. Just asphalt, asphalt, and more asphalt 🫵. Oh, and you should come well-trained because a maximum time limit of 2h30 is set 🐇 to reach the finish line, or else you'll gently be picked up... ⌛ Yes, it's quite short, another reason to prepare, so you don't have to worry during the race 😌.
In 2022, Ayad Lamdassem smashed the race record with 1h 02 min 48 sec 🏅. Honestly, we know most aim to "finish alive" rather than "break a record" 😂, but it's always good to have a reference 😎. Elena Loyo set her mark among women the same year with 1h 13 min 12 sec, while others were trying not to finish behind the sweeper car! 🧹 Speaking of the course, as the kilometers go by, you'll run along theLa Concha Bay, one of the most spectacular beaches in the Basque Country with an amazing view of the Atlantic coast 🌊. Yes, it's stunning. No, you won’t have time to stop for a swim 🏊♂️ (though, in a pinch, it's an option). Then, head to thelively Gros neighborhood, with its cool vibe and bars smelling of beer… 🍻 But stay focused, it's not time for a pub crawl yet! 💃 You'll also pass by the Kursaal, this ultra-modern convention center 💁♀️. Once you cross the finish line, you can proudly show your medal to everyone 🥇. Organizers even offer an engraving service: your time will be inscribed on the back of your medal! ⏱️ It will be mailed to you for an additional €15 😜.
If you enjoyed it, why not extend the adventure? 🤷♂️ Well, without running, obviously, because San Sebastián is much more than just a race. After crossing the finish line, explore this European gem. Relax by strolling along the Playa de La Concha 🏖️, one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Enjoy the Old Town and taste the famous pintxos in its lively streets 🍢. A short drive away, you can explore the picturesque village of Getaria, known for its delicious seafood 🦐, and its Balenciaga museum. Want an immersion in nature? The Mount Igueldo massif offers hiking trails with magical panoramas of the bay 🌄.
So, are you won over? 🫀
For this beautiful course of the Semi-Marathon of San Sebastián Rural Kutxa, the start is at the Boulevard of San Sebastián (in front of City Hall), in front of the Jardins Alderdi Eder. You will run a few kilometers in the heart of the city, where you will notably see the Plaza del Buen Pastor, the Gros district, and the Plaza Pio XII. You will also have a magnificent view of the Bay of La Concha by following the coast! 🏖️ The finish line is also at the Jardins Alderdi Eder of Donostia 🤩.
The start will be on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 9:30 AM in the Alderdi Eder Gardens of Donostia (in front of Saint-Sébastien Town Hall).
You can pick up your race number in the Welcome Zone at the town hall of San Sebastián, Alderdi Eder 1, on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 3 PM to 7:30 PM.
You must be at least 18 years old to participate in the semi-marathon.
Registrations 1 to 100: €29
Registrations 101 to 500: €32
Registrations 501 to 1000: €34
Registrations 1001 to 2000: €36
Registrations 2001 to 3000: €39
Registrations 3001 to 5000: €42
All athletes who do not have the national RFEA (athletics) license are required to obtain a one-day license costing 3 euros (to be added to the fees indicated below).
Yes, the time limit is set at 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Refreshment stations will be placed every 5 km.
There will be 9 pacers setting the appropriate pace for completing 1h20, 1h25, 1h30, 1h35, 1h40, 1h45, 1h50, 2h00, and 2h30.
For an additional €6, you can have your finish time engraved on the back of your medal and delivered to your home.
You can check the race rules here
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