ZEGAMA-AIZKORRI 2024 (26MAY): GOLDEN TRAIL WORLD SERIES. LAST NEWS

Posted by Corriendo la Vida on May 17, 2024 in golden trail world series 2024, trail running spain, zegama 2024, zegama aizkorri 2024, zegama-aizkorri | Leave a comment

ZEGAMA-AIZKORRI 2024 (26MAY): GOLDEN TRAIL WORLD SERIES. LAST NEWS. Our GOLDEN TRAIL SERIES section celebrates ther return of a new edition of the classic Zegama-Aizkorri.

The Golden Trail World Series returns to Europe and does so in the Basque Country along the trails of the mythical Zegama-Aizkorri. And this time with a luxury poster, and the return of ten-time winner Kilian Jornet. Now we leave you with the best moments of last year.

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ZEGAMA-AIZKORRI 2024 (26MAY):

GOLDEN TRAIL WORLD SERIES. LAST NEWS

The Zegama-Aizkorri marathon, renowned for its landscapes, unpredictable weather, and challenging terrain, stands out as one of the most beloved races among trail runners. Known as the “Basque Fever,” this race attracts an incredible 30,000 spectators who line the course, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the Tour de France’s mountain stages. This enthusiastic crowd is a key part of what makes Zegama-Aizkorri legendary.

In its 23rd edition, scheduled for May 26, 2024, the race continues to draw immense interest. For the 2023 edition, a record-breaking 13,800 applications were submitted for just 225 available spots, highlighting the race’s popularity and exclusivity.

The Zegama-Aizkorri marathon, with its 42 km course and an elevation gain of 2,736 meters, remains a test of endurance. The records that come from 2022 may fall this year?. Men’s record: 3:36:40 Kilian Jornet in 2022. Women’s record: 4:16:43 Nienke Brinkman in 2022

Zegama Aizkorri 2022. Photo: Mayayo

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ZEGAMA AIZKORRI 2024: THE TRACK

KV ZEGAMA-AIZKORRI 3KM |1015M+

• Date: 24 May Friday
• Exit Time: Zegama at 4:00 p.m. Timed section: Arriaundi, altitude 505m.
• Length:
  • Timed section: 3000m.
  • Neutralized section: 2200m.
  • Total: 5200m.
• Slope: 1015m (Arriaundi – Iraule).
• Finish:  Iraule, altitude 1520m.

ZEGAMA-AIZKORRRI MENDI MARATOIA 42KM | 5400 M ELEVATION 

Medium mountain route through the Aratz massif and the Sierra del Aizkorri that includes four of the highest peaks in the Basque Autonomous Community [Aratz – Aizkorri – Aketegi]. From the town of Zegama [296 m.] you reach the height of Otzaurte [652 m.] to take, starting from the aforementioned mountain pass, a route that passes through mountain roads and trails of great natural beauty, where they combine wooded areas, mainly beech forests, steep areas of live rock and high grasslands. Technical and highly difficult.

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ZEGAMA-AIZKORRI 2024: THE FAVOURITES.

WOMEN’S RACE

This year we have several elite runners are set to compete. Last year’s champion, Daniela Oemus (GER – Nike Trail), returns with the goal of defending her title. As we told you  ZEGAMA AIZKORRI 2023: MANUEL MERILLAS (3:42:01) AND DANIELA OEMUS (4:31:54)WIN ZEGAMA. However, she will face stiff competition from Caitlin Fielder (NZL – Salomon), who closely followed Oemus last year and is eager to make a strong comeback after injuries disrupted the end of her 2023 season.

Photo: @jipina

Theres Leboeuf (CHE – Compressport/Leboeuf) has started the year impressively with a third-place finish in Japan. Golden Trail World Series 2024. Kobe Trail Gold Mathys and Kipngeno, and aims to improve on her third-place finish from Zegama-Aizkorri 2023. Sara Alonso (ESP – Asics), who finished third in 2022, is another top contender with her sights set on victory.

American runner Dani Moreno (USA – Adidas Terrex) is known for making a significant impact in European races and is expected to add excitement to the event. Other notable athletes to watch include Malen Osa (ESP – Salomon), Naiara Irigoyen (ESP – Salomon), Sylvia Nordskar (NOR – Hoka), Sunmaya Budha (NPL, Kailas Fuga), and Bailey Kowalczyk (USA – Nike Trail), all of whom are vying for podium positions.

Sara Alonso. Photo Philipp Reiter

The competition at Zegama-Aizkorri 2024 promises to be intense, especially with a highly anticipated duel between two local legends: Sara Alonso and Malen Osa. Both hailing from the Basque Country, these athletes are determined to shine in a race that holds significant personal meaning.

Sara Alonso, already a proven performer at Zegama, is aiming for victory, especially with top contender Sophia Laukli out due to injury. Alonso acknowledges the challenge posed by her friend and rival, Malen Osa, who will be running her first marathon on May 26th. Despite being new to the marathon distance, Osa’s familiarity with the terrain and recent strong training performances make her a formidable competitor.

“Obviously, my aim is to win Zegama,” admits Alonso. “Since I learned that Sophia (Laukli) is out of the running due to injury, I see myself jostling for victory with Malen, Dani Moreno and Theres Leboeuf.” Alonso highlights the close rivalry with Osa, noting their competitive history and the added spice of both being local athletes.

Malen Osa, on the other hand, is focused on enjoying the race and performing well. “My main aim for Zegama is to enjoy it to the max and perform as well as I am currently in my training,” she declares. Osa dreams of a podium finish and acknowledges Alonso as her biggest rival, yet expresses a desire for mutual success rooted in their growing friendship.

MEN’S RACE

The legendary Kilian Jornet (ESP – Nnormal), who has triumphed 10 times out of his 11 participations, is returning to the Zegama trails, once again as the clear favorite. However, Jornet will face formidable competition, particularly from Manuel Merillas (ESP – New Balance), who surprised everyone by winning last year’s edition under extremely challenging conditions.

Zegama Aizkorri 2022. Photo: Mayayo

Bart Przedwojewski (POL – Salomon), winner of the 2020 Golden Trail Championship in similarly harsh conditions, is eager to face Jornet in what could be another grueling battle. Elhousine Elazzaoui (MAR – Nnormal) is another strong contender, having narrowly missed beating Merillas last year by just a few seconds. Robert Pkemoi (KEN – Sky Runners Kenya) aims to improve on his fifth-place finishes from 2022 and 2023.

Additionally, the race features a strong lineup including Davide Magnini (ITA), Robbie Simpson (GBR – Adidas Terrex), Kevin Kibet (KEN – Milimani Runners) and Aritz Egea Caceres (ESP – Otso/Kailas Fuga).

Manuel Merillas at Zegama. Photo Josu Lopez