ZEGAMA-AIZKORRI 2024: GOLDEN TRAIL WORLD SERIES. Kilian Jornet and Sylvia Nordskar Reign

ZEGAMA-AIZKORRI 2024: GOLDEN TRAIL WORLD SERIES. Kilian Jornet and Sylvia Nordskar Reign. Our GOLDEN TRAIL SERIES section brings us the latest news from the 23rd edition of Zegama-Aizkorri

Kilian Jornet continued his good streak in Zegama and achieved his eleventh victory, close to his own record. While the Norwegian Nordskar achieved her first victory in the race with a time of 4:29:12. Before starting, we leave you with Zegama aizkorri highlights

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ZEGAMA-AIZKORRI 2024

RESULTS. GOLD Kilian Jornet and Sylvia Nordskar

Men’s Race

Kilian Jornet, a legend in the world of trail running and in Zegama, once again proved why he is the favorite at Zegama-Aizkorri. From the first meter, Jornet maintained a record pace, occasionally looking back to greet spectators who formed the iconic human corridors of this race. Despite running at a record pace for much of the race, he finished just over a minute and a half short of the record, clocking in at 3h38:07, the second-best time in the race’s history.

Last year’s Zegama-Aizkorri greeted the 500 athletes with harsh conditions—rain, wind, and mud. In contrast, 2024 provided excellent running conditions: a good temperature, a blanket of clouds over the peaks and ridges, and no wind. The perfect setting allowed Kilian Jornet to push from the start, maintaining a record pace for much of the course. Jornet ran his race, and the second-place finisher, Moroccan Elhousine Elazzaoui, arrived almost ten minutes later at 3:46:16.

Third place went to Salomon athlete Bart Przedwojewski, who crossed the finish line in 3:46:54, just seconds behind Elazzaoui: “I am very happy because this is my first podium since 2021. Today, it was impossible to beat Kilian; he showed that he is the best.”

first statements

“The first time I won here was in 2007. Today, the race is more international in terms of runners, but it maintains its essence; it remains a race organized by the local people, and that’s something unique,” explained Jornet. He felt strong throughout but experienced slight stomach discomfort—”maybe I overhydrated“—that prevented him from going for the record: “I felt good, I had trained very well this year and knew I was in good shape. I started fast, and midway through the course, I felt a bit bloated. I realized I couldn’t go for the record, but I’m very happy because I was able to enjoy the race to the fullest. The atmosphere throughout the course is crazy. I pushed hard at the end because I thought my rivals were closer. I enjoyed it a lot,” the Catalan based in Norway shared after securing the victory in his first race of the season.

“It was a very good day for running,” confirmed Elazzaoui, who was “very happy with second place. This year, I felt more experienced and am happy with my race. I felt very good but had no chance of catching Kilian, who was very strong,” explained the Moroccan, who repeated his second-place finish from 2023.

women’s race

While Kilian Jornet dominated the men’s race, the women’s race at the 23rd Zegama-Aizkorri saw a great performance from Norwegian Sylvia Nordskar, who took the lead at Atabarrera (13.5 km) and never looked back. Nordskar secured her victory with a time of 4:29:12. “I am overwhelmed; it was a dream to win this great race. Zegama is a super special race with an incredible, unique energy that infects and transports you. It made me faster. I still can’t believe it,” she expressed after her triumphant run.

Salomon athlete Malen Osa made history with her second-place finish in her double debut—her first time competing in the race and at this distance. At just 21 years old, Osa has established herself as one of the most promising athletes on the international stage. Born in the mountains of Oñati, she ran with the support of the local crowd. “I didn’t expect it at all; I enjoyed every moment; the fans were amazing. I feel very privileged. It was super exciting; along the course, I kept hearing my name, which gave me a lot of strength to be second. I set out to run my race, and it was tough to catch the leading runners, but on the ridge, in my comfort zone, I managed to pass them. This is my first podium here, and I want to dedicate it to my family and everyone who always supports me,” Osa shared.

TOP 5 OF THE ZEGAMA-AIZKORRI MOUNTAIN MARATHON

Women

1. Sylvia Nordskar (NO, Independiente) _ 4:29:12
2. Malen Osa (ES , Salomon) _ 4:35:19
3. Marta Martínez (ES, La Sportiva) _ 4:35:39
4. Theres Leboeuf (CH, Team Leboeuf-Compressport) _ 4:36:16
5. Lide Urrestarazu (ES, Independiente) _ 4:37:20

As the marathon progressed, the new generation of trail runners showcased their talent in the XIII Zegama-Aizkorri Junior Trail. Biel Sagués and Núria Llansó emerged victorious, with Sagués completing the 10,4 kilometer course with an accumulated elevation gain of 1,016 meters in 42:23, and Llansó finishing in 53:05. Last year’s winner, Salomon athlete Gabriela Lasalle, finished second with a time of 53:17.

The Junior Trail course ascends via trails and forest tracks on the northern side of Aizkorri, reaching a small water canal. After running alongside the canal for a stretch, it climbs to Mandabide, joining the marathon route for one kilometer. The final descent coincides entirely with the marathon’s descent.

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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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