Into The Roar: GTWS 2026 Begins at Iconic Zegama-Aizkorri

The countdown is over. The 2026 Golden Trail World Series (GTWS) season kicks off this Sunday, May 17 at 9:00 CEST in Spain, with the 25th edition of the iconic Zegama-Aizkorri (42 km; 2,736 m+).

Defending champions Elhousine Elazzaoui (NNormal) and Sara Alonso (Asics Trail Team) return to defend their titles against a stacked field, including Kilian Jornet (NNormal) and Tove Alexandersson (Salomon).

The opening race also marks the introduction of key new features for the season:  sprint, climb and descent segments, as well as a new team ranking, two major sporting innovations for this year’s championship.

THE ROAR OF ZEGAMA

More than simply being one of the most coveted races on any athlete’s résumé, what truly defines Zegama-Aizkorri is its unrivalled atmosphere. Every year, this small Basque town transforms into a sea of passionate fans, cheering and roaring for every runner on the mountain. Special mention goes to Sancti Spiritu, the race’s most iconic climb: 180 metres at an average gradient of 30%, where thousands upon thousands of spectators line both sides of the trail to urge the runners on. This is where the uphill segment will be located, awarding 10, 8, 6, 4 and 2 points towards the overall ranking for the fastest athletes through the climb. The race starts in Zegama and crosses the Aratz massif and the Aizkorri range, summiting four of the highest peaks in the Basque Country.

Following the start, athletes will quickly enter the Sprint segment, designed to shake up the race from the outset, disrupt the rhythm of the lead group and reward those willing to take risks. Rather than the first runner across the line, the segment is won by the athlete who records the fastest time over this 1.8-kilometre section (from km 3.9 to 5.7). From there, the course heads towards the Otzaurte Pass before plunging into spectacular mountain terrain, winding through beech forests, rocky ridgelines and high-altitude pastures.

After the fervour of Sancti Spiritu come Aizkorri and Aketegi, the highest points on the course. The descent from Aketegi is steep, rocky and unforgiving – the most technical and decisive downhill of the race. From there, a traverse leads athletes towards Andraitz, the final major obstacle before the downhill segment, a fast plunge back down to the finish line in Zegama.

ELAZZAOUI: BACK TO DEFEND THE CROWN

Reigning champion Elhousine Elazzaoui returns to Zegama to defend his axe and txapela – a traditional Basque beret, symbolising victory and deep-rooted local heritage – the race’s emblematic trophies. After four years of near misses, 2025 was finally the year the Moroccan claimed victory on these iconic trails.

Nicknamed The Flying Berber, Elazzaoui kicks off his season at the very first race of the year, facing a double challenge: defending both his Zegama crown and his overall GTWS title, which he aims to secure for a third consecutive season. “I feel very good and happy to return to this incredible race,” he told GTWS in the days leading up to the start.

Winning Zegama in 2025 marked a defining moment in his career. “It had been a dream for a very long time. Coming back here is always emotional because, for me, it is one of the best races in the world. The atmosphere and the people make it unique,” he explained.

Among his main rivals is teammate and trail running legend Kilian Jornet, holder of the Zegama course record (3:36:40) and chasing a 12th victory. “It will be exciting for everyone. I think the level will be very high, and that makes the race even more beautiful,” Elazzaoui concluded.

TOP CONTENDERS TO WATCH

Alongside Elhousine Elazzaoui and Kilian Jornet, the men’s race promises fierce competition. Former Zegama winners Manuel Merillas (New Balance Running) and Rémi Bonnet (Salomon) return as leading contenders, joined by a deep field of talent. Among the top names to watch are Davide Magnini (New Balance Running) and Benjamin Roubiol(Asics Trail Team), as well as Daniel Pattis (Brooks Trail Runners), who finished third in 2025. Taylor Stack (Brooks Trail Runners), one of the breakout athletes of the 2025 GTWS season, also lines up, alongside Robert PkemoiMotayango (Otso), a dangerous outsider, and Alain Santamaría (X-Bionic Integrity), whose experience on this course makes him a constant threat.

In the women’s race, local hero Sara Alonso returns in pursuit of another txapela. “Zegama was one of the reasons why I started trail running. Seeing myself win here felt like a dream come true. I remember it as if it were yesterday,” she said. After an up-and-down 2025 season marked by injuries but also highlighted by victories at Kobe Trail and Zegama-Aizkorri, Alonso begins the new campaign aiming to take the next step and claim her first overall GTWS title.

A stellar line-up will look to challenge her dominance. Among them is Tove Alexandersson, a World Champion across short trail, orienteering and ski mountaineering. One of the most versatile endurance athletes in the world, she could even threaten the women’s course record (4:16:43).

The list of top contenders is rounded out by Judith Wyder (Hoka), runner-up in 2025 and one of the most technically gifted athletes in the sport; rising local talent Malen Osa (Salomon), third last year; and a strong international field featuring Anna Tarasova (Norda), Ida Amélie Robsahm (Asics Trail Team), Maria Fuentes (Kailas Fuga), Lucille Germain (NNormal), Theres Leboeuf (Compressport Lowa) and Valentine Rutto (Atletica Saluzzo).

GOIERRI, THE HEART OF THE BASQUE HIGHLANDS

At the heart of the Basque Country lies the Goierri region, a destination where nature, traditional gastronomy and a culture shaped by centuries of history amaze those looking to discover the authentic Basque Country. It is within this setting that Zegama-Aizkorri takes place, deeply rooted in the landscapes and traditions that define the region.

Made up of 18 municipalities, the region captivates both sports enthusiasts and travellers seeking to explore the rural surroundings of San Sebastián, offering a perfect balance between adventure and authenticity.

Since 2015, Goierri has held the European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) distinction, an award granted by the European Union to recognize its commitment to sustainable tourism development.

THE GTWS EXPERIENCE, NOW AT HOME

In 2026, Kinomap, the leading interactive training platform for cycling, running and rowing, joins the GTWS to bring the trail running experience into the homes of both athletes and fans. Iconic sections of the Zegama-Aizkorri course will be captured in high-quality, geo-synchronised video and made available on the platform, allowing fans and runners around the world to train virtually on some of the most legendary terrain in the GTWS circuit.

WHERE TO WATCH ZEGAMA-AIZKORRI

Zegama-Aizkorri will be broadcast live across WBD platforms (HBO Max, Eurosport and TNT Sports) as well as through a selection of international broadcasters.

In addition, extended highlights will be available on official channels and on the GTWS YouTube channel in the week following the race.