NEWS

2023 Golden Trail World Series: Zegama Starts the Show!

14TH MAY 2023, Start 9:00 AM, 42 KM, 2,736M V+ ZEGAMA, SPAIN

Zegama-Aizkorri will once again be hosting the first leg of the Golden Trail World Series, 14th May 2023. Who will seize the title after Kilian Jornet and Nienke Brinkman?

The "Basque Fever" is back!

With its stunning landscapes, unpredictable weather, technical terrain and crazy supporters’ fervour, Zegama is without doubt one of the races the runners love the most. The atmosphere is unique: reminiscent of the Tour de France’s mountain sections for the cyclists, there are no less than 30,000 spectators who line up along the course route on race day to cheer on the runners. A tireless throng who are the foundations of the legend that is Zegama-Aizkorri, otherwise known as the "Basque Fever". The same question is always on everyone’s lips at the finish line – weather dependent – will the record be taken down this year? You’ll get the answer on 14th May.

The times to beat:

Men’s record: 03:36:40 Kilian Jornet in 2022

Women’s record: 04:16:43 Nienke Brinkman in 2022


Check out all the race specifications HERE

Here’s a rundown of the favourites at this year’s Zegama, the 1st stage of the 2023 GTWS:

The women’s line-up

European Champion and reigning World Trail Running Champion, 4th at the GTWS in 2021, 4th at the Stranda Fjord Trail Race in 2022 and winner of the CCC the same year, Blandine L’Hirondel (Evadict – France) is this Zegama 2023 edition’s favourite. She will be up against Caitlin Fielder (Salomon – New Zealand), 2nd at the Marathon du Mont-Blanc and 6th at the 2022 GTWS, but also Nuria Gil (Asics – Spain), who recently won the 2023 Transgrancanaria marathon distance, 2nd at the OCC in 2022, 8th at Sierre-Zinal and 6th at Zegama in 2022. Winner of the Transgrancanaria 85km in 2023 and the Mozart 100 in 2022, Azara Garcia (Sport HG - Spain) will also be someone to watch closely. 8th at the 2022 Golden Trail World Series and often well-placed in the GTWS races in recent years, Marcela Vasinova (Czech Republic) will be eager to perform well in the first leg of the 2023 season. Others to watch closely include Mathilde Sagnes (Hoka One One – France), Miao Yao (Salomon – China), Fabiola Conti (Dynamo - Italy), Theres Leboeuf (Leboeuf/Compressport – Switzerland) and Eli Anne Dvergsdal (Dynafit – Norway).

The men’s line-up

GTWS 2022 grand winner and unbeatable on the 2022 GTWS from September onwards, Rémi Bonnet (Salomon/Red Bull – Switzerland) is obviously the firm favourite for this first race. BUT… "Zegama is Zegama" and anything can happen before reaching the finish line. He will have to keep a wary eye on both Jonathan Albon (The North Face – Great Britain), winner of the Grand Trail des Templiers in 2021, the Marathon du Mont-Blanc and the Stranda Fjord Trail Race in 2022, and Manuel Merillas (Scarpa – Spain) who could perform majestically in Zegama, he finished 3rd behind Kilian Jornet and Davide Magnini in 2022. This new season will be an invitation for Bart Przedwojewski (Salomon – Poland) to reconnect to success after several setbacks in the 2022 season due to overtraining at the season’s start, altitude sickness in the USA and a nasty fall in the Grand Final, but remember he won the Golden Trail Championship in 2020 and finished 3rd in the 2021 GTWS. Another favourite for this 2023 edition is Elhousine Elazzaoui (Pini Mountain Racing – Morocco), who was 2nd at the 2022 GTWS, 4th at Zegama and the Marathon du Mont-Blanc. Next up are guys like Robert Pkemboi Matayengo (Sky Runners Kenya – Kenya), 5th at Zegama in 2022 and 6th in the GTWS, Thibaut Baronian (Salomon – France), 3rd in the 2022 GTWS, Francesco Puppi (Nike Trail – Italy), the winner of the 2021 final but whose 2022 season was marred by injuries, Ruy Ueda (Mountain Frontier, Japan), 4th at the 2022 GTWS and 3rd at the Marathon du Mont-Blanc and Daniel Osanz (Adidas Terrex, Spain), who took a stunning 2nd place at Pikes Peak in 2022.

FOLLOW THE LIVE HERE

NEWS

plus
Golden Trail Series: The World Series Grand Final Open to All!

Il Golfo Dell’Isola Trail Race, the Golden Trail World Series Grand Final in Italy is open to all runners. Places are limited to 800 race bibs.

plus
ZEGAMA: MANUEL MERILLAS AND DANIELA OEMUS OPEN THE SEASON

Manuel Merillas and Daniela Oemus take the win for the first time at Zegama-Aizkorri and take the lead in the GTWS 2023.

plus
Bart Przedwojewski, the Comeback?

After a catastrophic 2022, Bart Przedwojewski is back on the Golden Trail World Series. Better prepared and raring to go on the eve of Zegama, he revealed his goals for the 2023 season.

plus
7 things you may not know about Zegama-Aizkorri

Zegama-Aizkorri, the first stage of the Golden Trail World Series, is a legend in the trail-running world. However, you may not know everything about this mythical race!

plus
2023 Golden Trail World Series: Zegama Starts the Show!

14TH MAY 2023, Start 9:00 AM, 42 KM, 2,736M V+ ZEGAMA, SPAIN

plus
Rémi Bonnet: "I feel more powerful than in 2022!"

A few days before the start of the season at Zegama, we went to meet Rémi Bonnet, winner of the 2022 Golden Trail World Series. He shared his goals for 2023 and one thing is certain: the odds are on the title!

plus
2023 Golden Trail World Series: An Exceptional Level!

The Golden Trail World Series now has its list of registered elite runners and all we can say is that the level has never been so high. The 2023 season promises to be one hell of a ride!

plus
THE GOLDEN TRAIL WORLD SERIES IS COMING TO EUROSPORT

In the 2023 season, the world’s biggest trail running show will be broadcast in 53 countries and 20 languages on Eurosport. One more step in the development of the Series and in trail running.

plus
For Manuel Innerhofer and Noémie Vachon, the GTNS opened the doors to the elite world!

First in the men’s and second in the women’s at the GTNS 2022 Grand Final, Manuel Innerhofer and Noémie Vachon now join the notorious GTWS Elite circuit. Before starting the 2023 season, they gave us an insight into the opportunities that the Golden Trail National Series has to offer.

plus
Golden Trail National Series: The First Round

The Golden Trail Series national editions, the GTNS, enables the best local athletes to compete against each other at a high-level in the hope of making their way into the elite standings.

plus
TRAIL DU VENTOUX, ANDREA ROTA ET AUDREY TANGUY REMPORTENT LA 1E ÉTAPE DE LA GTNS

La première étape de la GTNS France 2023 a eu lieu sur les pentes du Mont-Ventoux.

plus
Season 2 of "CHASING DREAMS" drops in January!

The Golden Trail Series TV episodes will be released on Golden Trail TV from 11th January 2023.

plus
MADEIRA OCEAN&TRAILS: RÉMI BONNET AND ALLIE MCLAUGHLIN TAKE HOME THE WIN ON THE LAST STAGE OF THE GOLDEN

30th October 2022, Start 9:00 AM, 30.5 KM, 1,555M V+ FUNCHAL, MADEIRA, PORTUGAL Rémi Bonnet and Allie McLaughlin finish the year in style by winning the last stage in the GTWS 2022 Grand Final!

plus
MADEIRA OCEAN&TRAILS: RÉMI BONNET AND NIENKE BRINKMAN WIN THE GOLDEN TRAIL WORLD SERIES 2022!

29th October 2022, Start 9:00 AM, 26.2 KM, 1,940M V+ CURRAL DAS FREIRAS, MADEIRA, PORTUGAL By winning the fourth stage of the Grand Final in Madeira, Rémi Bonnet and Nienke Brinkman are the definitive winners of the Golden Trail World Series 2022!

plus
MADEIRA OCEAN&TRAILS: ELHOUSINE ELAZZAOUI AND NIENKE BRINKMAN WIN THE TIME TRIAL!

28th October 2022, Start 5:00 PM, 6.6KM, 350M V+ CANIÇAL, MADEIRA, PORTUGAL In a short but intense time trial Elhousine Elazzaoui and Nienke Brinkman demonstrated their speed.

plus
MADEIRA OCEAN&TRAILS: THE LEADERS TAKE CONTROL UNDER THE SUN

27th October 2022, Start 9:00 AM, 26.6KM, 1,425M V+ SEIXAL, MADEIRA, PORTUGAL Rémi Bonnet and Nienke Brinkman strengthen their leads by winning the second stage of the Madeira Ocean&Trails® Stage Race.

plus
Madeira Ocean&Trails®: Rémi Bonnet and Allie Mclaughlin set the pace!

26th October 2022, Start 9:00 AM, 24.5KM, 1,540M V+ SEIXAL, MADEIRA, PORTUGAL Rémi Bonnet and Allie McLaughlin win the first of the five stages of the Madeira Ocean&Trails® Stage Race, the Golden Trail Series Grand Final.

plus
TABOR AND ELI HEMMING, THE GOLDEN TRAIL SERIES GRAND FINAL AS A HONEYMOON!

Newlyweds and currently both ranked in the Golden Trail World Series top 10, Tabor and Eli Hemming are treating themselves to a dream honeymoon in Madeira at the Golden Trail World Series!

plus
SOPHIA LAUKLI: "I WOULD’VE REGRETTED MISSING THE GOLDEN TRAIL SERIES FINAL!"

Currently second in the GTWS overall ranking, Sophia Laukli is THE women’s revelation this trail-running season. She hesitated a long time about participating in the final, which is very close to her ski season, but she has at last decided she will come to Madeira!

plus
GOLDEN TRAIL SERIES: IT’S TIME FOR THE GRAND FINAL IN MADEIRA!

From 26th to 30th October 2022, 5 stages, 109KM, 7,382M V+ Madeira, PORTUGAL / After 6 exhilarating legs in Europe and the USA, the world’s top trail runners will be in Madeira from 26th to 30th October to fight it out on the Madeira Ocean&Trails® Stage Race, in the Golden Trail Series Grand Final.

plus
HEALTH PROGRAM AND ANTIDOPING WORK IN SYNERGY!

After Mark Kangogo’s official disqualification for testing positive for two substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), we wanted to pass the floor to Pierre Sallet from the Athletes For Transparency Association (AFT) – at the origin of the Health Programme, – to explain the Programme’s precise role, which is now used by the world’s biggest trail running races (Golden Trail Series, UTMB® Mont-Blanc, etc.) and more broadly in sport in general.

plus
SIERRE-ZINAL: Andreu Blanes, Official Winner!

Mark Kangogo having accepted his suspension after controlling positive for two substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, the official winner of 2023 Sierre-Zinal is now Andreu Blanes!

plus
SIERRE-ZINAL AND MARK KANGOGO

On Monday 10th October 2022, the GTS was informed by the Sierre-Zinal Executive Committee that disciplinary proceedings have been brought against the men’s winner of the 2022 edition.

plus
FLAGSTAFF SKY PEAKS: RÉMI BONNET AND NIENKE BRINKMAN AGAIN!

25th September 2022, Start 7:30AM, 26KM, 1,266M V+ FLAGSTAFF, USA Rémi Bonnet and Nienke Brinkman both take the win at the last race of the season and are now leading the Golden Trail World Series before the Grand Final on Madeira Island.

plus
FRANCESCO PUPPI SHINING BRIGHT AGAIN ON THE GOLDEN!

Second in the 2021 GTWS, Francesco Puppi had a difficult start to the season after suffering several elbow injuries. But he proved at Pikes Peak: he is back!

plus
THE GOLDEN TRAIL SERIES: DANIEL OSANZ FLYING HIGH!

After 8th place at Sierre-Zinal, Danial Osanz just finished an eye-popping 2nd place at the Pikes Peak Ascent, the 5th stage of the GTWS.

plus
PIKES PEAK ASCENT ONE BATTLE, NO RECORDS BROKEN

17th September 2022, Start 7:00 AM, 21KM, 2,382M V+ MANITOU SPRINGS, USA Rémi Bonnet and Nienke Brinkman win the 5th stage of the Golden Trail World Series

plus
NIENKE BRINKMAN: "I WANT TO DO MARATHONS AND THE GOLDEN TRAIL SERIES!"

After finishing 3rd at the European Championships – Marathon, Nienke Brinkman is now targeting the Golden Trail World Series podium!

plus
Rémi Bonnet beats the Incline record ahead of Pikes Peak!

On the sidelines of the 5th stage of the Golden Trail World Series, Rémi Bonnet just beat the record on the legendary Incline at Manitou Springs!

plus
SIERRE-ZINAL: SHE SELLS BRACELETS TO FINANCE HER TRIP AND WINS THE RACE!

13th August 2022, Start 11:00AM, 31KM, 2,200M V+ SIERRE, SWITZERLAND Esther Chesang took victory at the 4th stage of the GTWS. To finance her trip she sold solidarity bracelets to raise a total of 1,400 euros.

plus
KILIAN JORNET: "MY MUSCLES WERE CRAMPING THROUGHOUT THE RACE!"

13th August 2022, Start 11:00AM, 31KM, 2,200M V+ SIERRE, SWITZERLAND 5th at Sierre-Zinal this weekend, Kilian Jornet couldn’t find his groove due to cramping!

plus
ANDREU BLANES: “ESTE AÑO HA SIDO UNA PUTA PESADILLA Y ESTO ES UNA ALEGRÍA BRUTAL”

De pasarse cinco meses afectado por la tercera vacuna contra la Covid a segundo en Sierre Zinal.

plus
SIERRE-ZINAL: THE KENYANS TAKE CONTROL!

13th August 2022, Start 11:00AM, 31KM, 2,200M V+ SIERRE, SWITZERLAND The Kenyans Esther Chesang and Mark Kangogo won the 4th stage of the GTWS, a first time for African runners!

plus
Greg Vollet: "The Golden is designed to help the sport and the athletes!"

Just before the Marathon du Mont-Blanc and after Zegama, Greg Vollet, Director of the Golden Trail World Series, was interviewed by the website lookcharms.com. Greg talks openly about the origins of the GTWS project and of what he's trying to do to grow the trail running sport on a worldwide scale and showcase the athletes.

plus
GTWS : ANAIS SABRIÉ ET FRED TRANCHAND DE RETOUR À SIERRE-ZINAL

Les deux coureurs français ont déjà brillé à Sierre-Zinal et ont de grandes ambitions pour cette quatrième étape de la Golden Trail Wold Series.

plus
SARA ALONSO: “ESTOY VIVIENDO UN SUEÑO LIDERANDO LA GOLDEN”

España tiene hasta cuatro corredores en el top-10 de la GTWS y todos ellos estarán en Sierre Zinal

plus
GTWS : RÉMI BONNET ET MAUDE MATHYS PORTENT LES ESPOIRS SUISSES À SIERRE-ZINAL

Les deux coureurs suisses Rémi Bonnet et Maude Mathys font partie des favoris sur l’une des courses les plus mythiques du monde.

plus
SIERRE-ZINAL, AN UNPRECEDENTED STACKED FIELD!

13TH AUGUST 2022, Start 11:00 AM, 31 KM, 2,200M V+ SIERRE, SWITZERLAND For the 4th stage of the Golden Trail World Series takes place at Sierre-Zinal and welcomes an unprecedented stacked field!

plus
SOPHIA LAUKLI: A STAR IS BORN!

The surprise winner of the Golden Trail World Series 3rd stage, Sophia Laukli, proved her place in international trail running!

plus
THE GOLDEN TRAIL SERIES BRINGS THE WORLD’S BEST RUNNERS TO NORWAY

6TH AUGUST 2022, 11am start, 25 km, 1,700 m elevation gain STRANDA, NORWAY The Golden Trail World Series went to a Nordic country for the first time in its history! This weekend, the Stranda Fjord Trail Race was the 3rd leg of the world trail cup. A physically and technically demanding race that attracted the world’s best athletes to Scandinavia for the event.

plus
EMELIE FORSBERG EST DE RETOUR DANS L’ÉLITE MONDIALE

En terminant sur le podium de la Stranda Fjord Trail Race, 3e manche de la Golden Trail World Series, Emelie Forsberg a prouvé qu’elle était de retour.

plus
STRANDA FJORD TRAIL RACE: HELL IN THE NORTH!

6TH August 2022, Start 11:00 AM, 25KM, 1,700M V+ STRANDA, NORWAY Jonathan Albon and Sophia Laukli win the Golden Trail World Series’ most technical race!

plus
Anders Kjaerevik: the Golden Trail Series is good for trail running in Norway

Famous for his technical skills, Anders Kjaerevik is running tomorrow at the Stranda Fjord Trail Race, on home ground. He might be confident about being able to bag a top 10 place, but he’s more interested in highlighting the importance of having a Golden Trail World Series stage to be able to promote trail running in Norway.

plus
Bart Przedwojewski: "To be honest, I want to win this race!"

After a difficult start to the season, Bart Przedwojewski enters the Golden Trail World Series 2022 at the Stranda Fjord Trail Race, and we can certainly say that the winner of the Golden Trial Championship in 2020 has big ambitions.

plus
THE MARATHON DU MONT-BLANC CHANGES THE GAME

Jonathan Albon and Sara Alonso take today’s win, Davide Magnini and Sara Alonso lead the overall ranking!

plus
Trail de Guerlédan : Enzo Ratti et Camille Thire-Monnier s’imposent en Bretagne !

Le brouillard tarde à se dissiper au-dessus du lac de Guerlédan. Un son amplifié d’une sono lointaine fend la brume qui recouvre le parc de l’Abbaye de Bon Repos. Près de 1 000 vaillants traileurs ont accepté le défi breton du Trail de Guerlédan, deuxième manche de la Golden Trail National Series ; un défi repoussé pour certains depuis deux ans pour raisons sanitaires. Un œil sur la ligne de départ révèle de grands absents : les têtes d’affiche de la première étape – l’Ergysport Trail du Ventoux – n’ont pas fait le déplacement jusqu’en Bretagne, à l’exception de Enzo Ratti (Esprit Volcans - 10e au Ventoux) et Anthony Boucard (Team Moonvalley - 18e). Une startlist qui annonçait donc de beaux combats en course et de belles opportunités à saisir.

plus
Please welcome the Golden Trail World Series Podcast!

For the 2022 season, we will release two episodes for each of the 6 stages and the final. In the pre race podcast, we'll discuss race details, athlete's insight, and what to expect during the live video coverage on race day. In the post race podcast, we'll analyse the race highlights, and dive back into the race experience together with the male and female winners.

plus
THE GOLDEN TRAIL WORLD SERIES AIMS TO PUT TRAIL RUNNING ON TV!

After four amazing seasons, the Golden Trail World Series returns in 2022 with new ambitions. They include: supporting athletes in their quest to become professionals and above all making trail running a must-see, televisual event.

race
plus
Janelle Lincks and Darren Thomas win the GTNS 2021 Grand Final!

After an epic week in the Azores, Janelle Lincks and Darren Thomas win the GTNS 2021 Grand Final and three Golden Tickets to be able to compete at the highest international level on 3 of the Golden Trail Championship 2022 rac

plus
SKYRHUNE: RECORDS IN HELL!

Jan Margarit and Nienke Brikman explode the Skyrhune records at the last stage of the Golden Trail World Series.

Image Alt 2
plus
MAUDE MATHYS AND STIAN ANGERMUND WIN THE GTWS 2021!

Maude Mathys and Francesco Puppi are victorious at the Grand Final in El Hierro, Maude Mathys and Stian Angermund win the overall ranking.