Behobia–San Sebastián 2027 Complete Guide — The Oldest and Most Mythical Race in the Basque Country

By Ramon Curto · Updated 2026-05-06

On November 14, 2027 Donostia (San Sebastián) hosts the 62nd edition of the Behobia–San Sebastián, Spain's oldest race (first edition in 1919, predating almost any other modern Spanish event). The most mythical 20K — running with the Cantabrian wind as backdrop — exactly 20.0 kilometres from Behobia (Irún, on the French border) along the coastal N-1 to the Donostia Boulevard, with the two structural climbs — Gainchurizketa at km 7 and, above all, Miracruz at km 14-15 — that break anyone who goes out too hard. This guide covers what the Fortuna KE website doesn't quite spell out: how to enter the lottery, where the race breaks, how to train both climbs, how to handle the mid-November Cantabrian weather, and why the Donostia finish on the Boulevard with pintxos waiting is the most mythical finish line on the Spanish calendar.

📑 Table of contents

1. Key data
2. About the race
3. Course
4. History and roll of honour
5. Entry and pricing
6. Getting there and parking
7. Where to stay
8. Weather and forecast
9. How to train for it — 8-10 week plan
10. Splits calculator
11. Personalised race plan
12. Race plan
13. Nutrition
14. Gear
15. FAQ
16. Comparison with other Spanish popular races

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The Behobia–San Sebastián is Spain's oldest popular race, organised in its modern form by the Real Sociedad athletics section (Fortuna KE) since 1979 on top of a first edition from 1919. It gathers ~30,000 finishers across individual and team bibs, draws runners from all over northern Spain and southern France, and combines an exact 20 km course with two structural climbs that turn it into a race of character — closer to a "fast asphalt trail" than a classic half marathon.

Behobia is not a half marathon and that's intentional. It's exactly 20 kilometres — the original 1919 format, kept out of respect for tradition. That decision makes it unique: fast runners can't chase it like a World-Athletics-record-eligible 21.1, and runners coming from 10K can't tell themselves it's just "a bit more". It's its own beast. And on a calendar where everything gets standardised, that's worth gold.

The "Behobia" factor has three components that set it apart:

• The two structural climbs (Gainchurizketa km 7 and Miracruz km 14-15) — you can't dodge them and they dictate the result of your race.
• Mid-November Cantabrian weather — cold, humid, with high probability of rain and headwind off the sea.
• The Donostia finish on the Boulevard — running down Avenida de la Libertad surrounded by Basque crowds applauding in reverent silence, with pintxos waiting 200 m away. The most mythical finish on the Spanish calendar.

• If you've recently run sub-1:40 in a flat half: aim for 1:30-1:35 here. The Miracruz climb costs you between 30 seconds and 2 minutes.
• If you're stepping up from 10K but have never done 20K: don't debut at Behobia with a time goal. Double the distance plus Miracruz is too many unknowns at once. Run a flat half first.
• If you want your first 20K with no time pressure: yes, great fit. The atmosphere, organisation, beautiful course and Donostia finish make for a memorable debut.
• If you're chasing a 20K PB: tough — there aren't many fast 20Ks on the calendar. Behobia is the reference, but it's not flat.
• If you're mid-block in a fall marathon build: use it as a quality long run 4 weeks out. A 20K with climbs is a perfect test of your real fitness.

See other Spanish popular races →

The Behobia–San Sebastián course is a 20.0 km point-to-point along the coastal N-1, from Behobia (Irún), on the French border by the Bidasoa river, to the Donostia Boulevard. It passes through Oiartzun (km 9), Pasaia (km 12) and enters San Sebastián via Miracruz (km 14-15). Net elevation gain is modest (~150 m positive) but it's concentrated in two structural climbs that dictate the result: Alto de Gainchurizketa at km 7 and Alto de Miracruz at km 14-15.

The first 7 km leave the Behobia international bridge heading west on the N-1, parallel to the Bidasoa first and opening into open country after. It's the fastest stretch and where 80% of runners make the classic tactical mistake: going 5-10 seconds per km below target pace because "this is easy". It isn't. Miracruz collects those seconds at double interest.

The Alto de Gainchurizketa (km 7) is the first warning. 800 metres of climb at 5% average gradient, with a couple of steeper ramps. It isn't brutal — trained runners get over it losing 5-10 seconds per km — but it's where you notice whether the legs are fresh or not. If you reach the top gasping, your plan needs immediate review.

After Gainchurizketa the course drops down to Oiartzun (km 9) via a technical descent with gentle curves. Recovery section: drink, take the chance to lengthen your stride, but don't recover faster than 90% of target pace — the km 14 climb will thank you for it.

The km 9-12 stretch (Oiartzun to Pasaia) is rolling, with views over the port of Pasaia and the Cantabrian coast opening to your left. It's the prettiest segment of the race and also the most lonely in terms of crowds. Hold pace. Not the time to philosophise.

Pasaia (km 12) marks the entry into the urban zone. There's a crowd, there's atmosphere, but you still have 8 km and the killer climb ahead. Don't get carried away by the cheering.

The Alto de Miracruz (km 14-15) is the moment of truth. 1.5 km of sustained climb at 6% average gradient, with a tougher 7-8% final section. It hits exactly when easy glycogen starts running out and the fatigue from the first stretch shows up. This is where the plan breaks. 60% of runners who went out hard in Behobia lose 30 seconds to 1 minute per km here — and the whole plan goes out the window.

After the top, the last 4-5 km are descent and final flat into Donostia: Avenida de Tolosa, entry into the centre, Avenida de la Libertad, finish on the Boulevard in front of City Hall. It's the fastest stretch of the course if you arrive with legs — and the most painful if you don't.

🚨 Where the race breaks

Course data for Strava / Garmin: the organisation publishes the official GPX on its site weeks before the race. To recce Miracruz during the week, search Strava for the segment "Subida Miracruz Behobia" — it's the same profile you'll suffer on race day.

The Behobia–San Sebastián has been run since 1919, which makes it Spain's oldest popular race and one of the oldest in Europe. The first edition was won by Juan Muguerza on March 30, 1919 with barely twenty participants. It was suspended during the Civil War and went through various interruptions before its major relaunch in 1979 as a mass popular race, organised since then by the Real Sociedad athletics section (Fortuna KE). Since that relaunch the race has not stopped growing up to today's ~30,000 finishers.

Roll of honour and race data (recent editions):

Verified winners and times from the 5 most recent editions:

Data verified against official Fortuna KE results and Basque press coverage (Diario Vasco, Noticias de Gipuzkoa). Lachgar's 0:59:56 in 2023 is the first and only sub-1:00:00 in the history of the race.

The Behobia–San Sebastián is the only Spanish popular race with a lottery system comparable to Boston, NYC or London. Lottery entry typically opens in July of the previous year (July 2027 for this edition), with results published in August-September. The individual bib price is €25 to €35 — cheap compared to any international half, because the organiser is a local club, not an events company.

How the lottery works:

1. Lottery opens (July 2027): online registration on the official site. You need DNI/NIE/passport and personal details. Registering for the lottery is free.
2. Lottery closes (late July): the organisation matches applications against available spots. Team applications enter a separate draw with their own quota.
3. Results (August): you get an email — "selected" or "not selected". Only if selected do you pay for the bib.
4. Payment and final entry (August-September): 1-2 week window to pay. Miss the deadline and you lose the spot — the next person on the waiting list takes over.

Real probability of getting in: ~37% in recent years (30k spots / 80k applications). It improves if you enter as a team (3-6 runners) or if you've completed 3+ consecutive editions as a finisher, which gives you priority points.

2026 edition reference:

• Individual bib: €30 (not sold out in the lottery — sold out in the post-lottery assignment).
• Team bib: €27 per runner.
• Charity bib (donation to a partner NGO): €150-300 depending on the NGO. Guaranteed spots without lottery.

Unlike most races, Behobia has no tiers — once assigned in the lottery, the price is single.

Indicative 2026 prices. Always confirm on the official site — the actual amount is published when the lottery opens.

Things to keep in mind:

• Refund policy: limited — with a medical certificate before October 31 you can apply for a partial refund. Entries are not transferable.
• No official marketplace: if you get injured, you can't legally sell your bib. Disqualifications for using someone else's bib are common (918 in 2025).
• Full event cancellation: entry rolls over to the following year; money is not refunded.

Bib pickup happens at the Race Expo, normally held the two days before the race (Friday and Saturday) at a hall in Donostia (historically Illunbe or an equivalent venue near the centre). Bibs are NOT handed out on race day — you must pick yours up on Friday or Saturday.

You'll need:

• The entry confirmation (printed or on your phone)
• Valid DNI/NIE/passport

Family or friends can pick yours up with a signed authorisation and a copy of your ID. The kit normally includes the bib with chip, a bag tag and, depending on the edition, a commemorative t-shirt or a token from the organisation (not always race-grade technical).

The most practical way to reach Donostia for the Behobia is by train: AVE/Alvia connects Donostia with Madrid (5h), Barcelona (6h) and the rest of the network. Once in Donostia, the organisation provides a free bus service from the centre to the start in Behobia (Irún) on race morning — included in the bib and the option used by 90% of runners. Don't drive to Behobia on race day: the N-1 is partially closed and parking is impossible.

Reaching Donostia from outside the Basque Country:

• AVE/Alvia (Madrid 5h, Barcelona 6h): Donostia station (centre). The most practical option.
• Plane (Hondarribia/Donostia airport): limited flights from Madrid, Barcelona, Mallorca, Düsseldorf. 20 km from the centre.
• Plane + bus (Bilbao airport): plenty of flights; direct Bilbao-Donostia bus (PESA) in 1h15 (~€17).
• Plane + train (Biarritz BIQ airport, France): French alternative. 45 km from Donostia, connection by TER train + Topo or car.
• Car from Madrid/Barcelona/Bilbao: AP-1/AP-8 to Donostia. Park at a public deterrent car park (not in the centre), e.g. Pío XII or Easo, and move around on foot/bus.

Race morning (logistics from Donostia):

• Organisation bus: departs Donostia ~6:30-7:30 from central points (Boulevard, Anoeta). Arrives in Behobia ~7:30-8:00. You have 1h-1h30 for toilet, warm-up and corral.
• Renfe Cercanías (Topo): Donostia → Irún (Behobia) every 30 min, ~30 min trip. More reliable than the bus if you're cutting it close, but less comfortable with packed runners.
• Carpool between runners: doable if you know someone with a car, but parking in Behobia is chaos — not recommended.
• Don't drive back from the finish: you finish in Donostia (centre), your car is in Behobia (20 km east). Absurd logistics.

For a Behobia runner, staying within a 15-minute walk of the Donostia Boulevard (the finish) is the call: you come back from the 20K hungry, cold and probably wet, and you need a shower + real food as soon as possible. Sleeping in Irún or Hondarribia (close to the start) seems to make sense — but the organisation provides a free bus to the start, so the logic flips: sleep in Donostia, let the bus take you to Behobia at 7 on Sunday.

• Breakfast before 6:00 (or bag from the night before). If the bus leaves at 7:00 and the start is at 9:00, you eat at 6:00. Few hotels open that early — ask the hotel for a bag the day before.
• A room with working heating. It's November on the Cantabrian coast — don't gamble with this.
• Late check-out until 14:00-15:00. You finish ~10:30-12:30 depending on goal, you need shower, food, rest.
• Bathtub for ice / contrast baths post-race. Useful after a 20K with climbs. Filter on Booking ("room with bathtub").
• Real distance to the Boulevard (the finish), not to "central Donostia". <800 m: easy walk. 800-1,500 m: walkable but with tired legs. >1,500 m: bus/taxi.
• Don't stay in Irún unless you have a car. The organisation's bus runs Donostia → Behobia, not the other way around.

• Distance to finish: 0-800 m on foot (0-10 min). The most comfortable option for Sunday midday.
• Pros: unbeatable post-race logistics. Pintxo bars around the corner. La Concha bay 5 min away.
• Cons: Saturday night noisy (Parte Vieja runs late). High prices on Behobia weekend.

• Distance to finish: 1.0–1.5 km on foot (12–18 min) or 1 bus stop.
• Pros: quiet, near Zurriola beach, pintxo restaurants without tourist crowds.
• Cons: crossing the Urumea river to reach the finish — easy, but adds minutes when you're limping.

• Distance to start: 1-3 km on foot (to the Behobia bridge).
• Pros: you're right by the start.
• Cons: you're far from the finish (20 km). You have to get back to Irún by public transport from Donostia after the race. Not recommended unless you have a clear logistical reason.

*Indicative race-weekend rate (second Sunday of November). Varies a lot with booking lead time — Behobia weekend is the most expensive of the year in Donostia, alongside the Film Festival in September. Book 4-6 months out.

The Donostia weather on the second Sunday of November averages 8-15 °C with overcast skies, high humidity (75-90%) and a 50% chance of rain, based on historical data from AEMET and Euskalmet. The Cantabrian wind — typically NW or N — can hit hard along coastal sections (km 9-12) with gusts of 30-50 km/h. It's not predictable weather: in the last 5 years we've seen everything from a dry, sunny 14 °C (rare) to 6 °C with rain and headwind (also rare). Most likely: 10-12 °C with overcast and chance of showers.

The variable to watch is rain and wind, not raw cold. For 20K at your target pace, 10-12 °C is ideal — you cool down quickly in the first 2 km and then run comfortably. But rain changes the shoes you wear (see Gear section) and the headwind between Pasaia and Miracruz (km 12-14) can add 10-15 seconds per km if it hits hard.

Plan by forecast:

• Dry, 10-14 °C, wind <15 km/h: optimal conditions. Most personal records are set here. Short-sleeve technical tee, regular shorts.
• Dry, 6-10 °C, moderate wind: good conditions. Short sleeves + disposable arm warmers. If <8 °C, a thin long-sleeve or a throwaway layer.
• Light rain, 8-12 °C: likely. Technical tee + breathable waterproof vest (not a plastic poncho). Shoe with drainage.
• Heavy rain or downpour (rare but possible): waterproof shell. Accept losing 30 seconds per km. Switch the goal to "finish well".
• Strong headwind (>30 km/h): especially between km 9-14. Shelter in a group, don't break out chasing, save that energy for Miracruz.

Bring kit for all three scenarios: the Thursday-to-Sunday Cantabrian forecast shifts several times. Don't bet the race on a 5-day forecast — pick your kit on Saturday night with the 12-24 hour outlook.

The recommended plan to prepare for Behobia is an 8-10 week block (not 16 — this is 20 km, not a marathon) with peak volume in weeks 5-7 (between 30 km and 90+ km a week depending on goal), one weekly long run reaching 22-25 km, and a 10-day taper. The key for Behobia: train structural climbs and at least two long runs with 150 m+ of cumulative gain to acclimate to Gainchurizketa and Miracruz.

Approach Behobia as a 20K with a budget of ~150 m of gain concentrated in two climbs, not as a flat 20K. Pick your goal and follow the table — these are peak volumes (weeks 5-7), not block averages.

How to read the table and build the cycle:

• These are peak volumes (weeks 5-7 of an 8-week block, weeks 7-8 of a 10-week block). The block average will be roughly 70% of your chosen row.
• One long run per week, no more. For 20K with climbs, long runs of 18-25 km depending on goal.
• The rest of the volume is easy conversational running.
• Typical distribution: 80% easy / 20% intense, measured in total time.
• One quality session per week is enough up to a 1:30 goal; from there, two come in.

Three sessions worth gold for Behobia:

1. Long Miracruz-style climbs (weeks 3-7). 5-8 × 1-1.5 km on a 5-7% sustained gradient at threshold pace. If you live in flat terrain, find a long bridge or a multi-storey car park. You learn to "spend" the climb without spiking your heart rate.
2. Long run with cumulative gain (weeks 4-7). At least 2 long runs in the block should accumulate 150+ m of positive elevation. Behobia doesn't forgive legs that have never seen climbs.
3. Tempo at goal pace on rolling terrain (weeks 5-7). 8-12 km at race pace with 100-200 m of positive elevation. Learn not to break when the profile changes.

The taper is 10 days, not 3 weeks. For 20K all you need: week -2 at 80%, week -1 at 50%, keeping intensity in short pickups. The last long run (in week -3) is the one that loads the cup.

Don't know what realistic target time you can hit at Behobia? Cross your most recent 10K or half time with the "Behobia" factor (which deducts the two climbs + possible wind):

How to read it: the 10K → 20K conversion is roughly 10K × 2.15 (Riegel factor). Behobia adds 2-4% on top because of the two structural climbs — that gives you the realistic range. If you've trained climbs and the day is dry without wind, target the lower end. If it rains or there's headwind, the upper end.

Find another 20K race near you →

Once you have your target time, this calculator gives you the required average pace (in min/km and min/mi) and the cumulative splits at 5K, 10K, 15K and finish — including the key splits at Gainchurizketa (km 7) and foot of Miracruz (km 14). Change the target time in the field below and the table updates instantly:

The calculator above gives you the pace. But a real race plan answers more questions: what strategy do I start with? 1 gel or 2? what do I do if I'm 20 seconds over target on Gainchurizketa? how do I manage Miracruz if I arrive on the edge?

Configure your goal, strategy and fuelling plan. The planner generates a personalised plan by segment (with paces, HR zones, mental cues and minute-by-minute fuelling), a race-morning checklist, and a Plan B for the unexpected (rain, wind, bus delay, cramps on Miracruz). Download it as a PDF to take with you on race day.

You arrive at Behobia. You've done the 8-10 week block. What separates good training from a good time is what you do over the next 1-2 hours.

The Behobia race plan should combine conservative pacing in km 1-7 (don't overdo it on the flats), target pace between km 8-13, and effort-management (not pace) between km 14-15 on Miracruz, closing from km 15 to the Boulevard depending on how you arrive at the top. Each target time (sub-1:10 to finish) has a specific split pattern.

• Wake up: 3 hours before (6:00 if the start is at 9:00 and you've slept in Donostia).
• Breakfast: 2.5-3 h before. What you've practised on long runs, no experiments. 60-80 g of carbs.
• Hotel departure: 7:00-7:15 to the bus (if the organisation provides it). Arrive in Behobia ~7:45-8:00.
• Warm-up: light. A 10-15 minute jog + 4 strides of 50 m. Essential: ambient temperature is cold and muscles don't respond without warming up.
• Corral: enter 30-45 minutes before the gun. Behobia starts in blocks (elite + groups by time goal).

• Km 1-7 (conservative): keep flat, don't get sucked in by runners speeding up on the first flat stretch. False flats invite you to drop the hammer — let yourself give up 3-5 seconds per km, no more. If your watch says 4:20/km at the 5 km mark and you're going for sub-1:30, that's already too much.
• Km 7 (Gainchurizketa): first test. Lose 5-10 s/km on the climb; don't go above 90% of max HR. The top gives a descent and a breather.
• Km 8-13 (cruise): target pace at a heart rate you can hold while chatting in short sentences. Drink at every aid station, gel on cadence. The Pasaia stretch (km 12) has crowds — don't get carried away.
• Km 14-15 (Miracruz): the key segment. If you arrive at the foot with legs, hold effort on the climb. If you arrive on the edge, hold effort even if you lose 30-40 s/km — you'll claw them back on the descent to the Boulevard.
• Km 15-20 (close): the last 5 km are descent and final flat. If you arrive with energy, splits drop 10-15 s/km below target pace. If you arrive empty, you'll lose 20-30 seconds per km.

• Km 5: drink even if you're not thirsty. Especially if it's cold and you're not sweating — dehydration arrives anyway.
• Km 10 (halfway): if you're carrying a gel, this is the moment. Wash it down with water (not isotonic).
• Km 14 (foot of Miracruz): the critical aid station. Drink before starting the climb — you won't want to stop midway.
• Km 17-18: the last ones. If you have glycogen left, skip. If not, drink + a quick gel if your stomach can take it.

This is where Behobia is decided. Three anchors:

1. Name the next three points: top of Miracruz, km 17, Boulevard. As long as you have a next point, you keep going.
2. Count down kilometres from the top: "5 km, 4 km, last 5K". The brain accepts small numbers better than long distances.
3. Lean on Basque tradition: silence on the climbs, applause at the finish: the Behobia tradition is that on the climbs the crowd applauds in reverent silence, not shouting. It feels like prayer. Use that silence to enter the zone.

• Don't stop. Keep walking 5-10 minutes through the finishers' area. Stopping cold is the recipe for dizziness + cramps.
• Hydrate before eating. Isotonic + water in the first 10 minutes.
• Dry clothes + warm layer: the post-finish cold in November Cantabrian hits hard. Thermal blanket if it's wet.
• Very light stretching: hamstrings, calves, quads. 30 seconds each, no bouncing.
• Stop the watch when you cross the finishers' zone, not before. Your official time is by chip.
• Pintxos: yes, you've earned them. But hydrate first, eat lightly the first 30 minutes, and from the 1-hour mark hit the txuleta and sidra calmly.

Save this event in SportPlan →

The nutrition strategy for a 20K pivots on 30-60 g of carbs per hour depending on goal, with 1-2 gels (not 3-5 like in a half or marathon) spread out from km 8 onwards. Carb load over the previous 2 days should be 6-8 g/kg/day — you don't need the massive marathon load. And Saturday dinner: pintxos yes, but with your head set on running the next day.

Saturday dinner is the trickiest part when you're in Donostia. The temptation is to hit a Parte Vieja pintxo bar and demolish it — short answer: not entirely. What works:

• Pintxos yes, but selective: tortilla, pasta or rice pintxo, ham, cured cheese, bread. Avoid ensaladilla with heavy mayo, raw products (raw txangurro, very salty anchovy), heavy sauces.
• 2-3 pintxos as starter + simple main: pasta or rice with grilled fish, not a 1 kg txuleta. The Basque txuleta belongs at Sunday's post-finish celebration, not at the pre-race dinner.
• Zero sidra or alcohol the night before. Yes, Basque sidra is part of the tradition — but it dehydrates you and wrecks your sleep. Save it for Sunday post-race.
• Eat early (before 21:00). You'll go to bed earlier and digest better.

Race-morning breakfast depends on whether you wake up hungry and what time you're catching the bus to Behobia. If the bus leaves at 7:00, breakfast at 5:30-6:00. The safe call: toast with honey/jam + banana + coffee (if you usually drink it). 60-80 g of carbs, eaten 2.5-3 hours before the gun. If your stomach closes up with nerves, swap for a sports drink with 60 g of carbs.

What the organisation puts on course:

• Liquid aid stations at km 5, 10, 13, 17 approximately. Water and isotonic.
• Light solid aid at km 13-14 — fruit and bars (depends on edition).
• Cold-water sponges only if the forecast is above 18 °C (rare in November).
• Solid aid at the finish: fruit, bars, isotonic, water.

Carb plan by goal:

Three mistakes seen every year at Behobia:

• Loading like it's a marathon. You don't need 8 g/kg/day for 4 days — it's 20 km, not 42. A normal hypocaloric Friday dinner and pasta or rice on Saturday at midday is more than enough.
• Sidra on Saturday night "because we're in Donostia". Dehydrates you 2-3% and plays nasty tricks on Miracruz. Save it for post-race.
• Trying a caffeine gel for the first time at Behobia. If you've never tested it on a long run, race day isn't the day. Mid-Miracruz GI distress is the last thing you need.

Hydration by forecast:

• Cold (<10 °C, moderate wind): water at aid stations. Sodium unnecessary. Keep drinking even if you're not thirsty — the brain plays tricks in the cold.
• Mild (10-15 °C, no wind): isotonic at every aid station. Electrolyte salts optional.
• Rain or strong wind (any temperature): isotonic + electrolyte salt every 45 min. Wind losses are bigger than they seem.

Post-finish recovery — the first hour:

• First 5 minutes: isotonic at the finish + water.
• 0-30 minutes: thermal layer + slow walking + second isotonic.
• 30-60 minutes: real food with protein + carbs. Ideal: ham or tortilla sandwich, banana, isotonic. Aim for 20 g of protein and 50 g of carbs.
• 2-4 hours later: now yes, txuleta + sidra + pintxos. You've earned it, and the Basque celebration is part of the Behobia experience.

The best shoes for the Behobia–San Sebastián are protective carbon plate with good grip for sub-1:30 (Saucony Endorphin Pro, ASICS Magic Speed), protective super-trainer between 1:30-1:45 (Saucony Endorphin Speed, Hoka Mach X, Puma Deviate Nitro), and stable daily trainer for 1:45+ (Nike Pegasus Plus, ASICS Cumulus, Brooks Ghost). The critical points: wet grip (it's November Cantabrian) and protection for the technical Gainchurizketa descent.

Unlike a flat 21.1, at Behobia the grip + protection factor weighs more than weight. An ultralight race carbon plate can save you 2-3% of energy but slips in the wet and crushes quads on the Gainchurizketa descent and the final descent from Miracruz. For non-elite runners, a protective plate or a super-trainer beats the lightest option.

Recommendations by goal:

Check this before leaving the house:

• Outsole grip. If it rains (50% odds), the Basque asphalt gets slippery and hard-compound race carbon plates slide. Original Vaporfly grip less than Endorphin Pro or Adios Pro.
• Mileage on your shoes. A carbon plate loses bounce after 250-350 km. If you used them in your October half, they'll arrive worn at Behobia.
• Drop suited to the descent. On the Gainchurizketa descent and from Miracruz, low drops (4 mm) crush the soleus more. If you come from a high drop, don't switch for Behobia.
• Tested on at least two long runs with climbs. New shoes are always a bad idea — even more so at Behobia.

• T-shirt: technical short sleeve if forecast >12 °C, thin long sleeve if 8-12 °C. Materials: polyester or fine merino, never cotton (soaks up rain and chills you).
• Breathable waterproof vest: highly recommended if the forecast includes rain. Plastic ponchos don't breathe and soak you from inside. Better a Gore-Tex Active or equivalent.
• Disposable arm warmers: great for the first 5 km if <10 °C — strip them off on the move without losing pace.
• Bottoms: 5-7" shorts with gel pockets. Short tights if <8 °C.
• Socks: thin technical, no toe seams, tested in rain if a wet forecast is on. Merino sock is better in cold + wet.
• Anti-chafe: Vaseline or BodyGlide on nipples, armpits, groin — especially if it's going to rain.
• Throwaway layer: an old t-shirt or trash bag for the 30-45 minutes in the corral at Behobia. It's very cold waiting before the gun.

• GPS watch with barometric altimeter: Garmin Forerunner 265+, Coros Apex, Apple Watch Ultra. Useful to confirm the real profile of Gainchurizketa and Miracruz.
• Lock target pace + total time on the main screen. GPS in the Pasaia zone and entry into Donostia can drift +1-2% from buildings.
• Gel belt: to carry 2 of your own gels. Don't underestimate the space you need.

• Cap or visor: yes, but more for rain than for sun in November.
• Thin technical gloves: highly recommended if <12 °C. Hands cool fast in the first 1 km waiting in the corral.
• Buff or thin neck-warmer: for the pre-race corral — you can pull it down during the race.
• Electrolyte salts: capsules to take before km 10 if the forecast is wind or rain.
• Waterproof phone pouch: highly recommended if it's raining — a soaked phone in the pocket is trouble.

Compare with other Spanish popular races →

Why 20K and not 21.1 (half marathon)?

Out of respect for tradition. The first 1919 edition was run over exactly 20 km, and since the modern relaunch in 1979 the organisation has held that distance despite pressure to standardise to 21.1 (which would be eligible for World Athletics records). Behobia is the only reference Spanish popular race over 20K, and that's part of its identity. The difference from a half is just 1.1 km, but psychologically and tactically it's its own beast: neither a long 10K nor a short half.

Is it much harder than a flat half marathon?

Yes, quite a bit harder. Even though it's 1.1 km shorter than a standard half, the two structural climbs (Gainchurizketa at km 7 and Miracruz at km 14-15) make it 5 to 8 minutes slower than a flat half like Valencia or the Madrid Half. If you run 1:25 in flat Valencia, in Behobia you'll likely run 1:32-1:36. Add the Cantabrian weather (cold, humid, possible wind) and the toll grows. For many runners it's harder than an "easy" marathon in terms of effort per minute.

How do I get in? Is there really a lottery?

Yes, a real lottery — it's not marketing. The lottery opens in July of the previous year (July 2027 for this edition). You register for free on the official site, wait for results in August, and only if selected do you pay for the bib. Typical odds: ~37% getting in as an individual. Team spots (3-6 runners) have better odds. If you want a guaranteed entry, charity bibs via partner NGOs (€150-300) are the only guaranteed route.

Is there a cut-off time?

Recent editions close the race at 3 hours from the gun, which equals about 9 min/km. Walking is allowed; the course has staggered partial closings (the N-1 reopens to traffic after the last runner passes). If you're going beyond 2:30, make sure you start in the right corral and don't lose the first 30 minutes in the toilet queue.

How do I get to the start on race morning?

Free organisation bus, from central points in Donostia (Boulevard, Anoeta) to Behobia. Departs ~6:30-7:30, arrives ~7:30-8:00. It's the option used by 90% of runners and it's included in the bib. Alternative: Topo train (Renfe Cercanías) Donostia-Irún every 30 min. Don't drive to Behobia — parking is impossible and the N-1 is partially closed from early morning.

What if it rains? Do they cancel the race?

No. Behobia runs in rain, wind and cold — that's part of its character. It has only been suspended in extreme circumstances (Civil War, COVID 2020). If the forecast includes rain, adjust kit: breathable waterproof vest, merino socks, cap. Accept losing 30 seconds per km if it rains hard and switch the goal to "finish well". The good news: the Basque crowd applauds in rain with the same intensity as in sun.

What shoes are best for Behobia?

For sub-1:30, a protective carbon plate with good grip (Saucony Endorphin Pro, ASICS Magic Speed, adidas Adios Pro 4 — avoid the classic Vaporfly if it rains, slippery in the wet). For 1:30-1:45, super-trainer (Saucony Endorphin Speed, Hoka Mach X). For 1:45+, stable daily trainer (Nike Pegasus Plus, ASICS Cumulus, Brooks Ghost). The most important: wet grip and already broken in (not exceeding 250-350 km of use).

How does it compare to other Spanish popular races?

Behobia is the most mythical and traditional on the Spanish calendar. The Cursa El Corte Inglés (Barcelona, ~10K) and the San Silvestre Vallecana (Madrid, 10K) are urban and flat. The Carrera de la Mujer is a women's circuit over 5K-10K. Behobia plays in another league: a real 20K with climbs, Cantabrian weather, lottery entry, a century of tradition. It's the "Boston of Spanish popular races" — not the fastest, but the most prestigious for making personal history.

Is it good for a first long race?

Only if you go in without a time goal. The atmosphere, tradition, aid stations and the Boulevard finish make the experience memorable. Not, if your goal is a specific time — the two climbs and the weather penalise too much. If it's your first race beyond 10K, better start with a flat half (Valencia, Lisbon, Madrid Half), learn to manage 21K, and then come to Behobia to live it fully.

Is there a lot of atmosphere at the finish?

An incredible amount. The Donostia Boulevard and Avenida de la Libertad are packed from 2 hours before the first finisher until evening. Whole families wait for their runners with banners, there's PA at low volume (the Basque tradition is respectful, this is not Times Square), pintxo bars around the corner, and the afternoon txuleta + sidra is the closing ritual. It's the most mythical finish on the Spanish popular calendar, and it's worth the lottery + the trip + the wait. Few race finishes leave you feeling so good.

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Behobia–San Sebastián is the best Spanish popular race in November for tradition and character, but it's not the option for a PB. If you're chasing a fast time, a flat winter half (Valencia, Lisbon, Madrid Half) is 5-8 minutes faster; if you want mass urban atmosphere over a short distance, Cursa El Corte Inglés or San Silvestre Vallecana are the bet. Behobia is for living a mythical 20K — and in 2027, that's still unique.

Distances vary across these races, so the comparison is by character, not direct clocking:

See all Spanish popular races →

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Was this guide useful? If you're going to run Behobia–San Sebastián 2027, save the event in SportPlan to get alerts for the July lottery opening, expo reminders and, after the race, log your result on the Boulevard.