Zurich Maratón Donostia-San Sebastián 2026 – San Sebastián, Spain
Overview
The Zurich Maratón Donostia-San Sebastián 2026 is one of Europe’s most prestigious and historic distance running events, celebrated for its incredibly fast, flat, and scenic course. As the second oldest marathon in Spain, it has earned a reputation as a “PB (Personal Best) hunter’s paradise,” thanks to its urban circuit that stays at sea level and winds through the heart of the Basque Country’s coastal gem. The 2026 edition continues to offer a world-class experience that balances professional athletic standards with the legendary hospitality and gastronomic culture of San Sebastián.
The race starts on the central Hernani Street, near the Alderdi Eder gardens and the City Hall, providing a grand atmosphere right from the first kilometer. Runners traverse the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Urumea river promenades, the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, and the Kursaal, before heading toward the breathtaking La Concha Bay. The finish line is located on the emblematic Boulevard, where thousands of spectators gather to cheer participants through the final stretch. With a field limited to approximately 7,000 marathoners and 4,500 runners in the 10K category, the event maintains a high-quality feel without the overcrowding found in larger global majors.
In addition to the main 42.195km race, the weekend features a popular 10K run and the “Gosaria Run,” a friendly breakfast run designed for families and companions. The marathon is famous for its “three-loop” system—one short and two long—which maximizes spectator interaction and ensures constant support for the athletes. Whether you are an elite runner looking to shave minutes off your time or a recreational tourist eager to see one of the world’s most beautiful bays on foot, the San Sebastián Marathon provides a visceral and rewarding connection to the soul of Basque athletics.
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Event Highlights
- Conquer a fast and flat urban circuit that is officially certified and designed to help runners achieve personal records at sea level.
- Run past San Sebastián’s most stunning architectural and natural sights, including the Buen Pastor Cathedral and the world-famous La Concha Bay.
- Join a field of over 11,000 international participants for a weekend that includes a professional 10K race and a social breakfast run.
- Receive a comprehensive runner’s package that includes an official high-quality T-shirt, a finisher’s medal, and access to professional recovery and massage areas.
Why Attend
The Zurich Maratón Donostia-San Sebastián is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize performance and beauty in equal measure. It is particularly suited for experienced marathoners looking for a certified course to improve their global rankings or for first-timers who want a manageable, flat route with a generous 5-hour cut-off time. The event offers a unique opportunity to combine a top-tier athletic challenge with a vacation in the world’s “pintxo capital,” allowing for a recovery filled with some of the best culinary experiences in Europe.
The benefits of attending go beyond the race day itself; the “Expo Sports” held at the Kursaal Congress Centre serves as a vibrant hub for the running community, offering the latest gear and nutritional advice. With free urban bus transport for participants and a live-tracking app for friends and family, the event is meticulously organized to ensure a stress-free weekend. Running this marathon means becoming part of a 48-year tradition in a city that truly loves and respects the sport of athletics, making it a bucket-list event for any serious runner.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: November 22, 2026
- Event Duration: 5 hours (Marathon cut-off time)
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Registration is handled exclusively online through the official race website and the RockTheSport platform.
- Admission Type: Ticketed event for all participants; spectators can view the race from the streets for free.
- Ticket Pricing: $63 to $105 (Prices increase in tiers based on the number of registrants: 1st-1000th: $63; 1001st-2500th: $74; 2501st-4000th: $85; 4001st-5500th: $96; 5501st-7000th: $102; plus a $5 license fee for non-federated runners).
- Special Seating Options: There is no reserved seating along the course; the finish line on the Boulevard offers the best standing views.
- VIP Options: While no specific VIP spectator tickets are sold, “Accommodation Packs” are available for purchase, offering guaranteed race bibs and hotel stays near the start line.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: San Sebastián (Donostia), Spain
- Venue Name: Hernani Street (Start) / Boulevard (Finish)
- Google Maps Address: Donostia / San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Worried about accommodation? Hotels near this event sell out quickly, and prices tend to rise fast. Check out these accommodation options:
Contact Information
- Email: info@zurichmaratonsansebastian.com
- Phone Number: +34 943 474 341
- Official Website: https://zurichmaratonsansebastian.com/en/
- Social Media Links:
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfvuLKHaMAAIFReL4nX-bgw
- https://www.facebook.com/ZurichMaratonSS/
- https://www.instagram.com/maratonsansebastian/?hl=es
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: San Sebastián Airport (EAS) is 13 miles away, while Bilbao Airport (BIO) is 62 miles away and offers more international connections.
- Nearest Train/Metro Station: San Sebastián – Donostia Railway Station (Estación del Norte) is centrally located and a 10-minute walk from the start line.
- Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: The city’s “Dbus” network is extensive, and marathon participants typically enjoy free travel on race day.
- Parking Availability: Public underground parking is available at the Alderdi Eder and Boulevard garages, though road closures make them hard to access on race morning.
- Directions by Car: Access is via the AP-8 (Cantabrian Highway) or the A-1 (Northern Highway), following signs for “Donostia-San Sebastián Centro.”
What is this event?
The Zurich Maratón Donostia-San Sebastián is a premier international road running event featuring a full marathon and a 10K race. It is widely recognized for its fast, sea-level course that is certified for official time-keeping and record attempts.
The event draws thousands of runners from across the globe to compete in the heart of the Basque Country. It serves as a major community and sporting highlight for the city, emphasizing both athletic excellence and tourism.
Why is it popular?
The marathon is popular primarily due to its reputation as one of the flattest and fastest courses in Spain, making it a top choice for runners aiming for a “Personal Best.” The incredible scenic beauty of La Concha Bay provides a world-class backdrop that few other marathons can match.
Its popularity also stems from the vibrant local support and the city’s famous gastronomy, which makes the post-race celebration as enjoyable as the run itself. The organization is praised for its efficiency, from the bib pickup at the Kursaal to the well-stocked recovery stations.
Attendee Experiences
- The course was so flat and well-paced that I finally broke my three-hour barrier after years of trying.
- Hearing the crowd roar as I ran past the City Hall in the final kilometers was the boost I needed to finish strong.
- San Sebastián is the perfect marathon city; we spent the whole evening after the race eating pintxos and celebrating in the Old Town.
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FAQ's
Where and when can I collect my race bib for the 2026 event?
Bib number collection takes place at the "Expo Sports," located in the Kursaal Congress Centre (Avenida de la Zurriola, 1), on Friday afternoon and all day Saturday prior to the race. Please note that bibs will not be handed out on Sunday morning under any circumstances, so you must plan to arrive in the city at least one day early. You will need to bring your official registration confirmation email and a valid form of identification to collect your runner's bag and timing chip.
What is the "one-day RFEA license" and do I need to pay for it?
The RFEA license is a mandatory insurance and participation fee required by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation for all runners taking part in official marathon events in Spain. If you already have a valid national or regional athletics federation license in Spain, you do not need to pay this fee. However, most international runners and non-federated athletes will need to pay an additional $5 during the registration process to cover this one-day insurance.
Is there a bag drop-off service available for runners on race day?
Yes, a free cloakroom and bag drop-off service is provided for all participants near the start and finish areas, typically located at the Alderdi Eder gardens or a nearby sports facility. You must use the official runner's bag provided in your race pack and clearly label it with your bib number before dropping it off with the volunteers. The area is secure and monitored, allowing you to run without worrying about your warm clothes or personal belongings.
Are there pacemakers available to help me reach a specific finishing time?
The marathon organizers provide official pacemakers (known as "practicantes") for several target times, typically ranging from 2 hours 45 minutes up to 5 hours. These experienced runners carry large flags or balloons indicating their goal time and maintain a steady pace throughout the 42.195km to help others stay on track. You do not need to register to follow a pacemaker; you can simply find the relevant group in the starting corals based on your target finishing time.
What happens if I cannot finish the marathon within the 5-hour time limit?
The 5-hour time limit is strictly enforced to allow for the reopening of city streets to public traffic, meaning you must maintain an average pace of approximately 7:06 per kilometer. If you fall significantly behind this pace, the "broom wagon" or race officials may ask you to leave the course or continue on the sidewalk as a pedestrian without the protection of road closures. Participants who finish after the 5-hour mark may not receive an official finishing time or a medal in the final results.
