Overview
- The 20.196 km race with 192 meters of elevation has 27,981 registered starters, plus 153 rollers and 65 para-athletes supported by 14 guides, with a maximum allowed time of 2 hours 35 minutes.
- Three-time winner Chakib Lachgar headlines the men’s field chasing the txapela, with challengers including Abdenasser Oukhelfen, Nicolás Cuestas, Asier Calahorra, Raúl Celada, Xavier Badía and Iraitz Arrospide.
- Argentina’s María Luz Tesuri is tabbed as the leading contender in the women’s race, with entries such as Katherine Tisalema and veteran Elena Loyo, while recent champion Mireia Guarner returns to the start line months after giving birth.
- Influencer and ultra-runner Estefanía Unzu “Verdeliss” makes her Behobia debut wearing bib 156 after the New York Marathon, saying she shifted to short intervals and hill work to tackle Gaintxurizketa, Capuchinos and Miracruz.
- A viral parody by ‘Luci’ from Fundación Adopta Un Abuelo underscores the race’s cultural reach on social platforms, as long-time participants like Manolo Loro line up again alongside first-time family members.