Urduñako Mendi Lasterketa 2026: distances and course

Plan your race pace

Orduña will turn its attention to the Sierra Salvada on Sunday, November 8, 2026, when its mountain race holds its ninth edition. The day offers three ways to cross Gorobel: a 33-kilometre individual trail, a relay over the same course and a 14-kilometre popular race. The start and finish will be at Plaza de los Fueros, in the historic centre of the Biscayan city.

The long-distance course gains 1,750 metres of elevation and has a maximum time limit of 5 hours and 30 minutes; the popular race climbs 550 metres. The route crosses mountain paths, woodland and waterways, in scenery that can become wet and slippery in November. Registration opened on May 1, 2026, and runners with a confirmed reservation at accommodation in Orduña can receive a 20% discount on their race bib, according to the available information.

Three ways to cross Gorobel

The individual race of 33 kilometres and 1,750 metres of elevation gain is the day’s greatest physical challenge. The distance combines sustained climbs, stretches of trail and descents where the ground may demand more attention than speed. The 5-hour-30-minute cutoff provides a clear reference for judging the necessary pace, although the actual effort will depend on trail conditions, weather and each runner’s experience.

The relay covers the same 33-kilometre long course, divided into two legs of 17 and 16 kilometres, with a handover at the Txoza fountain. The format lets runners share the day and divide the climbing, but it is still a mountain race that calls for preparation and careful effort management. The popular event, at 14 kilometres with 550 metres of ascent, offers a shorter option for those who prefer a less demanding trail route.

The scheduled start times differ for the two individual races: the 33-kilometre trail starts at 9:30 a.m. and the popular race at 10 a.m. Race information lists a limit of 275 places for the long distance and 200 for the 14-kilometre event. The available reference material does not include an entry fee, so the amount and applicable terms should be checked on the registration platform before entering.

A route of rivers, beech woods and limestone slopes

Gorobel, also known as the Sierra Salvada, makes the landscape part of the challenge rather than a backdrop. The long-course description mentions rivers, waterfalls and centuries-old beech woods, as well as paths linking forested sections with more open and exposed terrain. Some trails may be fast in dry conditions; rain changes the character of every descent, making mud and wet rock more prominent.

The 33-kilometre route passes through Tertanga and the area around Fraileburu and Txolope before heading towards Bedarbide, whose stated elevation is 1,041 metres. It also follows the Senda Negra beneath the mountain cliffs and returns through the Valley of the Milanos. These place names give an idea of the varied terrain, but they are no substitute for the official GPX track or updated elevation profile: runners should check the current route and regulations when available.

The 14-kilometre event is designed as a shorter, more dynamic course, with 550 metres of cumulative climbing. It retains the mountain character of the longer distance, while its shorter length offers a more accessible entry point for trail runners with moderate experience. The available description highlights paths and forest; pace will also depend on moisture, concentrated climbing and the condition of narrow sections.

November can change the trails

The date falls in mid-autumn, a season when leaves can cover paths and beech woods and riverside areas may remain damp. It is not possible to forecast the exact conditions months in advance, and long-term averages are not the same as a forecast. The reference weather information points to cool temperatures and a possibility of rain, so equipment choices should be based on the forecast closer to race day.

On muddy trails, a shoe with prominent lugs can help find traction; on wet rock, safety also depends on careful foot placement and controlling speed. A lightweight waterproof layer and clothing that allows runners to regulate warmth are sensible options for an autumn mountain race, but only the regulations determine what is compulsory. A piece of gear recommended by other runners should not automatically be treated as mandatory: that distinction needs to be checked in the official documents.

Self-sufficiency deserves particular attention on the long course. Available information places a full aid station near kilometre 16.8, at the Txoza fountain, although locations, supplies and rules may change and should be confirmed before the race. For a course that could take more than five hours, hydration and fuelling should not be improvised: it is better to practise during training with the food and drink planned for race day, taking duration and individual needs into account.

Registration and the accommodation discount

Registration for the 2026 edition opened on May 1 through the Kirolprobak platform, according to published race information. Limited places are announced for the individual events, but the reference material does not state the entry fee or confirm how many places are available for the relay. Before registering, runners should check availability, refund terms, insurance coverage and any requirements set by the organisers.

There is a benefit linked to local accommodation: runners with a confirmed reservation at a property in Orduña may receive a 20% discount on the entry fee. The available information says the discount should be requested by sending a private message on Instagram. As promotions of this kind may have specific conditions, it is sensible to confirm which proof is accepted, which race formats qualify and whether the discount must be requested before paying for the bib.

A limited field makes it important to distinguish between the announced opening date and actual availability at any given time. The fact that registration opened in May does not, on its own, establish that places will still be available months later. The current status should be checked on the registration platform or through the organisers’ communications, along with the regulations, final start times and bib collection instructions.

Preparing for a mountain race

The 33-kilometre distance calls for preparation that is not measured only by the mileage completed on easy trails. Elevation, duration and technical descents require endurance, leg strength and the ability to stay focused as fatigue sets in. Gradually introducing climbs and practising descents on varied surfaces can help runners get familiar with the terrain, with training loads adjusted to each person’s experience and fitness.

Long runs also provide an opportunity to test the shoes, clothing and fuelling planned for race day. New shoes on the day can turn a minor discomfort into a lasting problem, while a poorly fitted vest can rub for hours. Specific preparation is largely about reducing unknowns: practise with the equipment and pace on realistic training outings, while allowing time to recover before the event.

The popular race should not be mistaken for a short road run. Its 14 kilometres include 550 metres of climbing, so adapting to uneven ground and controlling effort still matter. Runners new to trail can alternate running and walking on climbs, a common mountain-running approach that helps preserve energy for later sections without turning every hill into a speed test.

Orduña as a start point and place to stay

Plaza de los Fueros, in the historic centre, is the stated start and finish location. The race begins in a recognisable urban setting before leading towards mountain scenery. For visitors, staying overnight in Orduña can make race morning easier and, if the announced conditions are met, provide access to the 20% discount linked to local accommodation.

The city lies in southern Bizkaia, near the borders with Álava and Burgos. Reference information puts it about 45 kilometres from Bilbao and roughly 30 kilometres from Vitoria-Gasteiz, although travel time depends on the route and traffic. With staggered starts and possible road restrictions, it is wise to allow enough time to arrive, park, collect a bib if required and prepare without rushing.

A stay can also extend the experience beyond the race. The medieval historic centre and the surroundings of the Orduña pass create a contrast between urban streets and open slopes that helps define the area’s appeal. The event lists the Orduña City Council, the Monte Santiago Natural Monument and the Network of Protected Areas of Castilla y León among its supporters, alongside other organisations. That collaboration is a reminder that the race crosses a lived-in and protected landscape, not a setting detached from its surroundings.

A day that brings sport and community together

The race is presented as more than a timed event: it brings participants together around Gorobel’s trails and the town that hosts the start and finish. The relay format strengthens that shared element, while the popular distance allows different goals to coexist on the same day. The event’s scale and connection to its surroundings are part of its identity: the route demands respect for the terrain and for the people who care for and live in it.

In the mountains, that respect is reflected in practical choices: follow the marked route, heed the organisers’ instructions, leave no litter and avoid shortcuts that damage soil or vegetation. In November, mud may tempt runners to leave the trail in search of firmer ground, but going off route increases environmental impact and can create risks. The shared experience depends on the race itself and on how each runner moves through a landscape used by others.

Orduña’s ninth edition brings together different distances in the same landscape: 33 kilometres for those taking on the long course, a team relay and a shorter 14-kilometre option. With the start at Plaza de los Fueros and Gorobel’s slopes on the horizon, the November 8 event will combine a sporting challenge with autumn scenery. The final route, rules and registration status should be confirmed through the organisers’ communications before travelling.