On Sunday, November 10, 2024, the 60th edition of the Behobia San Sebastián 2024 took place, one of the most iconic races in Spain. With more than 27,000 registered runners and a massive turnout of spectators along the route, the day was marked by a festive atmosphere and a competitive spirit that characterizes this event.
Behobia San Sebastián 2024 Rankings and Times
Below are the rankings of the top 10 athletes in the men’s and women’s categories of the Behobia-San Sebastián 2024:
Men’s Category:
- Chakib Lachgar – 1h 02m 19s
- Rubén Morales – 1h 02m 29s
- Iraitz Arrospide – 1h 02m 31s
- Iván Fernández – 1h 03m 05s
- Abdelkabir Saji – 1h 03m 15s
- Houssame Benabbou – 1h 03m 25s
- Raúl Celada – 1h 03m 35s
- Jaume Leiva – 1h 03m 45s
- Ayad Lamdassem – 1h 03m 55s
- Hamid Ben Daoud – 1h 04m 05s
Women’s Category:
- Mireia Guarner – 1h 13m 54s
- Lorena Plano – 1h 14m 11s
- Maitane Melero – 1h 14m 29s
- Marisa Casanueva – 1h 14m 45s
- Maite Arraiza – 1h 15m 18s
- Gema Barrachina – 1h 15m 35s
- Aroa Merino – 1h 15m 50s
- Elena Loyo – 1h 16m 05s
- Azucena Díaz – 1h 16m 20s
- Iraia García – 1h 16m 35s
These results reflect the high level of competition at the 2024 edition of the Behobia-San Sebastián.
Participation and Atmosphere
From the early hours of the morning, the streets of Donostia/San Sebastián were filled with families, friends, and sports enthusiasts, all cheering on the participants who were tackling the 20 kilometers of this iconic race. Spectators played a crucial role, supporting the runners at every stage, from the start in Behobia to the finish line in San Sebastián.
Winners of the 2024 Edition
Chakib Lachgar: Victory in the Men’s Category
Chakib Lachgar, born on March 21, 1989, is a Spanish athlete specializing in long-distance and ultramarathon events. Originally from Morocco, he moved to Spain in 2005 and settled in Gipuzkoa. Lachgar was crowned winner for the third time at the Behobia-San Sebastián with a time of 1 hour, 2 minutes, and 19 seconds, adding this victory to his previous successes. In November 2023, he was crowned world champion in the 50-kilometer race in Hyderabad, India, with a time of 2:48:20, leading a historic Spanish sweep. Additionally, he holds a personal marathon record of 2:11:11, set in February 2023. Throughout his career, Lachgar has established himself as a national athletics reference, demonstrating consistency and dedication in every competition.
Mireia Guarner: First in the Women’s Category
Mireia Guarner, born on September 2, 1992, is a Spanish athlete specializing in long-distance events, particularly half marathons and marathons. Originally from Vinallop, she has represented the Atlètic Manresa Club and has shown consistent growth in athletics. In April 2022, she recorded her best personal time in the Hamburg Marathon with a time of 2:48:33, being the first Spanish athlete in that edition. This year, Guarner crossed the finish line of the Behobia-San Sebastián in 1 hour, 13 minutes, and 54 seconds, reaffirming her position as one of the best long-distance runners in Spain.
Reactions and Statements
Chakib Lachgar, visibly moved, thanked the public for their support and highlighted the difficulties of the route. “The atmosphere here is unique, every kilometer feels like a victory thanks to the people cheering you on,” said the champion. For her part, Mireia Guarner expressed her joy for the victory and emphasized the importance of mentality in such a tough race. “It is a test of endurance, but the energy of the people carries you to the finish line,” she said.
Impact on the Community
The Behobia-San Sebastián is not only a sporting event but also an economic and social engine for the city. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses greatly benefit from the influx of visitors, while the race fosters community participation and a love of sport. The organization and logistical efforts were also remarkable, ensuring a safe and memorable experience for all participants.
Conclusion
The 2024 edition of the Behobia-San Sebastián featured several novelties that made it unique and memorable.
One of the main novelties was the extension of the route due to railway works in the Ventas de Irun area. This change added an additional 196 meters to the usual route, making this edition “the longest Behobia in history,” with a total of 20.22 km. This adjustment, although minor, did not go unnoticed by the runners, who had to face a slightly greater challenge compared to previous years. Despite the added difficulty, many participants expressed their satisfaction at being part of this historic edition.
Another significant difference was the reduction in the number of participants. The organization decided to limit the quota to 27,000 runners, 3,000 fewer than in previous editions, due to restrictions on railway services that made transport logistics more complex. Although this measure was necessary, it allowed for better event management and helped ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees. Despite the decrease in registrations, the atmosphere did not lose any of its characteristic enthusiasm.
In addition, the TAUPADEKINN study was implemented, an initiative aimed at investigating the relationship between heart rate and the incidence of episodes requiring medical attention. In collaboration with the Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, data was collected from runners using wearable devices during the race. This study not only contributed to advancing medical knowledge in sports but also highlighted the importance of Behobia as a space for health and science innovation.
Finally, one of the most symbolic initiatives of this edition was the commemorative medal awarded to participants, which featured the engraving “Korapillo II [Knot II]” by renowned sculptor Eduardo Chillida. This artwork reflected the spirit of the race, uniquely and significantly combining art and sport. The inclusion of this engraving on the medal not only celebrated the effort of the runners but also paid tribute to the cultural heritage of the region, making the medal a valuable keepsake for those who completed the race.
Expectations are already set for Behobia-San Sebastián 2025, which promises to remain an essential event for running enthusiasts and the city of San Sebastián.
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