San Sebastián is lacing up its running shoes! Tomorrow, the city transforms into a running festival for the San Sebastián Half Marathon 2025. The streets will be filled with runners, applause, and that unique energy that only an event like this can generate. Whether you’re one of the brave souls tackling the 21K, or you’re planning to cheer from the sidelines, or you simply need to get around the city, at Descubre Donostia, we’ve prepared the ultimate guide with absolutely everything you need to know.
From the starting pistol to the final cheer, we’ll cover the details of the route, key schedules, traffic disruptions, and the best tips to experience a memorable day. Let’s get started!
The San Sebastián Half Marathon 2025: An Event That Transforms the City
More than just a race, the Half Marathon is a golden opportunity to rediscover San Sebastián from a unique perspective: the rhythm of running shoes. The course, known for being one of the most beautiful and fastest in the country, is not only a challenge for athletes but also a spectacle for a city.
Watching thousands of runners glide alongside the iconic La Concha railing, traverse the Antiguo neighbourhood, or delve into the heart of the city is an image that stays with you. For participants, it’s a chance to test their limits in an unparalleled setting, with the Cantabrian Sea as their witness. For everyone else, it’s a perfect plan for a Sunday morning: head out, soak up the festive atmosphere, and cheer on the athletes with every stride.
Did you know?
The Half Marathon route is certified by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA), which means that the times achieved are official. This attracts elite runners and thousands of amateurs every year looking to break their personal records on a fast and virtually flat course.
The Donostia Half Marathon Route: 21K of Pure Beauty
The circuit is undoubtedly one of the jewels of this race. The organizers have designed a course that combines a sporting challenge with a scenic tour of Donostia’s most emblematic landmarks. If you’re running, memorize these points. If you’re cheering, pick your spot!
The start and finish line will be set in an unbeatable location: the Alderdi Eder Gardens, right in front of City Hall and with La Concha Bay as a stunning backdrop. From there, the route unfolds through the city:
- Start and City Center: The first kilometers wind through the heart of the city. Runners will take Calle Hernani and Avenida de la Libertad, feeling the first wave of public support.
- La Concha Promenade: The course then heads to the Paseo de La Concha, treating athletes to one of the most famous cityscapes in the world. Running with views of the bay and Santa Clara Island is a true privilege.
- El Antiguo and the Universities: The race will enter the Antiguo neighbourhood via Avenida Zumalakarregi and Avenida de Tolosa, reaching the university area. This is a long, flat stretch, ideal for settling into a good pace.
- Return through Amara: The journey back to the center will pass through the Amara district, covering some of its main arteries before heading back towards the coast.
- Finish at Alderdi Eder: The final meters, with tired legs, will once again be accompanied by the sea breeze, pushing runners toward that coveted finish line in Alderdi Eder.
This design allows the public to gather at many points, creating an almost continuous corridor of cheers that carries the runners forward.
Key Timings: When Does Everything Happen?
To make sure you don’t miss a thing, it’s essential to be clear on the event’s schedule. Here is the timeline for tomorrow, Sunday, October 5:
- 08:30 AM: The bag-check service opens. It will be located in Plaza Gipuzkoa, very close to the start line. Be proactive to avoid queues!
- 09:30 AM: The San Sebastián Half Marathon starting pistol fires. The tide of runners will begin their adventure.
- 10:30 AM (approx.): The first runners are expected to cross the finish line. The spectacle of elite athletes flying over the asphalt is truly impressive.
- 12:00 PM: Race cut-off. This is the official time limit (2 hours and 30 minutes) to complete the course.
- 01:00 PM: The bag-check service closes.
Expert Tip for Runners
Don’t arrive at the start line at the last minute. Being in the Alderdi Eder area around 08:45 AM will allow you to drop off your belongings calmly, warm up properly, and get to your starting corral without stress. Last-minute nerves won’t help your performance!
Road Closures in San Sebastián (October 5): The Essential Guide
An event of this magnitude necessarily involves significant traffic disruptions. The Municipal Police will implement a special operation to ensure the safety of the runners and minimize inconvenience. If you need to move around the city tomorrow morning, this information is crucial.
The main affected artery will be the Boulevard, which will be closed to traffic from 05:00 AM until approximately 02:00 PM.
The rest of the circuit will close to traffic around 09:00 AM. Reopening will be gradual, as the last runner passes and cleaning services prepare the streets:
- Antiguo Area (Av. Tolosa, Zumalakarregi): Traffic is expected to be restored around 11:00 AM.
- Amara Area: Normalcy will return around 11:30 AM.
- City Center: This will be the last area to reopen, likely around 12:30 PM, with the exception of the Boulevard.
Public Transport:
The routes and stops for Dbus and Ekialdebus services will be altered throughout the morning. It is strongly recommended to check the official websites of the transport companies for alternatives. As a useful note, registered runners often have free access to public transport by showing their race bib.
Our recommendation: If you are not participating or watching the race, avoid using a private car in the affected areas between 09:00 AM and 12:30 PM. If you need to travel, the best option is to walk or plan alternative routes through the city’s upper districts.
Practical Information and Runner Services
The organization has taken care of every detail to ensure a perfect experience for the athletes. These are the services available to you:
- Aid Stations: There will be aid stations with water and isotonic drinks distributed along the route (approximately at kilometers 5, 10, 15, and at the finish line).
- Pacers: Experienced runners will set a steady pace to help you achieve your time goal. Look for the balloon with your target time and follow them!
- Showers: After finishing, you can use the showers at the Pío Baroja and Manteo sports centers.
- Bag Check: As mentioned, you can leave your bag securely at Plaza Gipuzkoa.
Enjoying the Race as a Spectator
You don’t have to run to experience the magic of the Half Marathon. Here are some ideas to be the best spectator:
- Choose a strategic spot: The Paseo de La Concha is spectacular, but also the most crowded. Avenida de Tolosa is a good place to see the runners more spread out and be able to cheer them on by name.
- Prepare your sign: A fun message of encouragement or the name of a friend or family member can give a runner the push they need in a moment of weakness.
- The finish line: Gathering in the last 200 meters at Alderdi Eder is pure emotion. Witnessing the final effort and the joy of crossing the arch is a contagious experience.
Conclusion: An Unmissable Event
The San Sebastián Half Marathon is much more than a sporting competition. It is a celebration of overcoming challenges, of effort, and of love for a city that offers an unparalleled stage. Tomorrow, the streets of Donostia will not belong to cars, but to strides, applause, and the personal stories of thousands of everyday heroes.
Whether you run or cheer, get ready for an intense and exciting morning. From Descubre Donostia, we wish all participants the best of luck. Enjoy every kilometer!
Are you running the Half Marathon? Do you have a favorite spot to cheer? Tell us about your experience in the comments and share this article with other running enthusiasts!
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