Binter NightRun San Sebastián 2025: San Sebastián Lights Up for Running Under the Stars!

San Sebastián-San Sebastián, a coastal gem of the Basque Country, is preparing to host one of the most spectacular and highly anticipated sporting events on its calendar: the Binter NightRun San Sebastián. This event, which transforms the city streets into a vibrant nighttime athletics track, offers a unique experience that combines a sporting challenge with the magic of running under the starry sky. The second edition of the Binter NightRun San Sebastián-San Sebastián is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 8:00 p.m., with start and finish at the emblematicJardines de Party Eder.  

The change of the start and finish line of the Zurriola Beach, where the inaugural edition was held in 2024, to the Alderdi Eder Gardens for 2025 represents a significant enhancement to the event experience. Alderdi Eder, located in the heart of the city and facing the iconic La Concha Bay, offers an even more spectacular and central backdrop. This decision by the organizers seeks to amplify the visual appeal of the race, further integrating it with San Sebastián’s most famous landscapes. The choice of this central location underscores the desire to elevate the race to the next level, providing an unparalleled setting for runners and spectators alike, and making the most of the city’s coastal and historic charm.

A Flight with History: The Origins and Consolidation in San Sebastián

The Binter NightRun San Sebastián is not just any event; it’s a race that has quickly forged its own history in the capital of Gipuzkoa. Its debut took place onSaturday, May 25, 2024, marking a milestone in the city’s sporting calendar. The first edition set off from Zurriola Beach, filling the streets of San Sebastian with green light for an unforgettable evening.

The initial success of the race was resounding, attracting an impressive number of2,300 participantsThis high turnout for its first edition not only demonstrated the public’s keen interest in this night race format, but also laid the groundwork for its rapid consolidation as a must-attend event. The enthusiastic reception from the San Sebastian community and runners from outside the city was a clear indicator that the concept resonated deeply, ensuring its continuation and expansion.

The Binter NightRun San Sebastián is a collaborative effort between the San Sebastián-San Sebastián City Council, the Bera Bera club, and DG Eventos. It also has the support of Binter as the main sponsor, El Diario Vasco as the media partner, and the Ethiopia Utopia Foundation as the charity partner for its inaugural edition. This solid organizational and sponsorship structure has been key to the race’s rapid establishment and success in the city.

Beyond San Sebastián: The Binter NightRun Series, a Successful National Circuit

The Binter NightRun San Sebastián is much more than a local race; it is a fundamental part of a national night running circuit: theBinter NightRun SeriesThis series is positioned as the largest night racing circuit in Spain, unifying events under a common philosophy that transcends mere sporting competition.

The philosophy of the Binter NightRun Series is based on five fundamental pillars: beingunique, spectacular, supportive, inclusive and sustainableThis consistency in values ​​and organization nationwide ensures a quality standard and a consistent event experience across all venues. For participants, this translates into the confidence of knowing they are registering for a well-managed race with a proven track record, which increases its appeal and credibility. Being part of a successful national brand also raises the race’s profile in San Sebastian, potentially attracting runners who follow the race or seek out events of recognized quality.

In 2025, Binter’s exclusive “night flight” will touch down in a total of five Spanish cities, demonstrating its broad geographic coverage and consolidated presence in the national sports scene. In addition to San Sebastián-San Sebastián, the other host cities are:Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Palma, Zaragoza and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.  

A distinctive and highly ingenious element of the series is the thematic integration of the main sponsor, Binter, an airline. The event’s language is imbued with aeronautical metaphors: runners “fly” through the streets, the start is a “takeoff runway,” and the distances are referred to as “5K flight” or “10K flight.”

This deep connection between the sponsor’s brand and the event’s identity goes beyond the mere visibility of the logo. It creates a unique and memorable narrative that enriches the participant experience, making the race feel more dynamic and aligned with the concept of “flying” through the city. This experiential marketing strategy is an example of how sponsorship can become an integral and distinctive part of the event’s very identity.

The Green Heart of the Race: Routes and Beauty of San Sebastian

The Binter NightRun San Sebastián is designed to ensure each runner finds their ideal challenge, offering three distances that adapt to different levels and motivations:

• Family Green Mile (approximately 1.6 kilometers):Designed to be a “ride you’ll be most proud of,” this is the shortest distance and has a strong solidarity and inclusive nature, ideal for families and those who want to participate in a symbolic way.
• 5K Flight (5 kilometers):Known as the “most popular route”, it is a vibrant and accessible option for runners of all levels looking for an affordable yet exciting challenge.
• 10K Flight (10 kilometers):For more demanding runners, this option typically involves two laps of the 5K course, offering a more intense physical challenge and an opportunity to enjoy the nightlife for longer.

The strategic decision to offer multiple distances is critical to maximizing participation. It allows a wide range of people, from casual walkers and families to serious athletes, to participate in the event. This diversity of options aligns perfectly with the inclusive philosophy of the Binter NightRun Series, significantly expanding the community impact and overall appeal of the event.

For the 2025 edition, all modalities will have their starting and finishing point in the majesticJardines de Party EderThe urban circuit is meticulously designed to be accessible and, at the same time, to showcase the incomparable beauty of San Sebastián under the moonlight. Runners will have the privilege of passing through such iconic locations as the genuineLa Concha Beach, offering stunning coastal views, the scenicNew Walk, and sections of the historic streets of the Old Town, immersing yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage.

The deliberate design of the route, which incorporates these iconic points of interest, transforms the race into a unique tourist experience. It is not just a sporting competition, but an exceptional opportunity to “discover San Sebastián” from a unique, illuminated, and nocturnal perspective. This positions the Binter NightRun as a distinctive tourism product, attracting both residents and international visitors looking to combine sport with the exploration of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

A crucial aspect of the Binter NightRun is its firm commitment to inclusion. All circuits are100% passable and adapted for people with disabilitiesThis ensures that the race is truly for “EVERYONE,” regardless of their personal circumstances, allowing participation to be a reality for the widest possible audience.

Below are the departure times for each event at the Binter NightRun San Sebastián 2025:

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The Champions of the Night: Winners and Highlights

The first edition of the Binter NightRun San Sebastián in 2024 was not only a success in terms of participation, but also crowned outstanding athletes who left their mark on the asphalt of San Sebastián.

In the distance ofMen’s 10K, Mohamed MassatHe took the victory, stopping the clock in an impressive time of29:44. He was closely followed by Ander Garin, with 30:43, and Francisco Javier Menta, who completed the race in 30:51. In the categoryWomen’s 10K, Maria MarinShe was the champion, crossing the finish line in 39:27. The podium was completed by Eguzkiñe Zabaleta (39:33) and Karina Fuentes (40:38).

For the race of5K, the fastest wasSomething Bellido, with a time of 15:53, followed by Sergio Román (16:03) and Oier Saldías (16:09).

Beyond the times and podium finishes, the inaugural 2024 edition left a notable milestone in terms of female participation. Of the 781 athletes who ran the 5K, an astonishing70% were women. This data underscores the success of the Binter NightRun in promoting gender inclusion in sport, a goal aligned with broader initiatives in San Sebastian, such as the 50/50/25 project, which seeks to increase female participation in popular races. The combination of a high level of competition, demonstrated by the winning times, and outstanding inclusive participation, especially among women, consolidates the Binter NightRun as a highly relevant and attractive event in the sporting world.

Your Ticket to Adventure: 2025 Registration and Fees

For those who wish to “fly” through the streets of San Sebastian in the 2025 edition, the registration process is now underway. Key dates to sign up are:From February 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., until June 4, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.Registration can be easily completed through official platforms such as RockTheSport or Ahotu, as well as directly through the official Binter NightRun website.

Picking up the race number and race bag is a crucial step before the race. For the 2025 edition in San Sebastian, participants will be able to pick up their equipment on the race days.Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7, 2025. The established hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday and from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. The designated location for this collection isKursaal Congress Palace and Auditorium, located at Zurriola Hiribidea, 1, Ground Floor, at the Accreditation Desk. It is essential to present the runner’s ID for race collection, and third-party collection is permitted provided the duly completed authorization is presented. It is important to note that race bib collection is not possible on race day.

Registration fees for the Binter NightRun San Sebastián 2025 have been set to adapt to the different modalities:

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The inclusion of a €14.50 “Promotional Rate” for participants from previous editions is a smart strategy to encourage loyalty and repeat participation. This incentive demonstrates an event management approach that values ​​its running community and seeks to build a strong, long-term, and engaged participant base.

Furthermore, the event’s commitment to accessibility is materialized in theFree registration for all athletes with disabilitiesin the 5K and 10K distances. This measure, along with the confirmation of adapted circuits, goes beyond a simple declaration of principles. They are concrete actions that reinforce the Binter NightRun’s core value of being accessible to “EVERYONE,” positioning San Sebastián as a welcoming and progressive city for all people—a very positive message for a tourism platform.

It’s important to note that once registration has been completed, the fee will not be refunded under any circumstances, unless specific insurance has been purchased. Changes to ownership, type of jersey, or shirt size are also not possible.

Recognition of Effort: Awards and Social Commitment

The Binter NightRun San Sebastián not only celebrates the spirit of sport, but also rewards the efforts of its participants and, significantly, channels the community’s energy toward important social causes.

As for the prizes, trophies are awarded to the top three finishers, both male and female, in the overall standings of the 5K and 10K races. Talent is also recognized in various age categories, with trophies for the top three finishers in the 14-34 age group, 35-44 age group, 45-54 age group, 55-64 age group, and those over 65.

A distinctive and valuable attraction are the special prizes courtesy of the main sponsor, Binter. The top finishers, both male and female, in the race5KThey receive a trophy and aDouble plane ticket to any destination in the Canary Islandsoperated by Binter. For the champions of the10K, the prize is even more exceptional: a trophy and adouble plane ticket to any national destinationoperated by Binter, which includes a weekend stay to participate in the final round of the circuit in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

The integration of these high-value prizes, directly related to the sponsor’s core business, creates a genuine and powerful synergy between the event and Binter. This not only reinforces the “flying” theme of the race, but also adds considerable appeal to runners, making the prizes much more exciting and memorable than traditional rewards.

The solidarity heart of the Binter NightRun beats strongly through theFamily Green MileThis modality is a charity race in which the100% of the proceeds from registrations go entirely to a social projectFor the San Sebastián 2025 edition, the beneficiary organization is theONG Contra El Cáncer En Gipuzkoa – Against Cancer in Gipuzkoa, which allows us to directly support local efforts in the fight against this disease.

The first edition in 2024 already demonstrated a tangible impact: the Green Mile successfully raised funds2,500 euroswhich were donated to the Ethiopia Utopia Foundation. This consistent and explicit focus on allocating funds to local charities for each city and edition is a profound demonstration of the event’s commitment to community impact. The Binter NightRun thus establishes itself not only as a sporting competition, but also as a powerful platform for social good, fostering strong ties with the local community and attracting participants motivated by philanthropy and the desire to contribute positively to their city.

The Unforgettable Experience: Atmosphere, Music and Anecdotes

The Binter NightRun San Sebastián is much more than a simple race; it’s a festival of sensations that fills the city streets at nightfall. The event is consistently described as a “spectacle of lights, animation, live music, and pure action,” filling the streets with “sport, light, and color.” The slogan “San Sebastián sleeps by day and runs by night” perfectly captures the essence of this unique and vibrant atmosphere.

Runners are immersed in an unparalleled sensory experience, feeling as if they are “flying” through the illuminated streets. The atmosphere is described as “very healthy, very motivating, and very joyful,” with the combination of urban lights and coastal views creating an “unforgettable nighttime atmosphere.”

To maintain energy and motivation throughout the event, the event incorporates dynamic entertainment elements. The energeticbatucadas, the Live DJsand the distinctive“takeoff tunnel”These are key points that excite runners and the public. Before the race, activities such as a STRONG BY ZUMBA Master Class and interactive photocalls contribute to building excitement and a festive spirit. Attention to these details, from medical support to post-race services, demonstrates a holistic, participant-centered event design. This focus on improving the entire experience, from preparation to recovery, directly contributes to positive testimonials from runners and encourages repeat participation.

The runners’ testimonies are a true reflection of the Binter NightRun’s impact. Many participants highlight the motivation of “enjoying it as a family” and the “shared, green, and unforgettable experience.” The excitement of running at night, the contagious rhythm of the batucada (drum) bands, and the beauty of the city views are recurring themes in their stories. The phrase “everyone crosses the finish line smiling” encapsulates the feeling of satisfaction and joy upon crossing the finish line.

Among the personal anecdotes, there is one of a participant who celebrated their birthday by running in the race, or another who made their running debut at this event, which underscores the welcoming and accessible nature of the Binter NightRun for all types of runners. The image of the “green wave” of runners, a recurring symbol, represents the unity and collective energy of the event.

To ensure the comfort of participants, registration includes a runner’s bag complete with an event T-shirt and a buff, and for 10K runners, a towel and a neck warmer. Additionally, strategic refreshment stations with water, isotonic drinks, assorted fruits, and nuts are located along the route. After the finish line, services continue with a cloakroom, full medical assistance, and showers, ensuring the well-being and safety of all those who dare to experience this nighttime adventure.

The repeated emphasis on “enjoying with family” and “shared experience” in runners’ testimonials demonstrates that the Binter NightRun manages to foster a strong sense of community and collective celebration. The event is positioned as a unifying experience, beyond individual competition, making it a significant draw for a local tourism platform seeking to highlight events that promote togetherness and positive group experiences.

Conclusion: San Sebastián and the Binter NightRun, a Perfect Combination

The Binter NightRun San Sebastián has quickly established itself as a must-attend event in San Sebastián, offering an unparalleled combination of sport, spectacle, and social engagement. Its nighttime race format, which allows participants to “fly” through the city’s illuminated streets, passing by the iconic La Concha Beach and Paseo Nuevo, creates a truly magical and unique experience. This integration of the event with San Sebastián’s most iconic landmarks reinforces the city’s identity as a first-class destination, where nature, culture, and sport merge harmoniously.

The race stands out for its inclusive philosophy, welcoming runners of all levels, from elite athletes to entire families, and for its strong commitment to charity through the Family Green Mile, which allocates 100% of its funds to local causes. This focus on community and accessibility, combined with the festive atmosphere with live music and entertainment, makes it a collective celebration that transcends the sporting aspect.

The Binter NightRun isn’t just a race; it’s an opportunity to experience San Sebastian in a unique way, feel its nighttime energy, and be part of a green wave of solidarity and fun. It’s an experience that enriches the city’s offerings and attracts those seeking memorable experiences.

Don’t miss the next edition of the Binter NightRun San SebastiánGet your ticket and get ready to “fly” with us through the streets of San Sebastián, discovering the city in a whole new light. For more information and to register, visit the official event website and join this nighttime adventure that promises to be unforgettable.

Author: Descubre Donostia