If you’ve ever taken a stroll along La Concha Bay early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you’ll have noticed one thing: San Sebastian is a city that breathes sports. We love lacing up our running shoes. And rightly so, because running at sea level, with a cool breeze and a cinematic backdrop, is a true luxury.
But the local passion goes far beyond daily training. The calendar of popular races in Donostia is one of the most comprehensive and attractive in all of Spain. From lightning-fast and charity races to legends of international athletics.
At Descubre Donostia, we have prepared this chronological guide so that, whether you’re a beginner runner or a seasoned marathoner, you know exactly which dates to mark on your calendar. Let’s get started!
❄️ Winter: Breaking the ice
The year starts strong. To work off the holiday treats and kick off good resolutions, the asphalt of Donostia doesn’t wait.
Three Kings Cross (Gimnástica de Ulia)
- When? Early January.
- The race: We are looking at one of the oldest races in the country (dating back to 1918). It’s a fast 10K that runs mainly through the vibrant Gros neighborhood and Zurriola Avenue. An unbeatable way to welcome the new year competing.
🌸 Spring: An explosion of color and solidarity
With the arrival of good weather, the streets of San Sebastian are filled with events where social causes and advocacy carry as much weight as the stopwatch.
Lilatón (The great feminist race)
- When? Early March (around International Women’s Day).
- The race: One of the city’s most beloved events. It’s a 5-kilometer race exclusively for women that fills the streets with a festive atmosphere, batucadas, and empowerment. If you’re looking for a first race to get hooked on running, this is the one.
Spring Race (Donostiako Udaberriko Lasterketa)
- When? March.
- The race: Organized by the UPV/EHU and the Donostiarrak club, it’s a lightning-fast 10K. Many local runners use it as the first serious test to check their fitness after the winter break.
Salto 15K Donostia
- When? Between April and May.
- The race: Formerly known as the “15 km of San Sebastian”, it is a beautiful race with a strong inclusive character (adapted for people with different abilities). It is the perfect distance if a 10K feels a bit short but you don’t quite dare to tackle a half marathon yet.
Solidarity Race Against Cancer (AECC)
- When? May.
- The race: Here, time doesn’t matter. It’s an accessible route (about 5-6 km) designed to be done as a family, running, jogging, or walking. The goal is to raise funds and paint the city with hope.
☀️ Summer: Running as a team and under the stars
Summer invites staying up late and socializing, and the races at this time of year adapt perfectly to that spirit.
Corporate Race (Enpresen Lasterketa)
- When? May / June.
- The race: The best team building possible. It is run in teams of 4 people (all coworkers from the same company) over a distance of 8.5 kilometers. The healthy rivalry between offices always ends with a great atmosphere in Alderdi Eder.
Binter NightRun Donostia
- When? June (at night).
- The race: San Sebastian also has its big night race. Starting and finishing in the Sagüés area (Zurriola), it offers 5K and 10K distances, plus a family-friendly and charitable “Green Mile”. Running with the city illuminated and live music is a spectacular experience.
🍂 Autumn: The Mecca of Running (Peak Season)
If you plan to visit San Sebastian in autumn, get ready. It’s the golden age of athletics in the city. Long distances take over.
3 Beaches Cross (Krosa 3 Hondartzak)
- When? October.
- The race: The name says it all. A completely flat 10K that takes you to feel the breeze of Ondarreta, La Concha, and Zurriola. Ideal for smashing your personal best.
San Sebastian Half Marathon
- When? October.
- The race: Exactly 21.097 kilometers. It’s the perfect dress rehearsal. Thousands of athletes use it to fine-tune their preparation for the two giants that follow right after.
Behobia – San Sebastian
- When? Second Sunday of November.
- The race: The myth. The legend. It’s not a half marathon; it’s 20 kilometers from the French border to the Boulevard of San Sebastian, characterized by a demanding route (the famous hills of Gaintxurizketa and Miracruz). What makes it unique in the world is not the route, but the crowds: thousands of people cheering non-stop in the rain, wind, or sun. You have to experience it at least once in your life.
Zurich San Sebastian Marathon
- When? Late November.
- The race: The climax of the year and the only official marathon (42.195 km) run in the city. It is internationally famous for being one of the flattest and most beautiful urban circuits in Europe. If you dream of being a finisher or lowering your times, the walls of San Sebastian are waiting for you.
🎄 December: Festive farewell
San Silvestre Donostiarra
- When? December 31st.
- The race: There is no better way to build an appetite for New Year’s Eve dinner. About 8 kilometers through the city center where costumes, wigs, and the desire to have fun far outweigh competitiveness.
Have you chosen your next challenge yet? San Sebastian awaits you with open arms, a race bib, and a good pintxo to regain your strength after crossing the finish line. Remember to visit our Sporting Events category to read specific guides and detailed tips for each of these races. See you on the asphalt!