Behobia–San Sebastián 20K
The Lowdown
Behobia–San Sebastián is one of Spain's most iconic road races: a point-to-point 20 km (12.4 mile) classic run every mid-November from the border hamlet of Behobia, in Irún, to the Boulevard in the heart of Donostia/San Sebastián. First run in 1919, it is one of the oldest road races in continental Europe and now draws roughly 27,000-30,000 runners, making it one of the largest mass-participation road races in Spain, on par with Madrid's or Barcelona's biggest events. The course is deceptively tough for its distance: after a fast opening through Irun, runners hit the Alto de Gaintxurizketa around km 7-8, a sharp climb that thins the field early, followed by rolling terrain and a second rise at the Alto de Miracruz near km 16 before a fast descent into San Sebastian and the seaside finish on the Boulevard, steps from La Concha bay. Total positive elevation gain is around 192 meters. The race is organized by Club Deportivo Fortuna and is famous for its festive, whole-region atmosphere: crowds line the entire route through Irun, Lezo, Pasaia, and San Sebastian, and because of overwhelming demand the organizers now allocate the bulk of general entries via a public lottery. It is explicitly NOT the same event as the San Sebastian Marathon, a separate race held on a different course and date; Behobia-San Sebastian's signature and only standard distance is the 20K.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Major marathon
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Legendary crowd support
Behobia border crossing, Irun
Alto de Gaintxurizketa (km 7-8 climb)
Pasaia
Alto de Miracruz (km 16)
Boulevard finish, Donostia/San Sebastian
La Concha bay
Behobia, Irún to Donostia/San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain
ES
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Minimum age 16 on race day
- General entrants must obtain a bib through the official lottery or an eligible priority category (habituales, club members, disability category)
Required Documents
- Photo ID matching bib registration
Entry Methods
- Online registration via inscripcion.behobia-sansebastian.com
- Public lottery for general entries
- Priority phase for runners with 3 of last 5 editions and CD Fortuna club members
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Refunds available through October 28 minus a EUR 6 administration fee, or minus less with medical justification; review the official terms on behobia-sansebastian.com before registering
Signature distance is 20K (20 km / 12.4 miles) - this is NOT a marathon or half marathon distance; the 'Other' distance enum value is used because 20K has no dedicated enum option.
One of the oldest continuously run road races in continental Europe, first held in 1919; the 2026 edition is the 61st running.
Do not confuse with the separate San Sebastian Marathon, a different event with its own course and date.
Bib cap of up to 30,000 dorsales; 2026 lottery allocated 17,287 bibs from 41,533 lottery entrants.
Organized by Club Deportivo Fortuna KE and recognized as a Sustainable Sports Event.
Finisher medal and Joma finisher t-shirt included; 8 aid stations along the course; post-race showers, massage, and bag check available.
No other standard adult race distance is offered alongside the 20K; there is a separate short B/SS Txiki children's fun run (ages 4-13) with its own registration, plus wheelchair/handbike and inline skater categories at the same 20K distance and course, starting slightly earlier than the main 10:00 runner start.
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