By his own unparalleled standards, it wasn’t how he hoped it might have gone.
The ultrarunning legend that is Kilian Jornet has won Zegama-Aizkorri an astonishing 11 times. Until Sunday no other man had triumphed more than once in its 25-year history.
For Jornet, 2026 is all about tackling those races which mean the most to him and also have stacked fields – and Zegama definitely ticked both boxes. But he went from top four to 43rd in the second half of the race, battling what was reportedly a leg issue.
‘The same emotions’
However there was no dwelling on that – he was given the reception he deserves all the way round and was classy as ever before, during and after.
Ahead of the start he had explained: “The sport is changing, it is evolving but the atmosphere is the same. I come back here and find myself experiencing the same emotions, the same spirit when you are running up there. And that is what motivates me to keep coming back.
The scenes en route were incredible, with the Instagram post below giving a flavour.
Next stop Western States
And thanking everyone afterwards, his Instagram post read: “Eskerrik asko Zegama!
“To still be here, running these trails, hearing you all roar along the way, seeing all the volunteers and organization team.
“I actually enjoyed myself a lot going at a slightly different pace today.
“All of this took me to the finish despite a difficult day, and reminds me why Zegama is Zegama.
“Very happy for @elhousine_elazzaoui victory and congrats to everyone who fought the battle today.
Next up for Kilian is an incredible trio of equally iconic races – Western States, Sierre-Zinal and UTMB. He’s inextricably linked with all three and heads to Western States on the back of a third place there last year.
