One of the highlights of the trail running calendar takes place this weekend – and you can watch all the action unfold right here.
Sara Alonso (Spain – Asics) and Elhousine Elazzaoui (Morocco – NNormal) lead the field at Zegama-Aizkorri 2025, joined by other top names like Judith Wyder, Miao Yao, Merillas, Delorenzi, and Sylvia Nordskar.
The iconic mountain marathon returns with its 42.195 km and 2,736 m+, crossing the Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park and the mythical Basque ridgeline, one of the most technical sections of the series.
Date, start time and how to watch live
With three stages already completed, the 2025 Golden Trail World Series (GTWS) reaches its midpoint in the Basque Country with its most iconic race: Zegama-Aizkorri.
The race will take place on Sunday, May 25, with a joint start at 09:00 (CEST) from Zegama, in the heart of the Basque Country.
That’s 08:00 BST, 03:00 Eastern and 00:00 on the West Coast.
The race will be streamed live on the GTWS YouTube channel (in English) which is embedded below so you don’t have to leave this page.
The route and course
The route includes legendary segments such as Otzaurte (km 7), Ultzama–Atabarreta (km 13) and the fearsome ascent to Aratz (km 16), before reaching Sancti Spiritu (km 20), where the crowd’s roar meets an unforgiving climb.
From there, the ridgeline toward Aketegi (1,551 m) and the treacherous Aitxuri descent (km 23–25) demand absolute focus.
The final section runs through more runnable terrain at Oltze and Urbia, climbing once more to Andraitz before the descent to the finish.
Women’s elite field
Sara Alonso first reached the podium at Zegama in 2022 and returns this year with a clear goal: to reclaim the GTWS lead on home soil having been the winner in Kobe and fourth at the Great Wall Trail in China.
The Basque runner knows every section of the course like the back of her hand, which makes her one of the top contenders for victory.
Sylvia Nordskar (Norway – Hoka) is the defending champion having claimed victory 12 months ago with a flawless performance. Her strength in both climbs and descents makes her one of the most complete runners in the circuit, especially in adverse conditions.
Judith Wyder (Switzerland – Hoka) is known for her precision, tactical awareness, and skill on rugged terrain. If she holds her pace, she’ll be in the mix at the sharp end.
Miao Yao (China – Salomon) is another with a brilliant record in mountain racing. Yao excels on long climbs and can maintain a solid rhythm over demanding courses. She’ll be dangerous if well-positioned entering the second half.
Malen Osa (Spain – Salomon) was runner-up in 2024 when the young Basque athlete delivered a bold and technical race. With more experience and the support of a home crowd, she’s well-suited to Zegama’s demanding terrain.
The course record still belongs to Nienke Brinkman, who set a blistering time of 4:16:43 in 2022.
Men’s elite field
Not surprisingly, the men’s course record is held by Kilian Jornet, who delivered a legendary performance in 2022, stopping the clock at 3:36:40 and he notched another brilliant success here last year – a record 11th.
He’s not here this year as the focus is on Western States so the spotlight turns to reigning GTWS champion Elhousine Elazzaoui (Morocco – NNormal), who finished second here last year and now returns to Zegama with his sights set on the top step of the podium.
The Moroccan leads a world-class field packed with technical expertise and climbing power.
Luca Del Pero (Italy – Scarpa) was fourth last year and is currently in top form, with his blend of speed and technique making him a serious podium threat.
Manuel Merillas (Spain – Scarpa) was just one spot behind Del Pero last year and knows this course inside and out.
Roberto Delorenzi (Switzerland – Brooks) is one of the rising stars of European trail running. With an attacking style and fearless attitude, Delorenzi will be looking to test himself against the world’s best on one of the most demanding courses.
