Behind the race - An insight into the Zurich San Sebastian Marathon with Iñigo Olaizola Alcorta
Iñigo (left) has overseen the revival of this iconic race after the COVID pandemic
In this interview series, Ahotu will be speaking with the people behind some of the most unique races across the globe. We’ll be discussing the history of the event, challenges and how to overcome them, attracting sponsors, reaching new runners and more!
Thanks for joining us Iñigo and for taking time to discuss your iconic race. For those who aren’t familiar, could you introduce the Zurich San Sebastian Marathon?
Of course! The Zurich San Sebastian Marathon is one of the oldest races in Spain and the largest in the Basque region of Northern Spain. The inaugural edition took place on October 15th, 1978 and boasts four decades of history, which making it the second-oldest marathon in Spain. The race has become a key fixture in the country’s running calendar, offering an exceptional blend of athletic challenge and coastal beauty. San Sebastián itself is a gem on the northern coast of Spain: elegant, welcoming, and internationally renowned for its gastronomy, architecture, and scenery.
In terms of your involvement - how did you first get involved with the race, and what’s been your journey into the world of marathon organisation?
Curiously enough, I ran the first edition of the San Sebastian Marathon in 1978. I was only 11, so I certainly started out young! I completed the race course in just over four hours.
Later, in my professional career, I organized the World Masters Athletics Championships in 2005, which included the Marathon. It was a very intense edition, and I discovered what it was like to organize a Marathon on the inside. It was at the beginning of September and we dealt with challenging hot and humid conditions... not an easy one!
After the 2021 pandemic, we got the chance to organize this premier athletic event again, and we have not missed the opportunity. It is a race that we rescued at a critical moment and have since made a number of changes including moving the start and finish line to the center of San Sebastian and ultimately forging a new chapter for this iconic race, which has lead to increased participation numbers over recent years.
The Zurich San Sebastián Marathon has grown to over 7,000 participants
San Sebastián is one of Europe’s most beautiful coastal cities - how do you think the setting influences the character of the race?
The Zurich Maratón San Sebastián gives participants a magical experience in which the iconic landscape of San Sebastián takes centre stage. What makes the marathon special is its host city, with its open, inclusive and cosmopolitan spirit, its character and tradition, a past steeped in the Belle Époque that has left its mark in its architecture, its culture and its world-famous cuisine.
What do you think makes the race unique and what can participants expect from the course?
The new circuit, premiered in 2022, offers a more central route, which includes sights and landmarks along the way, as well as providing a faster and flatter course. It’s perfect to enjoy as a runner and feel the warmth of local and visiting spectators. It is practically flat, with a positive elevation gain of just 12.5 meters.
The marathon starts in the privileged setting of Calle Hernani, right in the heart of the city next to the Town Hall and Alderdi Eder Gardens. The race winds through the central districts of San Sebastián and the historic Old Town (Parte Vieja), passing by iconic locations such as the Paseo de la Concha, the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, Anoeta Stadium, the Buen Pastor Cathedral, the Kursaal, and Plaza Gipuzkoa. To finish, runners enjoy a magnificent final straight of more than one kilometer completely flat and embraced by the cheers of the passionate local crowd, before an iconic stadium finish.
The race has a unique stadium finish in the Anoeta Stadium - can you describe what it’s like for participants to cross the finish line there?
Crossing the finish line inside Anoeta Stadium (home of the Real Sociedad football club) is truly a special moment. After 42 kilometers, runners enter the home of the city’s football club, greeted by the cheers of spectators in the stands. The atmosphere is electric, emotional, triumphant, and unforgettable. It’s not just about finishing a marathon; it’s about finishing on a stage that elevates the experience to something epic.
Runners celebrating their achievement during the final kilometer of the race
How many participants do you expect for 2025, and from how many countries? Are there particular countries where the race has become especially popular?
More than 7,000 runners have already registered for the 2025 Zurich Maratón San Sebastián and we expect circa 4,000 for the 10k, confirming its status as a truly international event. For the second consecutive year, the marathon distance has sold out five months ahead of race day - an extraordinary milestone that reflects the growing appeal of the event.
Over 1,000 participants come from France and 600 from the United Kingdom and we have 60+ countries represented at this years edition! San Sebastián is once again set to welcome thousands of runners from across the globe for an unforgettable race experience.
You’ve clearly built up strong international interest - what marketing efforts or campaigns have worked best to attract runners from abroad?
What really resonates with our audience is authenticity - campaigns that connect the race with the essence of San Sebastián itself. We've found that highlighting the city's unique mix of tradition, gastronomy, stunning scenery, and deep athletic history creates a powerful emotional link with runners. Our most effective campaigns tap into this identity. We don't just promote a marathon, we invite runners to live a full experience: crossing the finish line in a fast and iconic course, celebrating with local food, and feeling the soul of a city that embraces sport.
This year, our message is built around a simple but powerful idea: "There are many marathons, but only one San Sebastián". It's a statement that captures the singular charm of our race, the unique atmosphere, the beauty of the course, the warmth of the city, and the pride we take in offering an unforgettable experience. We’re not just inviting runners to participate in a marathon — we’re inviting them to discover a place, a culture, and a race like no other.
Our partnership with Ahotu has been effective as we have grown and diversified where our participants come from over the years. The field is becoming increasingly international and continues to attract thousands of participants from outside of Spain!
The race attracts a international field, with hundreds of runners from France and the UK
Do you have sustainability initiatives or community involvement projects tied to the event?
Absolutely, sustainability is a growing focus for us. We work to minimise the environmental impact of the race through measures such as reducing single-use plastics, promoting local suppliers, and encouraging public transport use. We're also committed to engaging with the local community - from involving local volunteers and schools to integrating cultural elements into the race experience. The Zurich Maratón San Sebastián is more than a sporting event; it’s a celebration of community and shared values.
There are multiple race distances across the weekend - which distances are most popular and which are growing? How do you cater for different abilities over race weekend?
This year, the event offers two distances; the marathon and the 10K. The marathon remains the heart and soul of the Zurich Maratón San Sebastián. It's the race that attracts the most attention and emotion, given everything it represents: the challenge, the journey, the personal triumph.
Registrations for the marathon are already sold out, which is a testament to its continued popularity and international appeal. The 10k has a strong and growing following and is a great option for those looking for a shorter yet still unforgettable experience. There are still a few spots available for this distance, but they're going fast!
Can you tell us a bit about your key sponsors and partners, and how they help shape the race experience?
Zurich Seguros and the organisers of the Zurich Maratón San Sebastián have renewed their sponsorship agreement as title sponsor of the great athletics event in Donostia until 2028, which is a huge endorsement and show of support. With this extension, Zurich Seguros reinforces its commitment to running and to one of the most emblematic races in the national and international calendar, which is currently part of the Zurich Big 5 Circuit of races (which includes four other leading Spanish races).
We also want to express our deep gratitude to the institutions that support and make this event possible year after year. The backing of the City Council of San Sebastián, the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa and other local entities plays a fundamental role in the success and continued growth of the race. Their collaboration allows us to offer a world-class event that reflects the spirit and pride of the city! Beyond this we have a host of partners, volunteers and sponsors all of which are vital to ensuring the event is a success - we appreciate the support of all those who help us deliver the race.
Zurich have committed to sponsor the San Sebastian Marathon until 2028
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in managing the race, especially as it has grown?
One of the biggest challenges is maintaining the balance between growth and quality. We want to welcome more runners while preserving the smooth, intimate, and runner-focused experience tha defines our marathon. Logistically, the city’s layout (while beautiful) requires careful planning to deliver a fast and accessible route while minimising disruption. And of course, weather is always a wildcard when you're organising a coastal marathon!
What would you recommend participants do and see during their time in San Sebastián?
San Sebastián is much more than just a marathon course, it’s a city full of culture, flavor, and tradition. First, you can’t leave without experiencing our world-renowned gastronomy. From Michelin-starred restaurants to Pintxos bars in the Old Town, the food scene is truly unforgettable. A post-race crawl through the narrow streets of Parte Vieja, tasting local specialties like Txangurro, Bacalao al pil-pil, or Gilda Pintxos, is a must.
Also, take time to enjoy our coastal beauty. A walk along La Concha Bay, a sunset from Monte Igueldo, or a stroll through the elegant streets of the city center will stay with you forever!
Runners readying themselves at the start of the race
What kind of feedback do you get from international runners - are there recurring themes in what they love about the race or the city?
First, the course itself: it’s fast, flat, and designed for personal bests. Many participants come specifically to chase their PR, and our statistics back it up: this is one of the fastest marathons in Spain.
Second, the post-race reward is unmatched. San Sebastián is a culinary capital, after 42 kilometers, there’s no better way to celebrate than with world-class gastronomy, whether it’s gourmet Pintxos in the Old Town or a seaside meal overlooking La Concha Bay.
Finally, the city’s charm. San Sebastián offers a unique blend of tradition, culture, and passion. The local crowd truly embraces the runners. It feels like the entire city is cheering you on. It’s a marathon that leaves a mark not only on your watch, but in your heart.
Looking to the future - what are your aims for the San Sebastian Marathon over the coming years?
Our vision is to consolidate the Zurich Maratón San Sebastián as one of Europe’s top destination marathons. We want to continue growing sustainably, welcome more international runners, and keep improving the runner experience year after year. We also aim to further integrate the race with the life of the city, making it a key date in San Sebastián’s cultural and sporting calendar, an event that the whole city feels proud of.
The Zurich San Sebastian Marathon takes place in November each year, for more information check out the link below!
Interested in taking part? You can register for future editions at https://www.ahotu.com/event/zurich-maraton-san-sebastian
To feature in our interview series you can drop us an email on content@worldssportsgroup.com
Interested in promoting your race with World’s Marathons or Ahotu? Contact us on partners@worldssportsgroup.com
