Over 41,000 Runners Enter Behobia-San Sebastián Lottery for 2026 Race

More than 41,000 runners have registered for the Behobia-San Sebastián race lottery, with 17,287 spots available for the popular Basque Country road race scheduled for the second Sunday in November 2026.

The Behobia-San Sebastián, one of Spain’s most prestigious long-distance running events, will hold its official lottery draw on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, before a notary. This marks the first time organizers have used a lottery system to allocate race bibs for the annual competition that winds from the town of Behobia to the finish line in Donostia-San Sebastián.

According to verified registration data, a total of 41,533 runners submitted applications for the lottery, comprising 16,287 women and 25,246 men. The 17,287 selected participants represent 41.6% of all applicants who completed the registration form.

Those chosen in the lottery will receive email notifications to complete their official registration. Runners not selected will be placed on a waiting list to fill any potential vacancies or withdrawals before race day.

The Behobia-San Sebastián race traditionally attracts elite and recreational runners alike, covering a challenging 20-kilometer course through the Gipuzkoa province. Organizers from Club Deportivo Fortuna have confirmed that in addition to the 17,287 lottery spots, 10,111 entries were already secured in an earlier phase reserved for habitual runners — defined as those who have participated in at least three of the last five editions.

With these combined entries, organizers expect approximately 30,000 runners at the starting line in November. To accommodate operational needs, the race committee has reserved roughly 2,500 additional bibs for institutional commitments, including elite athlete invitations, charity entries, and organizational partnerships.

The decision to implement a lottery system comes amid sustained high demand for the Behobia-San Sebastián, which has grown into one of Europe’s most competitive mass-participation road races. Known for its rolling terrain and passionate crowds along the route, the race typically fills within minutes when registration opens under traditional systems.

Runners awaiting the lottery results will learn their fate on April 29, with successful applicants receiving detailed instructions for payment and final confirmation. The waiting list will be activated immediately after the draw, ordered by lottery sequence, to ensure fair access to any opened spots.

As the Basque Country prepares for another edition of this autumn tradition, the Behobia-San Sebastián continues to exemplify the enduring appeal of community-based endurance events that bring together athletes from across Spain and beyond for a shared challenge on the roads between Behobia and San Sebastián.

The next official update regarding the Behobia-San Sebastián 2026 will come following the lottery draw on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, when the 17,287 selected runners are announced.

What are your thoughts on the lottery system for major road races? Share your perspective in the comments below.