History in San Sebastián: Lachgar and Loyo Secure Rare Triple Crowns at Media Donosti

San Sebastián witnessed a historic double on Sunday as Chakib Lachgar and Elena Loyo both claimed their third victories at the Media Donosti, becoming the first athletes in the event’s history to achieve a “hat-trick” of wins. In a dominant performance that defined the race’s 25th-anniversary celebration, Lachgar didn’t just secure the title—he shattered the course record.

The 21K event, which celebrated its silver anniversary with a massive field of 7,250 registered runners across its 10K and 21K distances, saw the Guipuzcoan Lachgar cross the finish line at the Boulevard in a blistering 1:01:45. For the Alavesa Elena Loyo, the victory was a masterclass in consistency, as she clocked 1:13:32 to secure her third trophy in a race she previously won in 2016, and 2024.

Lachgar’s Imperial Run to the Record

Entering the race as the winner of the previous two editions, Chakib Lachgar faced significant pressure from a high-caliber field. The primary threat came from Hicham Amghar, a Moroccan specialist and friend of Lachgar who entered as the favorite. Amghar brought an imposing resume to the Boulevard, including a national 10K record of 27:09 and a personal best of 59:47 in the half marathon.

Despite Amghar’s perceived superiority on paper, Lachgar delivered what can only be described as an imperial victory. By clocking 1:01:45, Lachgar not only outpaced his rivals but set a fresh benchmark for the course. This victory further cements his legacy in the region. he has already claimed three titles at the prestigious Behobia race, proving his dominance in the Basque Country’s most competitive road events.

The men’s race was a tactical battle that tested the endurance of the leaders as they navigated the streets of the Centro, Antiguo, and Gros districts. While other regulars of the Gipuzkoa circuit, such as Jorge Blanco, Ander Sagarzazu, and Elena Silvestre, were present, the day belonged entirely to Lachgar’s record-breaking pace.

Elena Loyo: The Queen of the Boulevard

While Lachgar handled the record-breaking drama, Elena Loyo provided a display of veteran poise. Having already won the event in 2016 and 2024, Loyo entered Sunday seeking the elusive third win. She achieved it with a time of 1:13:32, navigating the course with the efficiency of a runner who knows every turn of the San Sebastián streets.

Loyo’s journey to the top of the podium is one of the most unique in Spanish athletics. Born in Zuya, Álava, in 1983, she didn’t start running seriously until 2010 at the age of 27. Before her ascent in long-distance running, Loyo had a different spotlight on her, having been crowned Miss Álava in 2005 and competing in Miss Spain 2006. Transitioning from modeling to elite athletics, she studied mechanical technical engineering while working as a waitress and tutor to fund her early athletic ambitions.

Now a mainstay of World Athletics rankings, Loyo has evolved into one of Spain’s most reliable distance runners, with a career that includes representing Spain at the Olympic Games in Sapporo and the European Championships in Munich.

A Silver Anniversary Celebration

The 25th edition of the Media Donosti served as a massive logistical undertaking for the city of San Sebastián. The race started and finished at the Boulevard, which remained closed to traffic from 6:30 AM until approximately 2:00 PM local time to accommodate the thousands of participants.

For the global running community, the Media Donosti is more than just a local race; it is a test of speed and stamina through some of the most scenic urban landscapes in Spain. The course design requires 21K runners to complete two loops through the city’s key districts, while 10K participants complete a single loop. The combination of the coastal air and the cheering crowds in the Centro and Gros areas provided the perfect backdrop for the dual hat-tricks.

Note for readers: In road racing, a “hat-trick” refers to winning the same event three times, a feat that is exceptionally rare in half marathons due to the high volatility of athlete form and the depth of international competition.

Race Results and Key Statistics

The 2026 edition will be remembered for the sheer gap between the winners and the rest of the field. Below is a summary of the primary results from the 21K category.

What Which means for the Circuit

Lachgar’s record-breaking time sends a strong signal to his competitors in the region. By defeating a runner of Amghar’s caliber in such decisive fashion, Lachgar has moved beyond being a favorite to becoming a dominant force. His ability to maintain a record pace over the undulating sections of the Donosti course suggests he is in the best form of his career.

For Elena Loyo, the victory reinforces her status as the premier female distance runner in the Basque region. Her ability to win across a span of a decade (2016 to 2026) speaks to an extraordinary level of longevity and professional discipline. As a member of the Bilbao Atletismo Santutxu club, Loyo continues to be a benchmark for aspiring Spanish athletes.

With the 25th anniversary now concluded, the focus shifts to the upcoming summer season and the next set of regional challenges. The athletics community will be watching to spot if Lachgar can maintain this record-setting momentum and if Loyo will aim for an unprecedented fourth title in future editions.

Stay tuned to Archysport for more updates on the European road running circuit and upcoming championship qualifiers.

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