Javier Pérez and Fernanda Fleischmann emerged victorious in the 39th edition of the Subida a Estíbaliz, a grueling uphill race that draws thousands to the Basque Country each spring. Held on April 19, 2026, the event saw over 1,000 participants tackle the steep climb from Vitoria-Gasteiz to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Estíbaliz, a tradition rooted in both athletic challenge and religious devotion. Pérez, representing Club Atletismo Vitoria, claimed the men’s title in 42 minutes and 17 seconds, while Fleischmann of Navarra Atlético dominated the women’s field with a time of 48 minutes and 3 seconds.
The race, officially known as the Marcha Popular Subida a Estíbaliz, combines elements of competitive running with a centuries-old pilgrimage route. Each year, athletes and recreational walkers alike ascend the 12.5-kilometer course, which gains over 600 meters in elevation, culminating at the 11th-century sanctuary perched atop Mount Estíbaliz. Organizers confirmed this year’s turnout exceeded 1,100 finishers, marking one of the largest participations in the event’s nearly four-decade history.
Pérez, a 28-year-old native of Álava, surged ahead in the final kilometer after a tactical battle with defending champion Iñigo López of Gipuzkoa Atletismo. López, who had won the previous two editions, faded in the steepest section near the hermitage of San Adrián, allowing Pérez to pull clear. “I knew I had to wait for the right moment,” Pérez said post-race, according to the Basque Athletics Federation. “The last 800 meters are where races are won or lost here. I trusted my training and pushed when I saw López hesitate.”
Fleischmann’s victory was even more decisive. The 26-year-old from Pamplona opened a gap early and never looked back, splitting the field by over two minutes at the halfway point. Her time represents the third-fastest women’s performance in the race’s history, behind only the records set by Maider Unda in 2019 (46:51) and Irene Peláez in 2021 (47:22). “The conditions were perfect — cool, dry, and the crowd energy was incredible,” Fleischmann remarked. “Estíbaliz has always felt special to me. Running here isn’t just about speed; it’s about connection — to the land, the history, and the people lining the route.”
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Estíbaliz, a site of Marian devotion since the Middle Ages, serves as both the spiritual and physical endpoint of the race. Pilgrims have walked this path for centuries, particularly during the Rogationtide period leading up to Ascension Thursday. While the competitive race began in 1987 as a local initiative to promote fitness and heritage, it has grown into a regional fixture, drawing participants from across Spain and beyond. This year’s field included runners from France, Portugal, and Colombia, according to race officials.
Weather conditions played a role in the fast times recorded. Meteorological data from the Basque Government’s weather service indicated temperatures between 8°C and 14°C (46°F to 57°F) with light winds and clear skies — ideal for endurance efforts. The lack of precipitation ensured stable footing on the mixed terrain of asphalt, gravel, and dirt paths that characterize the latter stages of the ascent.
Beyond the elite competition, the event maintains its dual identity as a mass participation celebration. Hundreds of walkers, many in traditional Basque attire or carrying religious symbols, made the journey at a more contemplative pace. Local parishes along the route provided water stations and encouragement, reinforcing the event’s blend of sport and community. “It’s not just a race,” said María López, a 62-year-old participant from Bilbao who has completed the ascent 15 times. “It’s a promise. Every year, I come to grant thanks and to remember those who can’t walk this path anymore.”
The Subida a Estíbaliz holds a unique place in the Spanish athletics calendar. Unlike timed road races or track events, it emphasizes endurance on variable terrain and often serves as a early-season benchmark for mountain and trail runners. Several participants use it as preparation for longer challenges such as the Zaragoza Marathon or the Pirineos Ultra. Athletic clubs from the Basque Country frequently field teams, turning the event into both an individual contest and a club championship.
Looking ahead, organizers have confirmed the 40th edition will take place on April 18, 2027, maintaining the traditional Saturday before Easter timing. Registration will open in January via the official website of the Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council, which co-sponsors the event with the Diocese of Vitoria and the Basque Athletics Federation. Plans are underway to introduce a junior division for athletes under 18, aiming to engage younger generations in the tradition.
For Pérez and Fleischmann, the victory carries added significance as they prepare for the national club championships later this summer. Pérez, who also competes in cross-country and 10,000-meter events on the track, views Estíbaliz as a vital strength-builder. “Hill running translates to everything,” he noted. “If you can conquer Estíbaliz, you’re ready for anything.” Fleischmann, meanwhile, eyes a return to the European Mountain Running Championships, where she represented Spain in 2024.
The enduring appeal of the Subida a Estíbaliz lies in its ability to honor tradition while embracing athletic evolution. As the sun broke over the sanctuary shortly after the winners crossed the line, the sound of txistu flutes and Basque drums echoed from the valley below — a reminder that some races are about more than just crossing a finish line. They’re about carrying something forward.
Stay updated on upcoming races and regional athletics news by following Archysport’s coverage of Spanish endurance events. Share your thoughts on this year’s Subida a Estíbaliz in the comments below.
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