More than 3,500 runners are set to participate in the Salto 15K in San Sebastián, organizers announced during a presentation at the Anoeta Miniestadium track. The entry list represents a significant turnout for the Basque fixture, drawing competitors from 20 different countries with local athletes making up 82.2% of the field.
The event features multiple categories spanning various distances and mobility classes. A total of 3,050 runners are registered for the headline 15-kilometer distance, which also includes 240 roller-skate competitors. Additional fields comprise 10 handbike athletes, three wheelchair competitors, and 530 runners entered in the shorter 5-kilometer race. Female participation has surpassed 40% for this edition.
Anoeta Miniestadium Prepares for Sunday Finish
The newly renovated Anoeta facility, featuring a blue synthetic track, will serve as the finish line for Sunday’s races. The starting horn for the morning events sounds at 9:30 AM local time for the 5K, followed by rollers at 9:45 AM, handbikes at 9:55 AM, and the main 15K event at 10:00 AM on Avenida de Madrid.
Organizers have integrated several sustainability measures for race day. Hyundai will supply a fleet of electric vehicles for event logistics, while water stations will utilize municipal tap water served in compostable cups. Race t-shirts carry an ECO certification and are made from organic and recycled textiles. Participants crossing the finish line will receive a wooden finisher’s medal manufactured locally in Gipuzkoa—a first for this classic of the local popular calendar.
Defending Champions Face Deep Elite Fields
Both reigning champions return to defend their titles on Sunday. Elena Silvestre aims for a fifth victory at the event, though she faces a strong challenge from fellow elite distance runners. Maite Arraiza, who won the race in 2018 and most recently claimed the San Sebastián Marathon, is among the registered contenders alongside Alejandra Sánchez Massa, who finished third in the marathon eleven months ago.
In the men’s division, Ekain Larrea returns to defend his title against a competitive field led by runner Javi Menta. Menta enters in strong form following a fourth-place finish at the autumn San Sebastián half marathon and a victory at the Cross 3 Playas. Meanwhile, the 5K race features a rematch among the top three male finishers of 2025: Unai Ibarra, Harkaitz Irazusta, and Enaitz Aguinagalde.
Solidarity Focus Brings Afghan Athletes to Donostia
Community and social causes remain central to the race’s mission through a continued partnership with Free to Run. The international organization uses running programs to promote gender equality, leadership, and rights for women and girls in some of the most difficult countries in the world. As part of this initiative, three Afghan women are scheduled to arrive in Donostia ahead of the weekend to participate in the race.
Local and sports authorities attended Thursday’s official presentation at the athletics track, including Goizane Álvarez, regional sports deputy; Iñaki Gabarain, municipal sports councilor; Ramón Goikoetxea, president of the Gipuzkoa Athletics Federation; and race director Iñigo Olaizola. Representatives from primary sponsor Salto, along with corporate partners Sabico and Hyundai Oarso Car, joined regional athletes Susana Ruiz, Sergio Román, Nico Alonso, and Jon Galarraga at the launch event.
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