A massive field of 29,301 runners will take to the streets of San Sebastián for the Behobia-San Sebastián, a high-stakes popular race where two prestigious “txapelas” are on the line. According to reports from diariovasco.com, the event combines a festive atmosphere with an intense professional battle for the top honors in both the men’s and women’s categories.
The competition features returning champions Raúl Celada and Katherine Tisalema, who will attempt to defend their 2025 titles over the 20.196-kilometer course. While the event is known for its massive participation, organizers have issued specific warnings regarding the environmental conditions expected on the day of the race.
High temperatures and wind gusts pose risks to participants
Race organizers at El Fortuna have expressed concern regarding weather conditions that could impact the safety of the 29,301 participants. Forecasts indicate temperatures may exceed 20°C, accompanied by southern winds and gusts reaching up to 30 km/h.
Because these conditions can be particularly taxing for those starting in the later waves, the organization has requested that recreational runners prioritize safety over personal time goals. The guidance suggests that amateur participants should focus on completing the course in good health rather than chasing specific timing marks.
Javi Guerra aims to improve family legacy in men’s race
The men’s professional field is headlined by Spanish distance runner Javi Guerra, who is widely considered the primary athlete to watch. The 42-year-old Olympian is targeting a victory to secure the txapela and aims to surpass the fourth-place finish achieved by his father in 1996.
Guerra, who has twice placed fourth in the European Marathon Championships, stated he feels strong following several weeks of intensive training. He noted that he does not fear the anticipated southern winds.
Other notable contenders in the men’s division include:
- Iraitz Arrospide: A veteran competitor who has reached the podium five times.
- Pol Espinosa: A Catalan runner with a recent half-marathon time of 1:02.
- Rubén Marqués: A key athlete in the field.
- Chakib Lachgar: The three-time champion is expected to run at a slower pace to “enjoy” the event, as he is currently recovering from a left calf injury.
- Jaume Leiva: A competitive presence in the lead pack.
Local Guipuzcoan talent, including Javi Menta, Ekain Larrea, and Gonzalo Fuentes, are also expected to compete at the front of the race.
Dense field of elite women challenge defending champion
The women’s category is noted for an unusually high density of elite talent, which may complicate the title defense for Ecuador’s Katherine Tisalema. The Ethiopian runner Sisay Dida Eshetu, who holds a 1:10 half-marathon personal best, is among the top contenders expected to challenge for the win.
The field includes several international athletes, including Venezuela’s Edymar Brea, Portugal’s Mónica Silva, Bulgaria’s Devora Krasimirova, and Algeria’s Souad Ait Salem. Mireia Guarner returns to the race after her 2024 victory, which she achieved while pregnant.
In the local Guipuzcoan contingent, the battle for the top female spot is expected to be fought between Elena Silvestre and Maite Arraiza, who recently placed first and second in a 15K race two weeks ago.
Athletes defending titles
| Athlete | Category/Note | Key Context |
|---|---|---|
| Raúl Celada | Men’s Champion | Defending 2025 title |
| Katherine Tisalema | Women’s Champion | Defending 2025 title |
| Javi Guerra | Men’s Contender | Olympic athlete; targeting 1996 family record |
| Sisay Dida Eshetu | Women’s Contender | 1:10 half-marathon time |
| Chakib Lachgar | Men’s Contender | Three-time champion; competing with calf injury |
The race results and the crowning of the two winners will be determined once all participants cross the finish line in San Sebastián.
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