San Sebastián Marathon

Location: San Sebastián

Country:  Spain
Website:  https://zurichmaratonsansebastian.com/en/
2025 Marathon Date:  23/11/2025
2026 Marathon Date:  TBC
Winning Time 2025: 2:22:34

% Sub-3s:  10-15%
# Sub-3s:  500-999
Total Runners: 3-10k

The San Sebastián Marathon, held each November in the coastal city of Donostia, is one of Spain’s oldest and fastest road marathons, offering a flat, sea-level circuit through one of Europe’s most striking urban landscapes. Known for its smooth profile, favourable running conditions and elegant city backdrop, the race has become a destination event for athletes seeking both fast times and a memorable cultural setting.

The marathon begins on Hernani Street in the city centre, setting runners out along a 42.195 km route that weaves through Donostia’s most emblematic neighbourhoods. Early kilometres flow past the Urumea River promenade and the ornate Victoria Eugenia Theatre, before looping through Gros and toward the wide avenues of Amara and Anoeta. The profile remains consistently flat throughout, allowing runners to lock into pace while taking in the rhythm of a compact, well-organised city course.

Mid-race, the route carries athletes toward La Concha Bay — one of Europe’s most photographed urban shorelines — skirting the promenade and continuing west toward the Antiguo neighbourhood. The scenery shifts between elegant Belle Époque architecture, river views and stretches along the Cantabrian coastline. Avenue Libertad and other central boulevards add long, straight sections ideal for maintaining even splits, contributing to the race’s reputation as one of Spain’s best personal-best opportunities.

The finish on the Boulevard, in the heart of the city, brings runners into the historic core of San Sebastián. Its proximity to the Old Quarter and the waterfront creates an energetic, atmospheric conclusion, supported by dense local crowds and the city’s strong sports culture.

Situated in the Basque Country just 20 km from the French border, Donostia pairs world-class running with a rich cultural identity. Founded in 1180 as a fortified port and later rebuilt after the 1813 siege, the city has evolved into a cosmopolitan centre known for its beaches, pintxo culture and major cultural festivals. With a population of 189,093 and a metro area of over 436,000, it offers both small-city intimacy and metropolitan energy.

With its flat profile, scenic urban design and deep running tradition, the San Sebastián Marathon remains one of Spain’s premier fast courses — a blend of precision, beauty and Basque character.