Overview
The Bilbao Marathon attracts approximately 3,500 finishers each October through the Basque Country's industrial-turned-cultural capital. The course passes the Guggenheim Museum, the Nervión River estuary, and the Casco Viejo old town on rolling Basque terrain. October's mild Cantabrian coast weather and the titanium Guggenheim backdrop make it northern Spain's premier marathon.
Bilbao Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Bilbao Marathon 2026 race day
The next Bilbao Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 25 October 2026 with a 8:30 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 150 m of climbing on a rolling with moderate climbs layout.
Bilbao Marathon course route
The Bilbao Marathon is an urban road that starts and finishes near the Guggenheim Museum on the Nervión estuary. The loop passes the Guggenheim, the San Mamés stadium, Casco Viejo, and the riverfront parks. Flatter corridors and river valleys offer the easiest miles, while the moderate climbs through hills, bridges, or bluffs are the tougher sections once fatigue builds. Spectators gather at the start-finish festival and at organised cheer zones through the city centre and along the main boulevards.
Bilbao Marathon elevation profile
The Bilbao Marathon course is rolling with moderate climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
Bilbao Marathon course videos
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
TotalEnergies Bilbao Night Running Fest 2025: 3D Video Course Map | 21.1 km - Bilbao
OFFICIAL PROMO 2018: 10th EDITION EDP BILBAO NIGHT MARATHON
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Bilbao Marathon elevation profile?
- The Bilbao Marathon has 150 metres of total climbing and 140 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling with moderate climbs, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Bilbao Marathon?
- The Bilbao Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes near the Guggenheim Museum on the Nervión estuary.
- What time does the Bilbao Marathon start?
- The 2026 Bilbao Marathon starts at 8:30 am local time on Sunday, 25 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.bilbaomarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Does the Bilbao Marathon pass the Guggenheim Museum?
- Yes. Frank Gehry's titanium Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is the most iconic landmark on the course, typically near the start and finish.
- Is the Bilbao Marathon hilly?
- The course has rolling terrain with moderate climbs between the Nervión estuary and the Casco Viejo hillside. It is hillier than flat Castilian marathons.
- What is the Casco Viejo?
- Casco Viejo is Bilbao's medieval old town with narrow streets and seven original streets (siete calles). The marathon passes this historic quarter.
- What weather should I expect in Bilbao in October?
- October in Bilbao is mild Cantabrian weather, often 14–20 °C (57–68 °F) with a chance of Atlantic rain.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
