San Sebastián Marathon

San SebastiánBasque CountrySpain

Next race

Sunday, 15 November 2026

8:30 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Scenic coastal road

Elevation

Rolling · 150 m gain

150 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The San Sebastián Marathon (Donostia Marathon) draws about 3,000 finishers each November along the Basque Country's stunning Bay of Biscay coast. The course passes La Concha beach, the Kursaal Congress Centre, and the Gros district with views of green hills and the Cantabrian Sea. November cool weather and rolling coastal terrain make it one of Spain's most scenic regional marathons.

San Sebastián Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 3,000 finishers

Weather: Warm and humid autumn
20–22°C · humidity 65–80%
Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

San Sebastián Marathon course

Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The San Sebastian Marathon is a coastal Basque loop starting and finishing near the Kursaal Congress Centre on Zurriola beach, following La Concha bay past Monte Urgull and the Parte Vieja before reaching the Gros and Igueldo coastal roads. The bay-level sections are the easiest because they stay relatively sheltered and flowing, while the headland climbs on the Gros and Igueldo roads are the tougher defining feature of the second half. Spectator support is strongest around the Kursaal, along La Concha, and through the Parte Vieja finish corridor.

Registration

San Sebastián Marathon entry requirements

For the San Sebastián Marathon, the Donostia Marathon is held on the third Sunday of November. Registration is at https://www.sansebastianmarathon.com/.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the San Sebastián Marathon elevation profile?: The San Sebastián Marathon has 150 metres of total climbing and 140 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.
How long is the San Sebastián Marathon?: The San Sebastián Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Coastal course starts and finishes near the Kursaal Congress Centre on Zurriola beach.
What time does the San Sebastián Marathon start?: The 2026 San Sebastián Marathon starts at 8:30 am local time on Sunday, 15 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
What beaches does the San Sebastián Marathon pass?: The course passes La Concha and Zurriola beaches along the Bay of Biscay, with views of Monte Urgull and the old town.
Is the San Sebastián Marathon hilly?: Yes. The Basque coastal roads have rolling climbs around the bay and headlands. It is scenic but not a flat personal-best course.
When is the San Sebastián Marathon?: The Donostia Marathon is held on the third Sunday of November.
Where does the San Sebastián Marathon finish?: The finish is near the Kursaal Congress Centre on the Zurriola beachfront.
What is San Sebastián weather like in November?: November is cool and often wet on the Cantabrian coast, typically 10–15 °C (50–59 °F). Rain gear for before and after the race is advisable.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to San Sebastián.

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The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers each November on a scenic coastal road in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Subtropical weather and Atlantic scenery make it unusual in the European calendar. The route passes the harbor, oceanfront avenues, and city sections backed by volcanic island terrain. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

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The Gran Canaria Maspalomas Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each November on a scenic coastal road in Maspalomas, Spain. It is marketed as the southernmost marathon in Europe and doubles as a warm-weather race-cation. The route passes seafront boulevards, the Maspalomas dunes area, golf-course roads, and sunny resort districts. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

ArrecifeCanary IslandsSpain· 362 km away

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The Lanzarote Marathon draws about 2,800 finishers each December through the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands. The course passes Timanfaya National Park approaches, black-lava fields, and Atlantic coastal roads with views unique to this UNESCO geopark island. December warm Canary Islands weather and otherworldly terrain make it an unforgettable destination marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

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Next race: Sunday, 31 January 2027

MarrakechMorocco· 964 km away

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The Marathon International Marrakech draws about 3,000 runners each January through Morocco's imperial Red City. The course passes the Koutoubia Mosque, the medina walls, and the palm-lined avenues of the modern Gueliz district with views of the Atlas Mountains on clear days. January mild weather and exotic North African atmosphere make it a popular winter destination marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 31 January 2027

CasablancaMorocco· 1,093 km away

Casablanca Marathon

The Casablanca Marathon attracts approximately 5,000 finishers each October through Morocco's largest city on the Atlantic coast. The course passes the Hassan II Mosque — one of the world's largest — the Corniche waterfront, and the Art Deco downtown district. October's mild Atlantic weather and flat coastal terrain make it North Africa's premier mass-participation marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026

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Planning guides

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