Marathon Details - Marathon de San Sebastian

International Marathons > Spain > San Sebastian > Marathon de San Sebastian

Marathon de San Sebastian & Half Marathon, 10K

San Sebastian, Spain

November 24, 2024

http://www.zurichmaratonsansebastian.com

More Info:	News
Results:	Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact

Name:
Address:	GIPUZKOAKO ATLETISMO FEDERAKUNTZA FEDERACIÓN ATLÉTICA GIPUZKOANA Paseo Anoeta, 5 20014 Donostia San Sebastián
Phone Number:	+34 943 57 55 16
Fax Number:	+34 943 45 39 82
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 3.7

Organization 3.1

Spectators 4.0

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Number of comments: 15 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

M. A. from Moscow, Russia (11/28/2017) "A Beautiful Place To Suffer" (about: 2017) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon de San Sebastian COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The 2017 version of the Donostia/San Sebastian marathon featured two loops over a mostly flat course. The scenery is at times stunning, with great aid station and spectator support. Organization is first class, and the number of runners from all over Europe make for a friendly field. I would run this race again!
Z. S. from Washington DC, USA (1/6/2014) "Good, but not Great" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon de San Sebastian COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 Flat, scenic course, with good support/ organization/ crowds. Start and finish at Football stadium which meant facilities were relatively good especially nice in windy/rainy/cold November coastal weather. No gels. Minimal expo. No frills medal. Shirt was additional 10 EUR. This the last larger marathon of the year in Spain, and it´s held in what is arguably the most beautiful city in Spain. However, since late November is hardly tourist season for this surfing mecca, you get very reasonable prices and minimal crowds for lodging, dining (i.e. pintxos), etc. The field is relatively fast (I ran a 3:30 and felt like I was towards the back of the pack). Another commenter said this was the Spanish Championship but I don´t believe that to be true (there were prizes for top Spanish and top Basque finishers, but I don´t consider that a championship). If you´re looking for a late fall destination race in Spain (or Europe as a whole), Valencia is your best bet. However, this race makes for a decent back-up.
T. B. from Portsmouth, England (11/27/2013) "Worth doing" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon de San Sebastian COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 I am an unashamed personal best (pb) / personal record (pr) hunter. When deciding whether to run a particular marathon I look at the event's previous results. If lots of people finished in under 3 hours I am interested, if only a few managed then I am not. At the 2013 edition of the San Sebastian Marathon 530 of the 2864 finishers finished in under 3 hours. I am sad to report that I was not amongst them. My system is flawed. It appears that the quality of the field plays as much of a part as the ease of the course! The Spanish championships are held here. The course is flatish and fastish, the spectators were out in force, more music would have been good, the expo was poor, the T shirt was 10 Euros and the organisation was low key but I'm blaming my poor performance on the cold. It was COLD. My Garmin (which has been known let me down) reached 26.2 miles 3 minutes before I crossed the finishing line. San Sebastian is beautiful though even on a grey November day and well worth a visit. The Basque region is renowned for it's cuisine but is no place for a vegan. There is one vegan and two veggie restaurants. You will need to book.
S. G. from Pau, France (11/24/2013) "Flat marathon, nice supporters, bad organisation" (about: 2013) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Marathon de San Sebastian COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 This was my 1st marathon. I'm very happy with my record (3hr16). Anyway I want to share my experience for people looking for their next marathon : 1 PROS - San Sebastian is a nice and lively city - The circuit is flat (best time in 2013 : 2hr12, but it was Spanish championships) - Water is supplied in bottles in numerous stands (very 4 km) - Spectators are incredible and support you all the way (first name is written on the dossard) - Basques love running races and are there, whatever the weather is - Medal is OK 2 CONS - The Marathon takes place at the End of November with rain most of the time (or cold : this year 1 celsius degree) - The expo 'Feria del corredor' is small and without interest - This year we had to pay an extra 10 Euros for an ugly tshirt (long sleeves were sold out), and that information was given 1 week before the race ! - Not much food on stands or at the arrival - the Internet Site looks like 10 years old, lack of information (you receive emails until 2 days before the race to learn things) - This marathon consists of 2 and a half loops, so you just see a limited part of the city - The line of departure is too narrow - Last but not least : the organisation looks for money (lack of sponsors?) so this year they organized a 10 km but also a half marathon : you run with people at the same time, on the same path, that don't have a regular pace as marathoners can have. So good choice if you want a PR (60% of runners in less than 3hr30!), if you live near San Sebastian, anyway I'm sure you can find better places (especially for organization!)
F. T. from San Sebastian (11/25/2012) "Great Marathon" (about: 2012) 2 previous marathons \| 2 Marathon de San Sebastians COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Great marathon in the most beatiful city in Europe... You can see the start here: http://youtu.be/RDT4LoURuNg
R. G. from Paris (12/1/2010) "Flat yet scenic course; fast crowd." (about: 2010) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon de San Sebastian COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I ran this marathon in 2010. The course is basically a two-lap run in and around the city. It includes a few kilometers of running on the coast within eyesight of the rolling waves on the beach, which is nice. The crowd support is boisterous and fun. A pleasant surprise for me was running into the stadium right on the track at kilometers 5, 15(ish) and at the finish. Negative points: you had to pay for the long-sleeve t-shirt, though you get a 60% discount; the medal is a plexiglass cutout; and you don't get any solid food before kilometer 28, at which point there are bananas and raisins, and also a gel pack. These points were minor for me. The temperature was COLD (what else to expect in November). The Spaniards impressed me; there were many people in a t-shirt and shorts in 5°C weather. San Sebastian is in a rainy region as well, so expect at least a bit of rain. The racers are FAST - 90% of runners come in under 4 hours and 60% under 3:30. With about 2,500 runners, you don't need to worry about anyone getting in your way. All in all, a great marathon. I loved it and would definitely go back.
J. F. from Tenerife,Spain (11/6/2009) "Fantastic" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon de San Sebastian COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I think this is a great marathon. I can recommend it for the course and for the organization, but the best part was the amazing crowd support that accompanied you throughout the run. It was a fantastic experience that I hope to repeat sometime.
S. L. from Norwich, UK (12/1/2008) "Decent course, poor organization" (about: 2008) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon de San Sebastian COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 Two-and-a-bit laps of a flat and twisty course in the coastal town of San Sebastian. Some parts are exposed to the seafront, while others are sheltered by the city's buildings, finishing in the Real Sociedad football stadium. Small (but high quality) field: they have a 4.5-hour cut off, and 15% of runners finish inside of 3 hours. Poor expo. Poor organization at the finish. I finished around 500th, and they had run out of foil blankets. Cheap medal. There were some cones and other "obstacles" along the course.
Rich Woodruff from Paris, France (11/28/2007) "Fast course for fast runners" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon de San Sebastian COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 If you want to run a fast time, San Sebastian is a great course: it's very flat, there are drink stations (water and Aquarius) roughly every 2.5 KM, and some great pacemakers (2:30, 2:45, 3, 3:15, 3:30). Note, though, that it's a race for fast runners, as over 20% of the 2,700-strong field went under 3 hours in 2007 (!), and the cut-off point for finishing is 4:30. Admittedly, the course could be more interesting (it's 2-and-a-third laps of an out-and-back circuit), but it does take you along the coast, into the old town, and finishes in the Anoeta Stadium (home to the Real Sociedad football team). What's more, it avoids San Sebastian's numerous hills - and the crowds are really uplifting. Even if information on the website is sparse and communication is not simple without Spanish (or Basque), the organization on race day was excellent, with frequent water stations and excellent post-race massage. And with the 30 euros entry fee, you got all sorts of "freebies" (fleece jacket, bottle of wine, cheese, medal, food at end). I had a great day: thanks to the pacer and a large group of 3-hour runners (as well as some hard training!), I ran a PB of 2:56. How can I not recommend it?
P. L. from France (11/26/2007) "Nice flat course but learn Spanish quick!" (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon de San Sebastian COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 Ran in Nov. 2007, nice flat course but not very scenic. Great crowd and nice city, much better than expected. Please note that there is no gel provided except at 28km point. Visit Bilboa Guggenheim museum - amazing, if you have a chance (40 min away). Limited English and weak web site makes it a bit difficult but if willing to work it and discover the Basque region it's quite nice and people very friendly despite limited English (some French)

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

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M. A. from Moscow, Russia (11/28/2017) "A Beautiful Place To Suffer" (about: 2017) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon de San Sebastian COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The 2017 version of the Donostia/San Sebastian marathon featured two loops over a mostly flat course. The scenery is at times stunning, with great aid station and spectator support. Organization is first class, and the number of runners from all over Europe make for a friendly field. I would run this race again!
Z. S. from Washington DC, USA (1/6/2014) "Good, but not Great" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon de San Sebastian COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 Flat, scenic course, with good support/ organization/ crowds. Start and finish at Football stadium which meant facilities were relatively good especially nice in windy/rainy/cold November coastal weather. No gels. Minimal expo. No frills medal. Shirt was additional 10 EUR. This the last larger marathon of the year in Spain, and it´s held in what is arguably the most beautiful city in Spain. However, since late November is hardly tourist season for this surfing mecca, you get very reasonable prices and minimal crowds for lodging, dining (i.e. pintxos), etc. The field is relatively fast (I ran a 3:30 and felt like I was towards the back of the pack). Another commenter said this was the Spanish Championship but I don´t believe that to be true (there were prizes for top Spanish and top Basque finishers, but I don´t consider that a championship). If you´re looking for a late fall destination race in Spain (or Europe as a whole), Valencia is your best bet. However, this race makes for a decent back-up.
T. B. from Portsmouth, England (11/27/2013) "Worth doing" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon de San Sebastian COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 I am an unashamed personal best (pb) / personal record (pr) hunter. When deciding whether to run a particular marathon I look at the event's previous results. If lots of people finished in under 3 hours I am interested, if only a few managed then I am not. At the 2013 edition of the San Sebastian Marathon 530 of the 2864 finishers finished in under 3 hours. I am sad to report that I was not amongst them. My system is flawed. It appears that the quality of the field plays as much of a part as the ease of the course! The Spanish championships are held here. The course is flatish and fastish, the spectators were out in force, more music would have been good, the expo was poor, the T shirt was 10 Euros and the organisation was low key but I'm blaming my poor performance on the cold. It was COLD. My Garmin (which has been known let me down) reached 26.2 miles 3 minutes before I crossed the finishing line. San Sebastian is beautiful though even on a grey November day and well worth a visit. The Basque region is renowned for it's cuisine but is no place for a vegan. There is one vegan and two veggie restaurants. You will need to book.
S. G. from Pau, France (11/24/2013) "Flat marathon, nice supporters, bad organisation" (about: 2013) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Marathon de San Sebastian COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 This was my 1st marathon. I'm very happy with my record (3hr16). Anyway I want to share my experience for people looking for their next marathon : 1 PROS - San Sebastian is a nice and lively city - The circuit is flat (best time in 2013 : 2hr12, but it was Spanish championships) - Water is supplied in bottles in numerous stands (very 4 km) - Spectators are incredible and support you all the way (first name is written on the dossard) - Basques love running races and are there, whatever the weather is - Medal is OK 2 CONS - The Marathon takes place at the End of November with rain most of the time (or cold : this year 1 celsius degree) - The expo 'Feria del corredor' is small and without interest - This year we had to pay an extra 10 Euros for an ugly tshirt (long sleeves were sold out), and that information was given 1 week before the race ! - Not much food on stands or at the arrival - the Internet Site looks like 10 years old, lack of information (you receive emails until 2 days before the race to learn things) - This marathon consists of 2 and a half loops, so you just see a limited part of the city - The line of departure is too narrow - Last but not least : the organisation looks for money (lack of sponsors?) so this year they organized a 10 km but also a half marathon : you run with people at the same time, on the same path, that don't have a regular pace as marathoners can have. So good choice if you want a PR (60% of runners in less than 3hr30!), if you live near San Sebastian, anyway I'm sure you can find better places (especially for organization!)
F. T. from San Sebastian (11/25/2012) "Great Marathon" (about: 2012) 2 previous marathons \| 2 Marathon de San Sebastians COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Great marathon in the most beatiful city in Europe... You can see the start here: http://youtu.be/RDT4LoURuNg
R. G. from Paris (12/1/2010) "Flat yet scenic course; fast crowd." (about: 2010) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon de San Sebastian COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I ran this marathon in 2010. The course is basically a two-lap run in and around the city. It includes a few kilometers of running on the coast within eyesight of the rolling waves on the beach, which is nice. The crowd support is boisterous and fun. A pleasant surprise for me was running into the stadium right on the track at kilometers 5, 15(ish) and at the finish. Negative points: you had to pay for the long-sleeve t-shirt, though you get a 60% discount; the medal is a plexiglass cutout; and you don't get any solid food before kilometer 28, at which point there are bananas and raisins, and also a gel pack. These points were minor for me. The temperature was COLD (what else to expect in November). The Spaniards impressed me; there were many people in a t-shirt and shorts in 5°C weather. San Sebastian is in a rainy region as well, so expect at least a bit of rain. The racers are FAST - 90% of runners come in under 4 hours and 60% under 3:30. With about 2,500 runners, you don't need to worry about anyone getting in your way. All in all, a great marathon. I loved it and would definitely go back.
J. F. from Tenerife,Spain (11/6/2009) "Fantastic" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon de San Sebastian COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I think this is a great marathon. I can recommend it for the course and for the organization, but the best part was the amazing crowd support that accompanied you throughout the run. It was a fantastic experience that I hope to repeat sometime.
S. L. from Norwich, UK (12/1/2008) "Decent course, poor organization" (about: 2008) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon de San Sebastian COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 Two-and-a-bit laps of a flat and twisty course in the coastal town of San Sebastian. Some parts are exposed to the seafront, while others are sheltered by the city's buildings, finishing in the Real Sociedad football stadium. Small (but high quality) field: they have a 4.5-hour cut off, and 15% of runners finish inside of 3 hours. Poor expo. Poor organization at the finish. I finished around 500th, and they had run out of foil blankets. Cheap medal. There were some cones and other "obstacles" along the course.
Rich Woodruff from Paris, France (11/28/2007) "Fast course for fast runners" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon de San Sebastian COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 If you want to run a fast time, San Sebastian is a great course: it's very flat, there are drink stations (water and Aquarius) roughly every 2.5 KM, and some great pacemakers (2:30, 2:45, 3, 3:15, 3:30). Note, though, that it's a race for fast runners, as over 20% of the 2,700-strong field went under 3 hours in 2007 (!), and the cut-off point for finishing is 4:30. Admittedly, the course could be more interesting (it's 2-and-a-third laps of an out-and-back circuit), but it does take you along the coast, into the old town, and finishes in the Anoeta Stadium (home to the Real Sociedad football team). What's more, it avoids San Sebastian's numerous hills - and the crowds are really uplifting. Even if information on the website is sparse and communication is not simple without Spanish (or Basque), the organization on race day was excellent, with frequent water stations and excellent post-race massage. And with the 30 euros entry fee, you got all sorts of "freebies" (fleece jacket, bottle of wine, cheese, medal, food at end). I had a great day: thanks to the pacer and a large group of 3-hour runners (as well as some hard training!), I ran a PB of 2:56. How can I not recommend it?
P. L. from France (11/26/2007) "Nice flat course but learn Spanish quick!" (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon de San Sebastian COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 Ran in Nov. 2007, nice flat course but not very scenic. Great crowd and nice city, much better than expected. Please note that there is no gel provided except at 28km point. Visit Bilboa Guggenheim museum - amazing, if you have a chance (40 min away). Limited English and weak web site makes it a bit difficult but if willing to work it and discover the Basque region it's quite nice and people very friendly despite limited English (some French)

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Marathon Details - Marathon de San Sebastian