The Bilbao Night Marathon is now the TotalEnergies Bilbao Night Running Fest!

The legendary Bilbao Marathon is no more... But why did the organizers come to such a decision? 🤔 This beloved night-time race, cherished by both Spaniards and international runners, will not take place in 2025, which would have been its 16th edition. However, the event will still happen in October, but with a new identity! Here's everything you need to know about the new TotalEnergies Night Running Fest 😉.

A gathering that attracts more and more runners! 🌍

Photo Credit: TotalEnergies Night Running Fest

The day of the marathon has almost become a national holiday in Bilbao! Since 2019, when this event began to boom, thousands of runners have gathered every autumn in the capital of the Basque Country 📍. The marathon started alongside the half marathon and the 10 km, creating quite a spectacle with tens of thousands of runners equipped with headlamps! 🔦 The routes for the various distances overlap, resulting in a sea of runners flowing through the streets of Bilbao 🤯. The 42.195 km were divided over two loops of the half marathon course, which posed safety concerns ⚠️. Additionally, with the growing popularity of running 🏃‍, organizers were eager to increase participant numbers to bring together as many people as possible for a shared passion! 🥰 Based on the registration numbers for previous years, organizers decided to let the half marathon shine! ⭐

A half marathon gaining popularity! 😎

Photo Credit: TotalEnergies Night Running Fest

1,185 participants took on the Bilbao Marathon 2024, while 7,826 completed the half marathon the same year! 🤯 Clearly, the 21 km distance is becoming more appealing 😏. On this flat and fast course, runners of all levels can enjoy a fantastic festive moment together. That's the essence of the event: making this October night a real festival 🎉, where the autumn chill and weary legs fade away as the miles fly by! 🦵 The 10 km, also known as the "pirate race", attracts both beginners and speed enthusiasts: 6,077 aficionados of road racing were at the starting line for the last edition 🤗. It was clear for the organizers to keep the two best-sellers of the event, the most accessible distances, where everyone can easily enjoy themselves from start to finish! 😁

An atmosphere as electrifying as ever! 💪

Photo Credit: TotalEnergies Night Running Fest

The Basque people are the kings of celebration, and their running events clearly showcase this! 🍻 Even though the main marathon distance is not on the agenda, the atmosphere will be even more caliente! 🔥 With concerts 🎤, activities, light shows 💡, and a grand finish at the foot of the Guggenheim Museum... everything is set for you to experience an authentic Basque cultural fest 🤠. No need for headphones, as you'll have live music along the course! 🎶 So let the reflections of the Nervion River guide your steps to the rhythm of the music! 🤩

Many participants are expected this year for the inaugural TotalEnergies Bilbao Night Running Fest! 🗓️ Will you be at the starting line at the San Mamés Stadium? We suggest booking your race bib quickly, as they will sell out as fast as festival tickets with such an electrifying atmosphere! 😝