TotalEnergies Bilbao Night Running Fest
Located in the north of Spain 🇪🇸, Bilbao is renowned for its quality of life, charm, history, and enchanting surroundings. You're in luck: this beautiful city in the Basque Country is hosting you for the 17th edition of a much-anticipated event. But this year, the Bilbao Marathon is transforming into the TotalEnergies Bilbao Night Running Fest! Say goodbye to 42.195 km and get ready to experience a true running festival this October. As the sun sets 🌇 and the moon appears 🌔, it's the midnight demons runners who will keep you going through the night 😈. Indeed, the Bilbao Night Running Fest is all about celebrating with headlamps on! 😝
Let us tell you more about your evening's agenda: for those who love partying all night, we have the marathon for you. But if big nights out aren't really your thing, how about a joyful and cheerful outing? 😁 Join the half-marathon for an explosive atmosphere 💥. More of an early bird? No worries, you can still participate in the 10 km run, which also promises plenty of surprises 🎁. The race will take you through the city's landmarks along the Rìa de Bilbao. Your nocturnal journey will reveal the illuminated beauty of Bilbao 🌃 from a new perspective. Your route will include the city's main sites and streets: Guggenheim, Euskalduna, Gran Vía, Teatro Arriaga, Old Town, City Hall, Torres Isozaki, Calatrava Bridge. Starting at the San Mamés stadium, your race will begin like a true champion! You'll make turns and pass multiple landmarks such as the Iberdrola Tower, a skyscraper standing at 165 m tall, the monument to the Sacred Heart Jesus, and the modern art museum Guggenheim.
A special feature is that both the 21 km and 10 km races start simultaneously, with all runners joining the festivities! 🥳 You won't be alone in the streets, as this event brings together and unites the locals who come out to cheer on participants and enjoy the numerous activities. More than just a race, it's a significant event taking place in the city of Bilbao 😍. Known as a hot spot for party-goers, Spain promises a spectacular event, inviting you to a real sports celebration. Even before crossing the starting line, you can enjoy a concert 🎤 visible from the starting area, with high energy for an explosive start 🧨... And when we say explosive, we mean it! Yes, a fireworks display 🎆 will precede your run. If that doesn't set the perfect conditions, we're not sure what will‼️
In this vibrant Spanish city, you can explore Iberian culture in an ideal setting. Cosmopolitan, Bilbao is also a leader in innovation, with its Guggenheim art museum 🎨 and stunning architecture that deserves more than just a passing glance 👀. After exploring the historic center of Siete Calles, we recommend visiting the grand Arriaga Theater 🎭, the Mercado de la Ribera, or the Palacio de la Diputación. You're also not too far from the beach 🏖️ for an autumn stroll. Additionally, the towns of the Basque Country are famous for their delicious cuisine. We suggest trying the Bacalao al pil-pil or Vizcaína made with cod, or the Txangurro made with crab, a seafood delight 🦀.
So, what are you waiting for to join the party? 😎
The half-marathon is a great event to test your endurance over a relatively manageable distance 😉.
Like the marathon runners, you'll start at the esplanade of the San Mamés stadium. Your first few kilometers will take you to the Plaza Moyua. At the roundabout, remember to signal, then take the fourth exit towards the Rìa, the famous river that flows through Bilbao. You'll reach Deusto, one of Bilbao's eight districts. After that, you'll make a U-turn at San Inazio and head back down Avenue Madariaga 🏃♂️.
You'll cross the river again and veer towards the Parque Doña Casilda to go around the Euskalduna Palace. Following the riverbank, you will pass by the Iberdrola Tower, in the Abandoibarra district, and the Guggenheim Museum. You will head up towards Casco Viejo, another district of Bilbao, before heading back towards the river to return to the Deusto district.
Time to turn around! You'll then follow the same route back to Casco Viejo. The finish line will be at the Guggenheim Museum. That's where you'll finish your night race, with stars in your eyes! 🤩
The 10 km course is perfect for seasoned athletes 💪 and those curious about night races 👀. This distance offers you the chance to set a new personal best or simply embrace the adventure! 🎖️
Your route follows the same paths as the other runners 🏃. Your journey also starts at the esplanade of the San Mamés stadium, where you too will get a proper send-off! The first few kilometers will lead you to Plaza Moyua. At the roundabout, follow the crowd. Make sure not to miss the exit; it's the 4th one you'll need to take! You'll continue heading towards the Ria, the river that flows through Bilbao. You'll reach Deusto, one of Bilbao's eight districts, and make a U-turn at San Inazio to head back down Avenue Madariaga.
After crossing the river again, you'll veer off towards the Parque Doña Casilda, circling around the Euskalduna Palace. Following the Ria once more, you'll pass by the Iberdrola Tower in the Abandoibarra district. Soon after, you'll find yourself at the end of your journey near the Guggenheim Museum. There, you'll watch the half-marathon and marathon participants press on, while you can continue enjoying the evening's festivities 🎉.
Bib pick-up is available on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM, and Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM. You just need to go to the EUSKALDUNA Palace, located at Abandoibarra Etorb., 4, Abando, 48011 Bilbao, Bizkaia.
Both races will start at 7:00 PM at the San Mamés Stadium.
Yes, there will be 8 starting corrals to help manage the flow of the race.
For the half marathon:
Until August 31, 2025: €27
From September 1 to 20, 2025: €30
For the 10 km / "Pirate Race":
Until August 31, 2025: €20
From September 1 to 20, 2025: €23
The half marathon is open to athletes of all nationalities, affiliated or not, who are 18 years old on the day of the event.
The "Pirate Race" is open to athletes of all nationalities, affiliated or not, from 16 years old (on the day of the event). Minors will need to complete a parental authorization form during online registration.
No, it is not required. However, the organizers recommend all participants undergo a medical examination before the event. Participants are also expected to ensure they are in optimal physical condition to complete the race and do so at their own risk.
There are several facilities available on-site:
Cloakroom service: Separate men's and women's changing rooms are available from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, located in the ZUBIARTE shopping center. You will need your race bib to access this service.
Bag drop service: Accessible from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM and located in the ZUBIARTE shopping center, level -1. You must use the official bag provided when you collect your bib to store your belongings. Ensure your bag is identifiable using the official numbering card provided in the bib envelope.
Shower service: Available after the race from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM at the Deusto Sports Center, Jon Arróspide Street 1. Race bib is required for access.
In accordance with RFEA and World Athletics regulations, there will be refreshment stations at kilometers 6, 10, 14, and 18.
When picking up your race bib, you will receive:
A technical race t-shirt
An XL sports bag
After the race, you will get:
Your medal
A finishers certificate
For the Half Marathon: The time limit is 2 hours and 45 minutes. If you exceed this time, you must leave the course.
For the "Pirate Race": The time limit is 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you exceed this time, you must leave the course.
Once you cross the finish line, you will receive a bag containing:
Water
Isotonic drinks
A surprise refreshment provided by sponsors
If you're the organizer of this race and want to enhance your page's content, claim it here.
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