101 kilometers of passion for mountains

On the retina of the fetish test recorded by Manuel Ilardir Hiking Association, the organizer of the event, the last Julen Martinez de Estibariz win. Two years later, the Alavés team from Valendia once again crossed the Araya finish line victoriously, completing the feat in less than 11 hours. It was really a feeling of “déjà vu”. He did it after a great fight with Salamanca’s Alvaro Ramos, knowing how to adjust the dose and bide his time.

The two have been together since the beginning, he first crowned Gorbia and then made his rivals in Ambo after seeing them advance in Oriol, Gialindo or Urquiola Touya did the same thing. A constant relay race that puts the race leaders at a frenetic pace that no other athlete can keep up with. The longest and most leg-consuming section of the race is between Anboto (41km) and Aizkorri (94km). During the fifty kilometers you will climb the technical Orixsol Mountain, descend to the base of Landa’s life, ascend Mount Mugarriluze and visit the entire Ergian Mountains and its wind farms, where physical and mental strength are at stake. Divine power is equally important.

They were both grateful for their companionship during the fifty miles. However, the man from Salamanca suffered excruciating pain from an injury to the sole of his foot, forcing him to slow down his cadence. One person’s physical loss is exploited by another. Martínez de Estibariz set a hellish pace of 6.22 minutes per kilometer because he knew his double goal was about to be achieved. His doubts removed and full of confidence, he conquered Ezgori alone and faced a horrific drop in his legs after a superhuman effort. In his mind, several minutes had passed.

He did. If his time in 2021 was 11 hours, 13 minutes and 30 seconds, the improvement in his record was obvious two years later when he stopped the clock at 10:44.48. While it’s nowhere near Iker Carrera’s test record of 10 hours and 23 minutes set in 2012, it’s a time that few can equal. About 12 minutes later Álvaro Ramos arrived for his second appearance at Los Tres Grandes. Amid applause, local runner Carlos Jimenez finished third. The man from Alaia crossed the finish line with his son in his arms. After 11 hours, 10 minutes and 13 seconds of continuous fighting, he was obviously tired.

Ane Sabara’s Surprise

In the women’s race, the field of favorites further expanded after the last winner, Maite Maiora, was absent. She also set a women’s record with a time of 12 hours, 9 minutes and 39 seconds. The news came with great anticipation that Gipuzkoan Ana Zabala had started on the Gorbea climb 12 kilometers from the start and little did she know she was in the race Take the lead and start your own adventure. Without any high-profile performances, the athlete from Arrasat only aimed to enjoy and remove the sting from the 2020 event that was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

After suffering mental torture in the Gorbeialde mill district, she relived the feeling of climbing Aitzgorri after an exhausting 14 hours, 30 minutes and 2 seconds and considered herself a winner . There is no opponent. With a time of over 30 minutes, he overtook second place Aida Delgado of Álava, while Xari Adrián completed the podium with a time of over 15 hours.

More than 400 volunteers ensured the correct conduct of this legendary test, which continues to inspire enthusiasm among those who dared to face it and hundreds of their companions.