Kolitza Balmatrail

The Kolitza Balmatrail begins in Balmaseda, Bizkaia, sending runners into the Enkarterri hills between October and November. This two-day mountain sports event offers multiple formats, including children's races, family walks, and challenging trail races. The most demanding format is the Récord del Kolitza, an individual time trial from Plaza San Severino to the hermitage and back, covering 12 km with 720 meters of elevation gain. The event also features a 25 km mountain race with 1,300 meters of elevation gain on a loop course with steep ascents and descents. The routes extend into the Artzentales, Karrantza, and Mena valleys, linking the race to Bizkaia's interior rather than its coast. The Récord del Kolitza traces its origins to Francisco Rodríguez's initial attempt in 1960, and its prestige is reflected in past participants like Kilian Jornet, Marco Di Gasperi, Oihana Kortazar, Patrick Kipngeno, Madalina Florea, and Joyce Muthoni.