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Kenyan athlete breaks M50 world record (1:03:57) at the San Sebastián Rural Kutxa Half Marathon in an event with 5,200 entrants and another prestigious victory for Maitane Melero

A world record was being targeted in Donostia — and it has been achieved. Mark Kosgey Kiptoo, a former African track champion and captain of Kenya’s powerful cross-country team, improved this Sunday at the fifth edition of the San Sebastián Rural Kutxa Half Marathon on the best time ever recorded by an athlete over the age of 50 in the 21.097 kilometres. Kiptoo clocked 1:03:57, smashing the previous M50 world record of 1:06:17.

The experienced and highly successful athlete, who had arrived in the Gipuzkoa capital with this goal firmly in mind before retiring, was the star of a race that attracted 5,200 entrants — another record. In the women’s race, Maitane Melero was the winner, claiming the champion’s txapela. The Navarrese athlete, who was once a European Championships track finalist and is a five-time Spanish senior champion, triumphed in 1:15:44, adding further prestige to the race’s roll of honour, which already includes prominent names in Spanish athletics such as Meritxell Soler, Irene Pelayo and Elena Loyo.

The races

Kiptoo and Melero were the clear favourites, and neither disappointed. In the men’s race, local athlete Joseba Díaz was responsible for setting the pace, running close to 3:05 per kilometre during the opening stages. He led the field until approximately the seventh kilometre, when Kiptoo moved to the front alongside Iraitz Arrospide. Realising he had more left in his legs, the Kenyan increased the pace and soon pulled away after leaving the pacemaker behind. Encouraged by the ever-loyal Donostia crowd, Kiptoo ran alone all the way to the finish. He proudly crossed the line carrying the sign celebrating his masters world record.

Behind him, Arrospide produced a superb performance to complete the 21.097 kilometres in 1:04:51. Youness Assehli finished third, coming through strongly in the second half of the race, in 1:07:19.

In the women’s race, the early pace was set by Madrid-based runner María Lázaro. The 2025 Spanish marathon champion soon found that Melero was the only woman able to stay with her. Around the eighth kilometre, Lázaro began to lose ground, allowing the Navarrese athlete to open up a gap. Melero enjoyed the race and went on to claim victory. Switzerland’s Janice Studler eventually finished second in 1:18:19, overtaking Lázaro in the final metres, with the Spaniard taking third in 1:18:27.

Light rain and wet roads accompanied the participants for much of this fifth edition of the San Sebastián Rural Kutxa Half Marathon.

Other podiums

In addition to the overall podium, awards were also presented to the best Basque athletes (Hyundai Oarso Car), the best athletes from Gipuzkoa (Muy Gipuzkoa) and the best athletes from Donostia (Euskadi LowCost). In the women’s category, Donostia athlete Maite Arraiza was the standout performer, featuring in all three classifications and finishing fifth overall in 1:21:20. Iraitz Arrospide was the best-placed Basque and Gipuzkoan athlete, while Gonzalo Fuentes, who finished tenth overall in 1:10:38, was the fastest athlete from Donostia.

A race with a charitable purpose

Minutes before the start, the organisers, in collaboration with SALTO FOUNDATION, presented a €4,000 cheque to ASPARGI, a non-profit organisation founded in September 2000 in response to the needs of people with Parkinson’s disease and parkinsonism, as well as their families, in dealing with the consequences of the condition.

The finisher medals received by the runners were presented by ASPARGI volunteers. Athletes from CD KEMEN also took part in the event. The club brings together athletes with and without disabilities and works to promote inclusion and integration through sport.

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The San Sebastián Rural Kutxa Half Marathon has opened registration for its 2027 edition, which will take place on October 3. Following the success of the 2026 edition, when all 5,000 race entries sold out several months before race day, registrations for 2027 are now officially open.

Anyone wishing to take part in the 2027 San Sebastián Rural Kutxa Half Marathon can now register for the 21.097-kilometre race. The course will be officially certified, meaning that finishing times will be valid as official records.

Those who register during the first few hours can take advantage of the special launch price. Registration is limited to 5,000 runners.

Once again, we remind you that demand was exceptionally high in 2026, with all race entries selling out several months before the event. Don't miss your chance to secure your place in the 2027 edition.

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San Sebastián is just the beginning

Beyond the city you'll discover when you come to run the Rural Kutxa San Sebastián Half Marathon, Gipuzkoa awaits with a destination rich in stunning coastline, mountains, charming villages, outstanding gastronomy, culture, and nature.

Discover the Mountain Tourist Guide: Summits, Routes And Trail Running, specially designed for those who enjoy sport and nature, as well as the full range of official SO GIPUZKOA guides to explore everything the province has to offer.

The San Sebastián Rural Kutxa Half Marathon is a flat, officially certified race included in the calendar of the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (times are official). It is held annually on the first Sunday of October.

When will it take place in 2026?

The San Sebastián Rural Kutxa Half Marathon 2026 will take place on Sunday, October 4, in the morning.

What time does it start?

At 9:30 a.m., with both the start and finish lines located on the Boulevard of San Sebastián.

What distances are available?

Only the half marathon distance. Therefore, the spotlight is exclusively on runners covering the 21.097 kilometers(13.1 miles).

What is the course like?

You can view it on the official website. Both the start and finish lines are located on the Boulevard of San Sebastián, in the heart of the city.
It is a flat, officially certified course. Therefore, your time will be valid for qualifying purposes in other races (for example, to improve your starting corral in the Behobia-San Sebastián race).

How many participants can register?

For the 2026 edition, the limit is 5,000 registered runners.

Where can I register?

On the official race website.

How much does registration cost? Can I register if I am not a licensed athlete?

You can register whether or not you are licensed with the athletics federation. If you are not licensed, you must purchase a one-day insurance policy during registration, which costs €4.
Registration fees are tiered as follows:
    •    Up to bib number 2000: €36
    •    Bib numbers 2001 to 3000: €39
    •    Bib numbers 3001 to 5000: €42

Where can I collect my race bib?

There are several pick-up points. You can change your selected pick-up location until September 7, even after completing registration. The locations are detailed on the official website. They include:
San Sebastián, Irun, Arrasate, Errenteria, Ordizia, Beasain, Andoain, Zarautz, Azpeitia, Bilbao, Pamplona, Barcelona, Madrid, Anglet, and Bordeaux.
It is important to note that the bib can only be collected at the location selected before September 7; it will not be transferred to another point.

When can I collect my race bib?

Between September 30 and October 3, during the commercial hours of the selected store, unless you have chosen the Welcome Zone option.
If you selected the Welcome Zone, bib collection will take place on the afternoon of October 3, the day before the race, on the Boulevard of San Sebastián.

Can I receive my race bib at home?

Yes, if you live in Spain or France. The cost is €15, and you must request it during registration. You will receive it during the two weeks prior to the race.

Is it possible to transfer my registration?

Yes, until September 7, through the “My Registration” section on the website.

Is there a finisher medal?

Yes, it is included. You must cross the finish line to receive it.

What is the race shirt like?

It changes every year and is published on the race’s official channels (website and social media). It is a high-quality technical shirt from the brand Dare2B. Its retail value is €30.

Are there pacers?

Yes, at different target times:
1h20, 1h25, 1h30, 1h35, 1h40, 1h45, 1h50, 2h00, and 2h30 (race closing time).

What is the maximum time allowed to finish?

You have a maximum of 2 hours and 30 minutes. There is a final pacer that participants must follow to avoid being withdrawn from the race.

Is there a bag drop service?

Yes, on race day from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., very close to the start area.

Are there showers?

Yes, very close to the finish area.