The XIX edition of the Zegama-Aizkorri, which was scheduled on the weekend of May 24, is suspended due to the current global crisis caused by Covid-19 and in view of the exceptional situation expected in the coming months. Zegama is Zegama and it will return in 2021

From the organization of the Zegama-Aizkorri after analysing the current situation caused by the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and in view of the exceptional world situation expected in the coming months, we have decided to SUSPEND the three races of the 2020 edition.

We were working to be the XIX edition of the Zegama-Aizkorri Mendi Maratoia, along with the IX. Zegama-Aizkorri Junior Trail and the VI. Zegama-Aizkorri Kilometro Bertikala, the annual event of the trail running party, but our work and enthusiasm aren’t enough this year. Ten days ago, we asked you for responsibility, to be responsible with all the actions you take, we wouldn’t be if we didn’t suspend this year’s edition. We can’t guarantee the complete safety of the participants, volunteers and the unconditional public that year after year shows the whole world the character of the Basque supporters. Security has been one of our indisputable bases since the first edition back in 2002.

On the other hand, we can’t guarantee that all those who have bib numbers can be in our town in two months in their best physical shape. The Basque Government first with its measures and the Government of Spain later, has tightened them by decreeing “state of health alarm” at least until April 11, with confinement order. We know what all this means to the runners, as they are locked up at home without being able to leave and without being able to train properly. Although we must say that your imagination and desire to train have charmed us!

As we have mentioned before, the pandemic is global, and the rhythm and measures being taken in every corner of the world are different. We can’t guarantee that international runners can leave their country of origin or that they can enter in ours. With this we can’t assure the great competitive level that is usually common in our race.

We suspend and don’t postpone since we believe that the magic of Zegama wouldn’t be possible on another date. All races have a more or less defined date in the planning of the year, it doesn’t seem responsible for us to get into the calendar of others. We value the work of all the organizers and therefore we send all the encouragement and support possible to those who, like us, are taking these difficult decisions. As we are an international race, it seems to us that the elite runners deserve a respect and we can’t put all the races in the second half of the year saturating their calendar. Recovery and rest periods are essential in our sport.

It was difficult for us to take the decision to suspend because we know that for many participants it is the big goal of the year. Following our regulation, the full amount of the registration will be returned to those who had formalized it. Thinking that it is the most logical and ethical thing for us, the bib numbers of the draw and the bibs for good times of this year with their consequent waiting lists will be saved for 2021, therefore, in 2021 there won’t be pre-registration or lottery of bib.

We don’t want to finish without thanking all our volunteers, sponsors and great friends of the race who, even in the most difficult moments like this, have always been in our side. It’s because you that we continue to believe in community, that we already said it in the previous published note, let’s take care of each other during these days, so life can continue after.

Zegama is Zegama and it will be back in May 2021!

 

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