Bilbao Night Running Fest will limit runners to 20,000 because it has no main sponsor

Bilbao Night Running Fest will open registration for the 2027 edition on November 24 with a quota of 20,000 participants , 7,000 fewerthan this year's run, "due to the economic uncertainty experienced by the organizers" who do not have their main sponsor guaranteed for next year.

Faced with this situation, organizers have called for greater involvement of public institutions and the private sector to ensure the sustainability of the race.

This night race, which this year brought together 27,000 runners in the mid-marathon and 10-kilometre modalities, has doubled its participation in just three years, from the 13,500 registered in 2023 to "the busiest sports test in Bizkaia and one of the six federates with the most participation in Spain."

However, they regret that 'there has been no increase in economic resources'. With a budget of around EUR 700,000 , the organisation 'has opted for prudence and will initially adapt the number of participants to the funding it can guarantee'.

The lack of financial support also threatens the continuity of World Athletics on the international calendar. The organizers have two months to decide whether to continue on the world circuit.

According to organisers, the economic impact of the race exceeded EUR 8 million in 2026 and "directly affected hotels, restaurants, shops, transport and other tourism-related services."