EcoTrail de Paris

The EcoTrail de Paris is a one-of-a-kind race, an 80-kilometer trail with 1,500 meters of elevation gain that connects the great natural spaces of the Ile-de-France region to the heart of the capital, with a legendary finish on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. Held every March, this pioneering event in the concept of urban and periurban trail running was created in 2008 with a dual ambition: to prove that nature exists at Paris's doorstep and to raise runners' awareness of environmental issues. The EcoTrail has since become a model exported to several cities worldwide, from Brussels to Oslo.

The start is in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, in the Haute Vallee de Chevreuse regional nature park, roughly forty kilometers southwest of Paris. The opening kilometers plunge runners into state forests of surprising beauty and tranquility: the Rambouillet forest, then the Versailles woods, offer winding forest trails through groves of sessile oaks and centuries-old beeches. The terrain, made of dirt paths, forest single tracks, and occasionally muddy passages, rivals mountain trails in technical difficulty. The small valleys cutting into the Yvelines plateau create an undulating relief where short but repeated climbs accumulate steadily.

The crossing of the Versailles estate is a striking and singular moment in the race. Runners follow the Grand Canal, traverse the gardens designed by Le Notre, and pass at the foot of the palace -- an incongruous baroque backdrop for a trail race. The juxtaposition of historic heritage and athletic effort creates a surreal experience found nowhere else. After Versailles, the course follows the forests of Meudon and Clamart, then the Parc de Saint-Cloud, stringing together the green lungs that form a natural belt around the capital. The Foret de Fausses-Reposes and the Bois de Boulogne mark the entry into Paris proper.

The final kilometers of the EcoTrail are the most spectacular. Runners cross the Bois de Boulogne, follow the banks of the Seine, pass the Trocadero, and cross the Pont d'Iena to reach the Eiffel Tower. The finish takes place on the first floor of the Iron Lady, after climbing the stairs of the world's most famous monument. This finale, unique in the trail world, offers a sweeping view of Paris and engraves an indelible memory for every finisher. The emotion of crossing the finish line 57 meters above the Champ-de-Mars, after 80 kilometers of effort, is nearly impossible to describe.

The EcoTrail de Paris is accessible to intermediate-level runners, provided they have a solid endurance base and a few long races under their belt. The elevation gain is modest compared to mountain trails, but the 80 kilometers and occasionally technical terrain should not be underestimated. With the race taking place in March, conditions can range from sharp cold to spring mildness, with a significant risk of rain and mud. Trail shoes with good grip are essential, especially in the forest sections. The EcoTrail de Paris is living proof that trail running is not reserved for the mountains: it can be experienced wherever nature reclaims its rights, even at the gates of continental Europe's largest metropolis.

EcoTrail de Paris is a 80 km trail race with 1,500 m of elevation gain, located in Paris, Paris. The next edition is scheduled for 14 March 2026.

Find all official information on the race website.