Ecotrail Paris 2026: A Deep Dive into the Iconic Parisian Trail Running Event

Paris, France – The Ecotrail Paris, a cornerstone of the Parisian running scene since 2008, is set to draw nearly 18,500 participants this weekend for its 19th edition. More than just a race, the Ecotrail embodies a philosophy of accessibility, showcasing the diverse and readily reachable trails surrounding the French capital. This year’s event features seven races and two Nordic walking events, culminating in a spectacular finish for many at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

The event’s growth is undeniable. A new 120km race, starting from the Château de Rambouillet (Yvelines), has pushed participation to a record high, demonstrating the increasing popularity of trail running and the Ecotrail’s ability to adapt and innovate. The Ecotrail isn’t simply about challenging athletes; it’s about democratizing the sport, as Alexandre Lucas, the event’s global coordinator, explains: “From the start, we wanted to indicate that there are great playgrounds in Paris, accessible by public transport. We wanted to democratize the practice of trail running. Show that you don’t need to accept your car, take a plane, travel to the other side of the world to do it.”

A Weekend of Races: Distances and Schedules

The Ecotrail Paris 2026 unfolds over two days, beginning Saturday, March 21st, with a series of races that converge on Paris. The schedule includes:

• 80km: Starting from the Colline d’Elancourt, finishing at the 1st floor of the Eiffel Tower (10:30 AM start)
• 45km: Starting from the Château de Versailles, finishing at the Pont d’Iéna (10:00 AM start)
• 30km: Starting from Meudon, finishing at the Pont d’Iéna (8:30 AM start)

Sunday, March 22nd, will host additional events departing from the Domaine de Saint-Cloud and finishing at the Observatoire de Paris in Meudon:

• 20km: (8:30 AM start)
• 35km: (10:00 AM start)
• 10km: (10:30 AM start)
• Nordic Walking (10km & 20km): (11:00 AM start)

The Iconic 80km: A Journey to the Eiffel Tower

The 80km race stands as the Ecotrail’s flagship event, a tradition since the inaugural race in 2008. What sets it apart is the unforgettable finish – the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. “The 80km is the historic event of the Ecotrail,” Lucas stated. “It’s iconic given that the arrival is magical for the runners, at the first floor of the Eiffel Tower.”

The course begins on the Colline d’Élancourt, a location steeped in recent sporting history, having hosted the mountain bike events during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Runners will complete a full loop of the Vélodrome National de Saint-Quentin, similarly a venue for the Olympics, before navigating a predominantly forested route towards the Domaine de Saint-Cloud. The final stretch through Paris incorporates the Île Saint-Germain and the Île aux Cygnes, offering a touch of greenery before crossing the Pont de Bir-Hakeim for the final ascent to the Eiffel Tower.

Last year’s winner, Andreu Simon Aymerich of Spain, completed the course in just over 5 hours and 30 minutes, but will not be defending his title this year. However, Sweden’s Anna Carlsson will return to compete. Organizers anticipate the leading runners will cross the finish line around 4:00 PM, with the final participants arriving closer to midnight.

Contenders for the Crown

The French delegation is poised to be a strong force in this year’s competition. Jan Gutermann, Tom Genty, and Alexandre Boucheix are all considered top contenders in the men’s race. Anna Carlsson will face stiff competition from French runners Carine Loyer, Alizée Minker, and Valentine Bourgeois in the women’s category.

A Commitment to Sustainability and Local Focus

The Ecotrail Paris distinguishes itself not only through its unique course but also through its commitment to minimizing its environmental impact. Lucas emphasized that the event intentionally avoids extensive international promotion. “There are a few elite foreign athletes, but we do no communication abroad. It’s a choice on our part, because the carbon footprint of an event is mainly impacted by the transport of participants, especially. We really want it to be as local an event as possible.”

Looking Ahead: A New Autumn Edition

The Ecotrail Paris is expanding its reach, with plans to introduce a second edition in the autumn of 2026, in addition to the traditional spring race. This expansion underscores the event’s growing popularity and its commitment to providing more opportunities for trail runners to experience the beauty of the Parisian landscape.

The Ecotrail Paris continues to evolve, solidifying its position as a premier trail running event and a celebration of the sport’s accessibility and connection to nature. The unique course, culminating in a finish at one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, ensures that the Ecotrail Paris will remain a highlight on the trail running calendar for years to come.

Next Up: Follow Archysport for full results and post-race analysis from the Ecotrail Paris 2026. We’ll have updates on the winners, key moments, and insights from the athletes.