Eco-Trail de Paris®

Race preview: 5th Eco-Trail de Paris® - March 24th & 25th, 2012

This 5th Eco-Trail de Paris®, a really unique cross country race in urban surroundings, will take place on March 24th and 25th, 2012. On the program for this year, 5 events run or walked to respond to the expectations of all sports lovers. The organisers wish is to offer each and every one a race to match his or her ability: seasoned runners, adventurers, lovers of challenges, keen on discovery or just enthusiasts. Each one will find what they want and 60 British runners competed last year.

The 80km Trail

With a distance of 80 km and a finish on the 1st floor of the Eiffel Tower, this race is the supreme test in the event. Combining 1500m of positive altitude change and 92% of the route on tracks and paths, this trail is limited to 2,000 participants and sells out each year. Participants will be able to discover, among others, the State forest of Versailles, the Meudon Observatory Estate, the National Estate of Saint-Cloud and even the Ile Saint-Germain.

For who ?
The greatest trailers, like Emmanuel Gault - winner of the CCC® 2011 - or Eric Clavery - current World Champion - are taking part in the event. But this race is also aimed at non elite runners who are used to and enthusiastic about surpassing themselves.

The 50km Trail

The second largest race in the event combines 1,000m of ascent and 90% of the route on tracks and paths. Limited to 1800 participants, this race brings together nature and historic heritage, thanks to a route that crosses the state forest of Versailles and of Meudon, the national Estate of Saint-Cloud, the quays of the Seine and once again the Eiffel Tower.

For who?
Often marathon runners are attracted by this race which offers them the possibility of testing themselves on a long trail that is not too technical, and above all offers a chance to be in direct contact with nature everywhere along the course.

The 30km Trail: New for 2012 ...already sold-out

This distance is the great novelty of the year 2012. This additional event was added due to an ever increasing demand by runners for nature races, but for who an enrolment in the 80km Trail or in the 50km Trail is not yet possible, especially at the start of the season.

For who ?
With a distance shorter than the marathon, this race is made for those beginning to test themselves on long-distance trails. Enthusiastic half-marathon runners who are not yet up to the full marathon distance will be able to test themselves over an accessible distance without too much extra training.

The 18km Twin Santé® 92

With 200m of ascent and 75% of the route on tracks and paths, the 18km Twin Santé® 92 is an event for the less ambitious. Participants run in pairs to reach the Eiffel Tower after a start from the Water Park of the Ile de Monsieur at Sèvres and after crossing the Saint-Cloud national Estate. The idea here is to offer a taste of the special atmosphere on the trail in a friendly way, without timing, so promoting the principle of solidarity so present for runners. In short, to run for pleasure and to enjoy oneself.

For who ?
Couples, mother/daughter and father/son duos, colleagues, friends…

The Hikes

On Sunday March 25, 2012, it’s the hikers’ turn. On the programme, 9 cultural and environmental courses, starting from different point in the Ile-de-France and all finishing at the Eiffel Tower. The programme drawn up this year, will bringing together the greatest number of participants. From the short to the long distance, from the classic hike to Nordic walking (racing walk), all participants will enjoy crossing and discovering the unknown paths of the Ile de France and admire the local heritage, with a finish at the Eiffel Tower and a convivial buffet meal.

A race still eco-responsible and united

As every year, the Eco-Trail de Paris® invites runners to discover the local heritage with the greatest respect for nature. This committment to ally sporting activities to an eco-responsible approach is reflected in the services offered to the runners. Each participant is encouraged to use public transport systems to get to the start of the races.

Through these actions, the Eco-Trail de Paris® will prove that a sporting event can be respectful of its environment. The organizers complete their actions by supporting many projects supporting sustainable development. In all €16,900 have been collected and paid into the different organizations in 2011.

Click here to find out more about the events