EcoTrail Wicklow was launched in Paris on St Patrick’s Day during the EcoTrail Paris event.
The popular international trail running festival is back in Wicklow at the end of September with race day scheduled for Saturday, 30th September 2023. Attracting more than 1500 participants, EcoTrail Wicklow is Ireland’s premier trail running event with participants coming from all over the world.
The 2022 event attracted participants of 42 different nationalities with runners coming from all over Europe, the US, South Africa and Singapore. EcoTrail Wicklow has gained the support of Failte Ireland with the objective to grow international participation and exposure.
EcoTrail Wicklow is based out of Bray with the start and finish of the various races on Bray Seafront. The event offers five different distance options. The 8km and 19km races are ideal for beginners looking for a first trail running experience. The more experienced ultra runners will enjoy the 30km, 45km or the gruelling 80km races.
The various routes take on some of Wicklow’s most scenic trails and locations including Bray Head, Killruddery, Little Sugar Loaf, the Big Sugar Loaf, Powerscourt Waterfall, The Wicklow Way, Lough Tay and the Vartry Reservoir.
The sport of Trail Running has enjoyed increasing popularity around the world. The connection with nature and the mostly non-competitive and fun atmosphere has made the sport extremely attractive to road runners as well as hikers looking for a new challenge.
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman, said: “Wicklow is a perfect playground for trail running with so many trails to run or just walk on! EcoTrail has proven to be a tremendous promotional tool to showcase the stunning Wicklow Sceneries to the world.”
Cathaoirleach Cllr Tommy Annesley added: “EcoTrail Paris welcomes more than 13,000 runners, and launching EcoTrail Wicklow in Paris is a fantastic opportunity to further promote our destination to the overseas market! France is one of the top visiting countries to Ireland, and the French are very receptive to the fantastic scenic beauty of the Wicklow Mountains and its coastline.”
Read more about EcoTrail Wicklow at wicklow.ecotrail.com.