Salomon EcoTrail Paris Fall: The Rise of Urban Trail Running
The Salomon EcoTrail Paris Moves to the Fall
Since 2008, the Salomon EcoTrail Paris has been the must-attend event of the spring, and on October 17, it held its very first fall edition.
Three distances were on the program: 20, 50, and 80 km. The longest race started at the Domaine National du Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, passing through the forests of Saint-Germain and Marly, and ending at the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud. And that was what made the race so unique: despite the urban setting, more than 80% of the course took place in the great outdoors. All three races counted toward the UTMB Index.
The culmination of a season of training in the city
For many Parisian runners, the Salomon EcoTrail Paris Autumn had a special meaning: it was the reward for long months of training in the city. Interval training along the banks of the Seine, long runs in the Bois de Boulogne or the Bois de Vincennes, hill workouts on the Montmartre stairs or the paths of the Buttes-Chaumont… The urban trail runner learns to make do with whatever terrain is available. This fall edition provided a concrete goal for all that preparation, transforming it into a true trail race right on the outskirts of the capital.
This phenomenon perfectly illustrates the rise of urban trail running: a sport that is no longer limited to the Alps or the Pyrenees, but is also taking root in the heart of major cities. To find the next race that will cap off your training—whether in the Île-de-France region or elsewhere—the Finishers calendar lists thousands of trail running, running, and triathlon events throughout France and abroad.
A car-free trail that draws visitors from far beyond Paris
One of the great strengths of the Salomon EcoTrail Paris Autumn was its accessibility. For many Parisians, trail running often means driving, long trips, and organized weekend getaways far from home. However, a large portion of the capital’s residents do not own a car. Here, there was no need to travel hundreds of kilometers: the start line was accessible via RER Line A, and the finish line was in western Paris. This allowed everyone to experience a true urban trail run using public transportation—an approach consistent with the EcoTrail’s eco-friendly ethos.
But the event didn’t just attract residents of the Île-de-France region. Runners from all over France—and even from abroad—came to discover another side of Paris: its national forests, historic estates, and wooded trails, just a few kilometers from the city’s landmarks. It was a wonderful opportunity to combine running with a visit to the capital.
And to prepare for this type of race—or simply to explore the trails near you—MyTrails offers a wide selection of trail runs and outing ideas so you can train in real-world conditions, even if you live in the city.
With its first fall edition, the Salomon EcoTrail Paris confirmed a fundamental trend: trail running is no longer just for mountain dwellers. Accessible without a car, open to all skill levels thanks to its three distances, and designed as the natural culmination of urban training, the Salomon EcoTrail Paris Fall proved that you can experience a true outdoor adventure without leaving the Île-de-France region. A new date to mark on the calendar for all trail runners, whether they’re from Paris or not.
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