Tasty, locally-made refreshments

Nutrition during a trail run deserves special attention. Feeding management is not to be taken lightly, whatever the distance to be covered. It is one of the most frequent sources of abandonment. For this 2021 edition, the EcoTrail Paris® has pulled out all the stops, calling on local producers to offer a rich and varied range of refreshments. In this series of articles, we'd like to highlight a new eco-responsible initiative for this 14th edition (July 3 and 4).

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Strategic points on the course, refreshment zones need to be identified at the start, so that effort and nutrition can be managed as effectively as possible. Located at key points along the course, runners can take advantage of the benefits of the food on offer to boost their bodies and get off to a fresh start. Food and beverages must be carefully selected for their nutritional and energy value. For this 14th edition, the EcoTrail Paris® is committed to developing an even more responsible refreshment program, sourcing supplies from local producers. A genuine commitment that will offer runners seasonal produce while supporting local businesses.

The pleasure of apple juice

On the drinks front, participants will be able to sample apple juices produced by "Vergers de plaisir". Located in the Yvelines region, on the Gâtines plateau, the company grows over 10 varieties of apples chosen for their gustatory quality. "We specialize in apple picking. With the rest of the harvest, we transform them into apple juice, sparkling wine or jam. We're delighted to be working with the EcoTrail Paris®. This will be a big first for us. Les Vergers du Plaisir will make apple juice available at the various refreshment points. We hope it will give the runners a boost," says Anne-Cécile Lefebvre, who is in charge of the operation.

Terramoka, organic coffee of excellence

Another fuel for runners is coffee. Known for its draining and vasodilating effects, it will be a staple at refreshment points. The young French brand Terramoka will be offering its grand cru organic coffees with rich, intense 100% arabica flavours, and plastic- and aluminium-free packaging. The brand, with its strong ecological values, has been awarded the "Café d'Excellence" certification, an SCAE standard that rewards the best coffees. "Terramoka is an eco-responsible organic coffee brand. We are a family-run company. We work hand in hand with coffee growers around the world. We are committed to the quality of our products and respect for the environment. That's why we've chosen 100% biodegradable packaging. We're delighted to be working with this trail, with whom we share the same values. We'll be on hand in the village to offer tastings of our different coffee pods. Runners will also be able to enjoy ground coffee at the refreshment posts along the route", says Chantal Sauzay, Development and Communications Manager.

Beer of taste, beer of meaning with Deck & Donohue

And after the effort, the comfort. At the end of their performance, their runners can begin their recovery with a certified organic quality beer produced by our partner Deck & Nonohue. Brewed on the outskirts of Paris, these beers cover a wide range of styles, tastes and colors, all with an ecological dimension by promoting local supply chains. "We are proud to announce that we have just obtained organic certification for our entire permanent range since May! We'd like to take this opportunity to reiterate that we've been working since the very beginning to ensure that what we do is as natural as possible, and in the interests of protecting our ecosystem", warns Thomas Deck, founder of the brewery.

Gourmet delights guaranteed with Ferme de la Rhubarbe

When it comes to food, runners will be offered a wide choice of products to help them continue their run with peace of mind. Favored for their high carbohydrate content, fruit pastes will be present at the finish. With rhubarb or raspberry, these will win the hearts of runners thanks to their natural flavours and original recipe. A product quality recognized and awarded every year. "At Ferme de la Rhubarbe, I produce and process jams and fruit jellies. I work on an artisanal basis, and I'm constantly striving to improve the quality of the products I harvest. This is our 1st collaboration with EcoTrail Paris®. We hope to be able to satisfy all runners with our different varieties", explains Véronique Dufrenne, manager of Ferme de la Rhubarbe.

Rucher Alexandre

An energy booster during the race, honey will also have a special place at these refreshment stations. Les Ruchers d'Alexandre will provide sweets and lollipops made with 10% of summer flower honey produced on the farm. "We produce honey, pollen and royal jelly. With our honey, we also make confectionery, pastries and caramel. As part of the race, I've been asked to provide a good dose of energy and vitamins with these sweets and lollies. This will be a big first for us", says Alexandre Valgrès, beekeeper.

With a wide range of refreshment points, runners are sure to find what they're looking for along the way. They'll be able to put in great performances over all the distances on offer. For this 14th edition, the EcoTrail Paris® has made a point of providing quality organic products from local producers. It's another major initiative in favor of the environment, and a real sign of trust with local producers.