A souvenir T-shirt or a headful of memories?

Much to the chagrin of those with a fetish for fluorescent synthetic clothing, we decided, for the third year running, not to hand out souvenir t-shirts to finishers. A divisive decision. But to reduce the disappointment of closet T-shirt lovers, here are a few tips to increase your dose of souvenirs during your race.

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As organizers, our vision of the race is inevitably different from yours. But that doesn't stop us from listening and looking. And it's not easy to contemplate your disappointment when, once you've crossed the finish line, you realize that you won't be receiving the long-awaited sesame: a "free" finisher's t-shirt.

More and more of us are becoming aware that this piece of textile, which serves not only as a reward, but also as a souvenir gift, a promotional item, proof of achievement and a tool for boosting self-esteem, doesn't just have its advantages. Yet for some, that little disappointment - as if Santa hadn't dropped by after all - persists.

An understandable disappointment, since the mechanism for recalling memories, particularly sporting ones, depends on individual preferences. Some prefer to collect objects to recall important moments in their lives, while others concentrate on creating emotional bonds.

Those we've seen wince the most since 2021 are logically those for whom material memories, like a worn pair of shoes, allow us to immerse ourselves in specific moments, exceptional performances or certain places. This is undoubtedly due to the fact that they are tangible, observable and infinitely palpable.

To cheer you up, here are a few tips that might help you retain fond memories of your EcoTrail Paris experience, even if, sadly, the T-shirt will no longer be with you:

Make your T-shirts carry more than one memory

Make your clothes even more unique than they already are, by wearing a t-shirt you've already worn in a race. It can become a true symbol of your achievements and perseverance in trail running, while knowing that it can also be a great technical asset, as it could be more comfortable and better adapted to your body with repeated use and washing.

Taking pictures

We tend to forget about them during a race, but photos are a great way to capture the highlights of your trail experience. Take the time to capture your route throughout the race to document your successes and the scenery you've discovered. You'll be able to share some key moments with friends and family, and who knows, maybe motivate them!

Taking breaks

It may seem paradoxical for a race, but when trail running, take the time to stop once in a while and enjoy the moment. Breathe in the fresh air, listen to the sounds of nature and enjoy the sensation of running in a natural environment. These breaks can help you recharge your batteries and get the most out of the running experience.

Choosing very wow courses

Look for atypical routes offering unique panoramas. The Ile-de-France region is full of them, and lucky for you, the EcoTrail Paris is pretty good in this respect (I hear the route takes in some exceptional monuments!).

Running with friends and family

Apparently trail running is a more solitary discipline, but who says you can't run with rocks to make the experience more enjoyable and memorable? Especially during a race! This will be an opportunity to share your impressions of the route, its key stages, share your moments of pleasure and success together, and create memories that will last a long time.