The Autumn EcoTrail Paris kicks off its first edition this Saturday, October 17, 2026. Until now, the renowned nature race in Île-de-France had only been held in spring. This year, three new distances (20 km, 50 km and 80 km) start from Saint-Germain-en-Laye, in the Yvelines (78), and from the Haras de Jardy, in the Hauts-de-Seine (92), finishing together at the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud.
Start times, routes, access by public transport, and traffic impact: we’ve gathered everything you need to know, whether you’re at the starting line or simply here to cheer on a loved one.
Born in 2008 thanks to a band of trail-running friends, the EcoTrail Paris attracts thousands of runners every March, weaving through forests and past monuments, with the famous 80-kilometer finish on the first level of the Eiffel Tower. A victim of its own success, the event now splits into two, with an October edition designed as the season’s final goal before winter.
No Eiffel Tower this time. The backdrop shifts to the grand estates of western Île-de-France.
The three-distance format, already at the heart of the spring edition, is being rolled out again for this October kickoff. Runners can choose between a 20 km, a 50 km and an 80 km option. The other March formats (the 120 km, the 35 km, the 30 km, the 10 km and the two Nordic walking routes) are not on the program this time.
This streamlined lineup has a clear upside: everyone can work at their own level, from the first trail outing to a proper endurance day, without the plan losing focus.
The course layout has evolved significantly since the initial announcements. In September, the organizers unveiled a finish at the ParisLongchamp Racecourse in the 16th arrondissement and a start for the 80 km from the Île de Loisirs de Cergy-Pontoise in Val-d'Oise. Ultimately, some of the required authorizations could not be secured, and the routes were redesigned.
Result: no race finishes in Paris proper. The final version, published on the EcoTrail Paris official site, directs everyone to the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud, a former royal estate. A consolation prize that isn’t really one, given how stylish the setting is.
Alarm clocks ring early this Saturday. The three races will start in successive waves, on a first-come, first-served basis. Here’s the schedule for this Saturday, October 17, 2026:
On the arrival side, the fastest runners in the 80 km are expected at the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud around 4:40 p.m. At the other end of the standings, with a 12.5-hour time limit, the last finishers can cross the line by about midnight. This is why a headlamp and a reflective armband are part of the mandatory gear. Details for each event are gathered in the official EcoTrail Paris Autumn FAQ.
The 80-kilometer trail kicks off from the Saint-Germain-en-Laye château estate, famed for its Grandes Terrassees designed by Le Nôtre and its sweeping view of Paris. It then plunges into the Saint-Germain forest, crosses the Domaine de Marly, Louis XIV’s former retreat, before arriving in Saint-Cloud. About three-quarters of the route takes place in the open countryside, according to the organizers.
The 50 km trail kicks off from the same spot and winds through the same expansive woodlands, just in a shorter format. The 20 km trail, meanwhile, starts at Haras de Jardy, between Marnes-la-Coquette and Vaucresson, and heads toward the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud. It’s the ideal entry point for anyone new to trail running.
The GPX traces for each event are downloadable from the race pages, for example the 20 km autumn trail page. The course markings are fluorescent orange, mounted on trees or staked into the ground, with arrows painted temporarily in urban areas.
The EcoTrail is run mainly on forest trails and park paths, away from the major roads. The organizers have not announced any large-scale road closures for this autumn edition. However, expect brief interruptions at points where runners cross roadways, supervised by traffic marshals.
The sectors to watch this Saturday are the surroundings of the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye in the early morning and again later in the morning, the crossings around Marly and Vaucresson, followed by the entrances to the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud throughout the afternoon and into the evening. By car, it's wise to allow extra time and check the updates published by your town hall.
The organization strongly encourages use of public transport and carpooling, in line with the race’s eco-friendly ethos. For the starts of the 50 km and 80 km, the RER A runs straight to Saint-Germain-en-Laye station, just steps from the château. For the 20 km, the train on line L serves Vaucresson station, the closest to the Haras de Jardy.
Access to the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud is via Metro Line 9 (Pont de Sèvres station) or the T2 tram (Musée de Sèvres stop). Line 10, ending at Boulogne Pont de Saint-Cloud, is another convenient option. Each runner may drop off a bag of up to 20 litres at the start, which will be transported to the finish.
Latecomers still have a chance to pick up their bib: distribution will take place this Friday, October 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the EcoTrail Village, at the Suchet Sports Center in the 16th arrondissement. No bib pickup at the start areas. Please bring your ID and the withdrawal QR code. For non-members, note that the FFA Health Prevention Pass was required at registration.
Split times are displayed in real time on the EcoTrail Paris automne live results platform. Handy for knowing when to head to Saint-Cloud so you don’t miss a friend's finish.
On the ground, your supporters can meet you at the aid stations, provided they stay outside the restricted zones. The 80 km route features four aid stations and a water point, the 50 km route has two aid stations and a water point, and the 20 km route has just one aid station. However, being accompanied on the course by someone who isn’t registered is prohibited and can lead to disqualification. Trail poles are also banned across all events.
For spectators, it’s also a chance to enjoy the estate in the full swing of autumn colors. Covering 460 hectares, with fountains and views over Paris, the Domaine de Saint-Cloud lends itself to a leisurely stroll while waiting for the runners.
If you’re itching to get moving, registrations for the spring edition, scheduled for March 20-21, 2027, are already open. We outline its courses in our article on the EcoTrail de Paris. For other upcoming races, our October 2026 sports calendar in Paris lists the month’s events, and our guide what to do this weekend in Paris and Île-de-France rounds out the programme.
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