1,600 participants registered to win a trip to EcoTrail Wicklow at the ‘Festival des Templiers’ exhibition
The ‘Festival des Templiers’ is one of France’s most popular Trail Running events. Claiming to be the oldest trail running race in France, this year it celebrated its 30th anniversary. Scheduled annually in the middle of October, the festival attracts around 11,500 runners spread over 11 races ranging from 9km to 100km. With an estimated 2 million trail runners, the French market is one of the largest in Europe.
To coincide with the trail running event, an exhibition took place across the weekend, with more than 120 exhibitors showcasing trail running gear and brands, as well as promoting other trail running destinations. Approximately 35,000 participants visited the exhibition during the Festival des Templiers.
This year, EcoTrail Wicklow was present at the Templiers’ trail exhibition thanks to the support of Wicklow County Council and Fáilte Ireland. The objective of the stand was to promote EcoTrail Wicklow and the Seven Sisters Races in Co. Donegal, both events supported by Failte Ireland. It was also an opportunity to present Wicklow and Ireland as great trail running destinations, offering an amazing network of trails in stunning sceneries and mild climate that makes it ideal to enjoy throughout the year.
The Irish Stand at the exhibition was extremely popular, with many very keen to travel over and run the Wicklow and Irish trails. A raffle was organised that included a trip for two at EcoTrail Wicklow in September 2025, and over the three days, the raffle recorded approximately 1,600 entries. The winners of the raffle will be announced in the coming days, while all entries will be given a 10% discount to EcoTrail Wicklow in 2025.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Paul O’Brien said: “Although very niche, the trail running market is a growing market in continental Europe, the UK and the US. Wicklow is indeed a fabulous trail running destination, with hundreds of kilometres of trails to explore. Attendance at the exhibition was a fantastic opportunity to showcase all that we can offer.”
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council Emer O’Gorman commented that: “Wicklow County Council will continue to work alongside Fáilte Ireland to help promote and package Wicklow as an amazing year round trail running destination. The Council’s dedication to trail development and maintenance through some of Ireland’s most scenic locations is making Wicklow ideal for the sport.”
Trail Running is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. In 2023 there were more trail running races organised in France (4,268) than road running races (3,932). Trail races have become great tourism promotional tools showcasing great sceneries. Attendance at the exhibition was a great opportunity for Wicklow and Ireland to tap into this worldwide market.