EcoTrail Paris 122km: Rambouillet to the Eiffel Tower — and Almost Entirely Flat

EcoTrail Paris 122km ranks 367th of 390 European ultra trails for percent-flat terrain in the DTR database, making it the 24th flattest course measured. Approximately 83.4% of the course is entirely level terrain. With just 2,000m of elevation gain over 122.2km — 16.4m per kilometre — the race carries a fraction of the vertical load of a typical alpine 120km, which delivers 70 to 100m per km. Both the biggest single climb (ranked 344th of 390) and the biggest single descent (342nd of 390) are among the most modest in the database. That said, 122km is 122km: the 2026 inaugural edition recorded a 30% DNF rate, and back-of-pack runners face up to six hours of night running under the 21h15 cutoff.

The 120km starts at the Château de Rambouillet — a former royal residence southwest of Paris — and travels northeast through the forests and hillsides of western Île-de-France. The course passes through the Chevreuse Valley, renowned for its historic châteaux, before entering the suburban and then urban western edge of Paris. The race finishes at Pont d'Iéna at the foot of the Eiffel Tower in central Paris. The course is 95% natural terrain — forest trails, field paths, and woodland tracks — with a final urban section through Paris streets to reach the iconic finish.

Yes — the 2026 spring edition sold out across all distances including the 120km. The 122km is capped at 2,500 participants and registration fills rapidly when it opens. For the 2027 spring edition (March 20, 2027), pre-registration is available at en.ecotrailparis.com and full registration opens via njuko.com. A waiting list is available for cancelled spots once registration closes. The 2026 entry fee was approximately €200 (€1.64 per km).

EcoTrail Paris 122km is a UTMB qualifier awarding Running Stones across three categories: 20K stones, 50K stones, and 100K stones. The time limit is 21h15. ITRA points awarded are 0 — the low elevation profile (2,000m D+ over 122km) does not meet ITRA point thresholds despite the distance. The event also carries an FFA Silver label. There is no minimum qualifying time or prior race prerequisite for the 120km.

No car is needed. The official recommendation is Transilien line N from Paris Montparnasse to Rambouillet station, approximately 50 minutes — timetables are published in the race roadbook. Paris CDG and Orly airports are both under one hour from the start by public transport. Bib pickup is held at Centre Sportif Emile Anthoine in Paris on the Thursday and Friday before the race (11am to 8:30pm). The finish at Pont d'Iéna is directly accessible by Paris metro. The race promotes carpooling for runners who cannot reach the start by train.