Trail d'Ecouves et du Pays d'Alençon

The Trail d'Ecouves et du Pays d'Alençon is a weekend of trail running, Nordic walking, hiking, and mixed bike-run events held near Ecouves and Radon in Normandy's Orne department. Taking place in early June, it utilizes the Ecouves Forest for its main events. Races vary from short trail options of 6 to 10 km to longer, mountain-style efforts including 35 km with 1,350 m of climbing, 61 km, and a 100 km trail covering 3,500 m of elevation gain. The schedule also features timed Nordic walking, leisure walks, a Sunday hike, a vetathlon, and a Friday school day, catering to families and local clubs alongside experienced trail runners. The courses are predominantly forest-based and hilly. Shorter races offer newer participants a manageable introduction to the terrain, while the longest routes require significant endurance and climbing ability. Dedicated courses are available for children and juniors, and walkers can participate separately from the trail races. Surrounding the events, organizers establish a nature village featuring local associations, producers, and artisans, contributing to the weekend's community atmosphere beyond just the race itself. Now in its twentieth edition, the event holds a firm position in the local outdoor sports calendar.