ECOTRAIL WICKLOW TRAIL RUNNING FESTIVAL GETS SUPPORT FROM FAILTE IRELAND
EcoTrail Wicklow running festival has secured the support of Fáilte Ireland for the next edition of EcoTrail Wicklow set to take place from the 28th to the 30th of September.
The support is dedicated to growing the festival atmosphere of the event and increase its awareness abroad and encourage international participation.
EcoTrail Wicklow race day is scheduled for Saturday the 30th of September in Bray with start and finish on the Seafront. The event offers participants four distances to choose from, all going through stunning Wicklow scenery.
The 19k is a fantastic race for anyone who wants to have a go at Trail Running. The route takes runners over Bray Head, Killruddery, the Little Sugarloaf and Belmont Demesne.
The 30km offers an added challenge and includes a loop around the iconic Big Sugarloaf. There are two Ultra Running distance options, with the 46km extending to Powerscourt Waterfall and the Wicklow Way.
80km runners will follow the Wicklow Way to Lough Tay (or Guinness Lake) and a loop around the Vartry Reservoir, before working their way back to Bray.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Aoife Flynn Kennedy, said: ”EcoTrail Wicklow has found a lasting home in Bray. The incredible setting by the Irish Sea and the network of trail leading to Wicklow National Park and beyond make Bray a perfect year-round gateway to Wicklow’s outstanding outdoor playground”.
Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive, Wicklow County Council, added: “EcoTrail Wicklow provides our county with an excellent opportunity to showcase Wicklow as a fantastic playground for outdoor activities. With the backing of Failte Ireland, the event and destination will reach a larger audience both within Ireland and abroad.”
Fred Verdier, Tourism Officer at Wicklow Council, stated: “We are absolutely delighted to get Failte Ireland’s support and are busy planning for the event in September. After three editions, EcoTrail Wicklow is growing from strength to strength attracting participants from 40 different nationalities as far as Singapore, South Africa and Mexico”.
Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals and Events at Fáilte Ireland, said: “Festivals and events are a key element of the tourism offering in Ireland, and Fáilte Ireland is pleased to support this year’s EcoTrail Wicklow which will showcase Ireland’s fantastic outdoor activity offering to domestic and international visitors.
“Developing unique visitor events like EcoTrail Wicklow plays an important role in the recovery of the tourism sector for Wicklow and the wider Ireland’s Ancient East region. Participative festivals like EcoTrail Wicklow create new and compelling reasons for visitors to explore Ireland and experience first-hand our world-class outdoor activity offering. Events like this have the ability to drive footfall for local businesses, which in turn generates revenue and supports jobs in communities and revenue generation.”
Trail running has experienced a huge growth over the past decade, attracting people of all ages who are looking to get in shape while enjoying the outdoors. There are numerous trail running events worldwide, appealing to visitors looking to discover new locations and experiences. Ireland, especially Wicklow, with its strong network of trails, stunning scenery, and favourable climate year-round is an ideal destination for this sport.
