FAQ
Yes, poles are allowed but may not be used in the start and finish area or on the first 2km including the climb up Bray Head.
Poles should also not be used while overtaking or while being overtaken.
When using the poles remember it is your responsibility to avoid hitting or tripping up other runners etc.
results from our inaugural EcoTrail Wicklow event in 2019
Please refer to our COVID19 page for latest update on our event in relation to government restrictions and their impact on our event.
We are waiting for some guidance from the government on restrictions but realistically we hope to be open again to fill the remaining entry places in March or April at the latest.
We remain confident that the event will be able to proceed as planned on Sat 25th September 2021
Ecotrail Wicklow has teamed up with EI Adventures to create 4 days packages (3, 4 or 5 stars options) to help you make the most of the event and the fantastic destination that is County Wicklow. All packages include three nights’ accommodation from September 24th to 27th , all transfers, Day Tour of Wicklow (Friday), and opportunity to discover Dublin.
Once results are send to ITRA they take ownership of all amendments. Please email them directly on contact@itra.run for changes to your ITRA results.
You can set up live tracking for yourself using the RaceONE app. Plese read this article for full details.
Note this does not provide a live leaderboard or give you any indication of your position. Not everyone in the race uses the tracker. It is for individual tracking only.
The top-3 men and women in each race and the 1st placed category* finishers from outside of the top-3 (men and women) will receive a trophy crafted from Wicklow Granite by local mountain runner Richard Healy of Richard Healy Sculptures.
Prizes are given on the 'one person, one prize' principle so should an age category winner finish in the top-3, the second placed in the category will receive the category win.
Please note runners who change to shorter events due to missing cut-offs are not eligible for prizes.
*What are the categories?
Age categories are O40, O50, O60, and O70 (V1, V2, V3 and V4) for men and women. In order to qualify for a prize a category must have at least two finishers. Should there be less than two finishers in a category, the lone person in that category competes instead in the lower category (i.e. if there is only one person over-70 in a race, he competes in the over-60 category). The male and female winner of each category receives the prize.
Note there are no separate Senior (under-35), O35 or junior categories. Any juniors in the race compete in the overall (under-40s) category.
What time are the prize-givings?
For 2020 event our Prize Presentation Schedule will be dictated by prevailing social distancing restrictions in place at time of the event.
It is likely that we will endeavour to present prizes as soon as athletes have crossed the finish line to ensure there is no need to stay on in the Finish Line Area
Where this is not possible then prizes will be posted out to winners
Where does prize-giving take place?
Prize-giving is likely to take place at the finish line in 2020
Official race parking will be available at Presentation College from 9:00 to 20:00. Entry fee will be €5 and all parking proceeds go directly to Presentation College. This car park will be marshalled. It's a 1.2 km (14 min walk) from parking to collection start.
FREE parking option
A free parking option is available at Greystones Park and Ride. From here you must walk 650 m (8 min) to Greystones Railway station and take the DART (a 9 minute train drive) to Bray (Daly) and then walk the final 600m (8 min) from Bray railway station to the Martello Hotel.
Leave 30 minutes from time you park to closure of your race's collection as a minimum to be on the safe side if you avail of this option. Greystones DART runs from 6:30 in the morning. Check the time table for best connection for you and book tickets online for fastest trip.
This option is recommended for participants travelling from the South.
Important note for 80 km runners
80 km runners should avail of the many public parking spots available along the seafront promenade including three designated car parks as the Presentation College car park will not be open ahead of race start.
- Bray Town Council Car Park (North part of promenade): 9 minute walk to collection / start
- Clif Walk Car Park (south part of promenade): 13 min walk to collection / start
- Bray (Daly) DART station (car park 1): 7 minute walk to collection / start
There's no parking in front of the Martello. Alternatively, park at Greystones Park and Ride (see above) but ensure you are on the 7:30 train.
Rates are generally 30 cent per hour or 3 euro for all day parking.
The best option to get to Bray is to use the DART line.
DART (RAIL)
The Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) system is an electrified commuter rail railway network serving the coastline and city centre of Dublin and the best and most eco-friendly way to get to the start of our race.
The nearest station to the start line is Bray (Daly) which is a 700m (8 min) walk from registration in the Martello and the start line. For full timetables access the Dublin Commuter timetable. The relevant time table is on page 22: Dublin - Bray / Gorey ( (Saturday). To book your ticket use this page.
Anyone travelling from the south can take the DART from Greystones starting from 6:30 in the morning. It is a 9 minute train journey from Greystones to Bray.
Important for 80 km runners only!
80 km runners should avail only of the following departure from Dublin:
- 6:26 from Dublin Heuston
- 6:55 from Dublin Connolly
- 7:00 from Dublin Pearse
6:55 departure from Dublin Connolly (6:26 from Dublin Heuston) which arrives in Bray at 7:39. The next departure (7:10) arrives too late for you to collect before the 8:00 closing time. Only use this departure if you have registered Friday evening in Bray.
From the south, the following departures from Greystones will arrive in time for the 80 km collection. Factor in a 650m walk (8 min) from Greystones Park and Ride to the Greystones Railway station if you arrive by car.
- 6:30
- 7:30
No, you are expected to carry everything you require for the duration of the race. Please do not leave bags on the route as this will be considered littering and could impose a fine.
East West Mapping have provided official maps for our four races:
- 18 km: download here
- 28 km: download here
- 45 km: download here
- 80 km: download here
The best printed map that may be used for reference is that for "Wicklow East" as supplied by East West Mapping
Please do not attempt to run the sections passing through private lands at any time unless they are on agreed public access routes as this could lead to our race losing access to these sections.
Specifically, you must follow only the waymarked path through Kilruddery Estate / Belmont outside of race day and you must enter the Powerscourt Waterfall park only through the gate lodge (where you must pay admission fee).
When in doubt, please stay out thanks!
Trail shoes are strongly recommended for all distances in the Eco Trail Wicklow event
Regular road running shoes are not suitable for the mix of trail surfaces that are included in all distances.
These trails include significant sections of gravel, rocks, roots, grass and most likely mud.
There are some short sections of tarmac but thsese are pactically insignificant apart from in the 80km event
We do not have any mandatory qualifying event for the 80km course.
However, we strongly recommend that you should have successfully completed at least one 50+km off road running event in preparation for this significantly challenging event.
There are very strict cutoffs for the event at the 24km, 39km, 65km and 73km points as shown below so a mimimum average pace of just over 9mins/km is needed to make these cutoffs.
If you do not make the cutoff at the 24km mark you will be directed to complete the 45km route - You will be given a finish time for that route but will not be considered for prizes
If failing to make any of the other cutoffs you will be removed from the course and transported back to the finish when our resources permit.
Your may arrange your own transport if dropping out of the race but the race organisation must be notified properly in this case and you must return you timing chip - No Exceptions!
Cut Offs for 80km event:
Start at 08:30
1st Cutoff at 24km - 3h 44mins
If reaching here after 12:45 hrs runners will be directed onto 45km course
2nd Cutoff at 39km (Roundwood aid station): - 6 hours
If reaching here after 14:30 hrs runners must retire from race
3rd Cutoff at 65km (Sugarloaf aid station):- 10 hours
If reaching here after 18:30 runners must retire from race
4th Cutoff at 73km ( Belmont water station) - 11 hrs 15mins
If reaching here after 19:45hrs runners must retire from race
Yes - The Eco Trail Wicklow event earn ITRA points as follows for successful completion within the cut-off times:-
18km - 1 Point
28km - 1 Point
45km - 2 Points
80km - 3 Points
Our Race HQ is at The Martello Hotel on Bray seafront.
This is ~5 mins walk from the DART / Train Station
All participants must have registered online prior to entry closing - No On Day / Late Entry will be possible
All participants must sign on in order to collect their race bibs and timing chips on either Friday evening or Saturday morning
Participant Sign-on and collection of Race Bibs & Timing chips will be at the following times:
Friday 27th September - From 16:00 -> 20:00
Saturday 28th September - From 07:30 -> 12:00
Race sign on for each event will close 30 mins before race start time
i.e. 08:00 for 08:30 start of 80k event
10:00 for 10:30 start of 45k event
11:00 for 11:30 start of 28k event
12:00 for 12:30 start of 18k event
We will have Aid Stations (AS) and Water Stations (WS) but in general all participants are advised to be self sufficient in term of race nutrition
At Aid Stations (AS) there will be water refill points and simple snacks like crisps, flapjack pieces, fruit cake and bananna segments - All will be unwrapped
At Water Stations (WS) there will be water refill points only
Locations of AS and WS are as follows:-
18km Event:- WS at 12km
28km Event:- AS at 14km, WS at 22km
45km Event:- AS at 14km, AS at 31km. WS at 39km
80km Event:- AS at 14km, WS at 31km, AS at 39km, AS at 44km, WS at 52km, AS at 65km, WS at 74km
Note: Between AS/ WS at 14km and 31km on 45km and 80km routes there are some naturally occuring water sources which participants may choose to use at their own risk
There will be No Drop Bag Facility for any of the events - You should carry all food you require
Participants are reminded of the need to carry liquid with them through the race and to have a water container for refill at our aid and water stations as no containers will be provided.
Please ensue any rubbish you wish to dispose of is disposed in an appropriate place at one of the Aid Stations or the finish
Most of the route is on national waymarked trails and can be run by the public any time you should wish to do so.
A few sections cross private land only opened specifically for EcoTrail Wicklow.
Please do not attempt to run these sections at any time as this could lead to our race losing access to these sections.
Specifically, you must follow only the waymarked path through Kilruddery Estate / Belmont outside of race day and you must enter the Powerscourt Waterfall park only through the gate lodge (where you must pay admission fee).
When in doubt, please stay out thanks!
The proposed start and finish line is at the Victorian band-stand on the sea promenade in Bray across from the Martello Hotel.
This scenic area is currently being fully refurbished.
You will run along the promenade for 800m as you begin and end your journey to Bray Head and beyond.
A group booking facility is currently in development and will be ready towards the beginning of May 2019 should you need it.
Groups can of course register individually at our registration link currently
Please email us if you need further asistance.
No.
You can expect to encounter other trail and road users along your journey and show them the same courtesy you would like to receive under similar circumstances.
On all road sections stay aware of traffic and follow marshals instructions at all times particularly at road crossing points.
You may even be so lucky to encounter some of the Irish wildlife and livestock: fox, hare, rabbits, deer, badgers, squirrels, sheep, and wild goats all make their home in the National Park so share your journey and enjoy the experience.
The general rule in Irish trail and mountain races is that descending runners always have right of way as they are more at risk when changing direction or braking whilst descending.
If you encounter runners ahead of you on a single-track section, it is considered courteous to make way.
In practice there will be very little overlap of runners meeting on narrow trails but giving way is advised .
If faster runners from a longer event approach you from behind please also move to one side where possible and allow them to overtake safely.
Please do not attempt to overtake anyone on a narrow section of trail unless there is space to do so and / or the slower runner has indicated that you should pass.
Walkers can take part in the 18 km, 28km route if they are confident of completing the route before 17:30.
Walkers and runners need to be able to make the cutoffs for the 45km & 80km routes which are provisionally set at:
45km route:
Must pass Sugarloaf Aid Station (14km) within 3 hours (By 13:30 Latest) on out leg or else be directed to complete the 28km route back to Bray
Must Pass Sugarloaf Aid Station (31km) within 6 hours (16:30 Latest) on return leg or retire from race
80km route:
Must pass Sugarloaf Aid Station (14km) within 3 hours (By 11:30 Latest) on out leg or else be directed to complete the 28km route back to Bray
Must pass Wicklow Way Checkpoint (24km) within 3h 45' (12:15 Latest) on out leg or else be directed to complete the 45km route back to Bray
Must reach the Roundwood Aid Station (39km) within 6 hours (14:30 Latest) on outward leg or retire from race
Must leave the Roundwood Aid Station (44km) within 6 hours 45 mins (15:15 Latest) on return leg or retire from race
Must Pass Sugarloaf Aid Station (65km) within 10 hours (18:30 Latest) on return leg or retire from race
Must Pass Belmont Water Station (73km) within 11 hours 15 mins (19:45 Latest) on return leg or retire from race
Note for 80km participants:
If you feel you will be in danger of failing to meet any of the later cutoffs you may elect to complete the 45km route by notifying the marshals at the Wicklow Way Checkpoint (Km 24) and the timing officials at the finish line.
You will be given a finish time for the 45km event but will not be eligible for any prizes
Anyone leaving Sugarloaf Aid Station on return leg of 80km route after 17:30 must have a working headtorch or will not be allowed to contine in the race
Cutoffs will be strictly enforced on each route to ensure all participants will complete courses in the time available.
Those not making cutoffs will be allowed to complete a shorter route if the course layout permits.
Continuing on your own after official retirement is not permitted.
Participants need to be able to make the cutoffs for the 45km & 80km routes which are provisionally set at:
45km route:
Must pass Sugarloaf Aid Station (14km) within 3 hours (By 13:00 Latest) on out leg or else be directed to complete the 28km route back to Bray
Must Pass Sugarloaf Aid Station (30km) within 7 hours (17:00 Latest) on return leg or retire from race
80km route:
Must pass Sugarloaf Aid Station (14km) within 3 hours (By 10:30 Latest) on out leg or else be directed to complete the 28km route back to Bray
Must pass Wicklow Way Checkpoint (24km) within 4 hours (11:30 Latest) on out leg or else be directed to complete the 45km route back to Bray
Must reach the Roundwood Aid Station (39km) within 6 hours (13:30 Latest) on outward leg or retire from race
Must leave the Roundwood Aid Station (44km) within 6 hours 45 mins (14:15 Latest) on return leg or retire from race
Must Pass Sugarloaf Aid Station (65km) within 10 hours (17:30 Latest) on return leg or retire from race*
Must Pass Belmont Water Station (73km) within 11 hours 15 mins (18:45 Latest) on return leg or retire from race
Note for 80km participants:
If you feel you will be in danger of failing to meet any of the later cutoffs you may elect to complete the 45km route by notifying the marshals at the Wicklow Way Checkpoint (Km 24) and the timing officials at the finish line.
You will be given a finish time for the 45km event but will not be eligible for any prizes
*Anyone leaving Sugarloaf Aid Station on return leg of 80km route after 17:30 must have a working headtorch or will not be allowed to contine in the race
The routes start in the town of Bray and passes briefly through two other villages: Kilmacanogue (28, 45 and 80 km only) and Roundwood (80 km only). The rough proportion of the route that takes place running in urban areas are:
- 18 km: 11%
- 28 km: 17%
- 45 km: 11%
- 80 km: 7%
The urban sections are very scenic such as the Bray seafront promenade encapsulating the start and finishing stretch of each race.
The current estimated percentage of the routes on tarred roads:
- 18 km: 13%
- 28 km: 23%
- 45 km: 22%
- 80 km: 21%
Much of these sections are parkland paths rather than actual roads and road sections are generally scenic country roads.
The longest single stretch of road is the 2.5 km leading into the midway stop at Roundwood on the 80 km.
For the shorter distances tarred sections are only 400m to 1 km in length.
No Medal will be presented in 2020
Event entrants in all four race distances will receive a tshirt as part of their entry fee unless they have opted to have a tree planted instead - Details of the "Tree instead of a Tee" option HERE.
All finishers will recieve a finishers memento which you will hopefully find useful and enjoy using
We aim to provide accurate distances for all event but being a trail event with significant off road and elevation gain and loss means that these distances cannot be guaranteed accurate to the nearest few meters.
Distance and elevation is first measured in a mapping software and then confirmed on the ground by a Stryd foot-pod - currently the gold standard in measuring trail races and significantly more accurate than GPS.
In general most GPS watches will come close to the official measurements but it depends on your GPS software, the satelitte coverage in your area, the recording mode you have selected on your watch or phone, and how well you run the 'optimal line' on the trail. Our official course measurers put great care to run the optimal lines while measuring the routes with the foot-pod.
The foot-pod contains an accelerometer which measures exactly how far the pod moves across space in three dimensions (forwards/backwards, side to side, and up and down) providing nearly 100% accurate readings even where there is poor satellite coverage. So should you find that your GPS recording is slightly different than official course distance and elevation it is likely a combination of GPS inaccuracy and not having run the optimal line on the trails (such as when you run the outside of bends instead of taking the straight line from the middle of each curve in the bend - not always an option when you are racing or tired).
It is possible to change to a shorter race distance up until 31st of August as long as the shorter race you wish to join is not sold out.
Please note you will not be refunded the difference in price if you avail of this option.
To change to a longer race, you need to cancel your existing order (A refund for this is only possible if you purchased cancellation insurance or you cancel within 14 days of purchase) and place a new order for the longer race.
The courses are marked with a mixture a flags, tape, and biodegradable spray paint.
As a general rule the course will be marked at every junction or other area where you could be in doubt where to go.
Navigational skills are not necessary but it is vital that you remain aware of the need to foolloow the route marking and not assume that everyone that is ahead of you has done so.
If you reach a junction that has no race marking then you should retrace your steps until you find a junction with route marking and follow route from there
Whilst we will have some marshals out on the course at critical points like road crossings points, most trail junction will not be marshaled so you are responsible for following the marked route.
The provisional measurements suggests the following climb (below).
Final measurements will be very similar.
- 18 km: 680m
- 28 km: 1105m
- 45 km: 1685m
- 80 km: 2650m
As the start and finish are in the same location, you will experience the same amount of descent in addition to this climb for all routes.
Basic maps of the route for each distance are provided on the individual race pages
Most of the route is on national waymarked trails and can be run by the public any time you should wish to do so.
A few sections cross private land only opened specifically for EcoTrail Wicklow.
Please do not attempt to run these sections at any time as this could lead to our race losing access to these sections.
Specifically, you must follow only the waymarked path through Kilruddery Estate / Belmont outside of race day and you must enter the Powerscourt Waterfall park only through the gate lodge (where you must pay admission fee).
When in doubt, please stay out thanks!
Unfortunately transfer to future years is not possible ingeneral but you can transfer your entry to another person for free.
If your country of residence is not includen on th e"Green List" by 15th Septemebr then we will offer transfer to 2021
Please refer to the ‘Welcome to Wicklow’ page for general details.
Wicklow Tourism is working with local accomodation providers on packages for Eco Trail Wicklow participants and their supporters
You can check your registration application at any time with the registration number indicated in the confirmation e-mail you received.
If you cannot find a confirmation mail please check all your e-mial folders
If you are sure you have entered and paid then drop a mail to info@ecotrailwicklow.com wiht all details you know of your entry including distance, date entered, etc and we will investigate
You can transfer your bib to another competitor for free up until 12th September only.
You can do this name change yourself at your personal registration link - this link is included in your entry confirmation e-mail or sent us an e-mail request if any issues
After 12th September no name transfers are permitted as we will have ordered personaliest race bibs with timing chips.
Anyone that allows their race bib to be used by another person without formal transfer will be banned from future events.
Anone that uses another person's bib without it's re-allocation being formally done will be marked as DNF and banned from future events
No
On-site registration will not allowed for any of the Eco Trail Wicklow events.
Ensure you register before online registration fills or event registration closes on 20th September.
We never know when events are likely to fill but based on current entry level and number of spaces available we currently estimate that the 18km event will fill in May, the 28km race in June and the 45km race in July or August
Please secure your place by entering early
If you are worried about not being able to make the event then you can take out race insurance at a small additional cost that gives a full entry cost refund when requested up to 1 week before the event (21/09/19)
No
Once our maximum entry limits are reached and registration has closed, it is no longer possible to get a bib as maximum capacity has been reached.
We do not intend having a waiting list, even in case of cancellation of some other person's entry.
Refunds in case of cancellation are available only in one circumstance:
- If refund request is submitted before 1st of September AND request is also within 14 days of your registration
- Refunds or transfers to other events is not possible under any other circumstances
Your best option if you cannot attend but do not wish your entry to be unused is to transfer it to a friend by submitting a name change request on your entry to our support team Prior to 12th September
After 12th September personalised bibs & timing chips will be ordered and printed so any further change of names / entry transfers will not be possible.
Can I defer my entry to another event or future edition?
Deferment of your entry to another Eco Trail event or future years is not possible.
You should avail of the name change option to transfer your entry to a friend or running colleague Prior to 12th September.
Can I take out Cancellation Insurance like in 2019?
The cancellation insurance option has been discontinued.
No - All participants must collect their own race bib an timing chip in person and must provide proof of identity (copy or original)
You are not permitted to use another person's bib in the event without an official transfer being completed by 31st August 2019 at the latest
Yes
Race Bibs will be available for collection at the Race Start Area between 90 and 30 mins before your scheduled race start time
Race Start times are:
80km - 08:30
45km - 10:30
28km - 11:30
18km - 12:30
No.
All bibs must be collected in person either the day before the race (Between 16:00 and 20:00) or on race morning.
Yes.
Each runner can leave their personal belongings in their own bag (Maximum 20 liters capacity) at the race departure area.
The bag must have a sticker with your race number on it as provided with the race bib.
This is the same place they you will deposit these bags prior to the event.
Yes
Professional photographers will cover the general event and many photos will be posted online after the event.
We are also likely to have specific areas covered with photographers so that you can purchase photos for your use, etc
Your race bib with timing chip, finisher’s medal, t-shirt, and refreshments at the FULL aid stations and the finish line.
For 80 km competitors the after-race meal is also included in the price (shorter distance runners can purchase this as a registration add-on).
Please note there is no FULL aid station for the 18 km distance only a water station at 11 km.
Time limits are listed on each respective race page.
Start and Finish Limits Summary is as below:
80km - 07:30 - 20:00 (12.5 hours)
45km - 10:00 - 18:00 (8 hours)
28km - 11:00 - 17:00 (6 hours)
18km - 12:00 - 17:00 (5 hours)
Cutoffs will be strictly enforced on each route to ensure all participants will complete course in the available time.
Cutoffs may be changed by the Race Organisers due to changing weather conditions, etc
*The Race Organisers reserve the right to remove anyone from the event that they feel is unable to make cutoffs or on a health & safety basis
If you are unsure of your ability to complete your chosen event safely within your own ability & fitness and the time limits advertised please change to a shorter distance in advance of 15th Sept 2019
Those not making cutoffs will be allowed to complete a shorter route if the course layout and weather / time permits*
Continuing on your own after official retirement is not permitted
All Participants need to be able to make the cutoffs for the 45km & 80km routes which are provisionally set at:
45km route:
Must pass Sugarloaf Aid Station (14km) within 3 hours (By 13:00 Latest) on out leg or else be directed to complete the 28km route back to Bray
Must return past Sugarloaf Aid Station (31km) within 6 hours (16:00 Latest) on return leg or retire from race
80km route:
Must pass Sugarloaf Aid Station (14km) within 3 hours (By 11:30 Latest) on out leg or else be directed to complete the 28km route back to Bray
Must pass Wicklow Way Checkpoint (24km) within 3h 30' (By 11:00 Latest) on out leg or else be directed to complete the 45km route back to Bray
Must reach the Roundwood Aid Station (39km) within 6 hours (14:30 Latest) on outward leg or retire from race
Must leave the Roundwood Aid Station (44km) within 6 hours 45 mins (14:15 Latest) on return leg or retire from race
Must Pass Sugarloaf Aid Station (65km) within 10 hours (17:30 Latest) on return leg or retire from race
Must Pass Belmont Water Station (73km) within 11 hours 15 mins (18:45 Latest) on return leg or retire from race
Note for 80km participants:
If you feel you will be in danger of failing to meet any of the later cutoffs you may elect to complete the 45km route by notifying the marshals at the Wicklow Way Checkpoint (Km 24) and the timing officials at the finish line.
You will be given a finish time for the 45km event in the final results but will not be eligible for any prizes
Anyone leaving Sugarloaf Aid Station (63km) on return leg of 80km route after 16:30 must have a working headtorch or will not be allowed to contine in the race
No
Verbal support only at designated points (Locations of these will be confirmed shortly) is permitted but the EcoTrail® Wicklow rules requires runners to be semi-autonomous.
Assistance by the race organisers is only allowed at designated Aid Stations.
No external assistance at any point on the course or assistance at aid stations with food, drink, gear, pacing, etc is permitted.
Penalties will be imposed for breaches of these rules in order to have a fair competition for all.
This article covers details of the best recommended spots to chere on runners: read article
Verbal support only at these designated points is permitted but the EcoTrail® Wicklow rules requires runners to be semi-autonomous.
Assistance by the race organisers is only allowed at designated Aid Stations.
No external assistance at any point on the course or assistance at aid stations with food, drink, gear, pacing, etc is permitted.
Penalties will be imposed for breaches of these rules in order to have a fair competition for all
Your finisher certificate will be available on the results page of our website a few days after the race.