Trail running in the heart of the Écouves forest massif
The Trail d'Écouves and Pays d'Alençon is a major sporting event in the Orne region, organized every year in June in Radon, at the gates of the Écouves forest massif, the highest point in Western France. Since 2003, this event has offered four trail distances ranging from 8 km to 61 km, complemented by hikes, Nordic walks, and children's races. With courses crossing the Écouves forest, the hills of the Norman bocage, and the paths of the Pays d'Alençon, the Trail d'Écouves attracts hundreds of passionate runners each year.
Created in 2003, the Trail d'Écouves and Pays d'Alençon has established itself as one of the unmissable trail events in Normandy. Organized in Radon, a town located at the gates of the Écouves forest massif — which peaks at 417 meters, the highest point in Western France — this event offers demanding and varied courses in an exceptional natural setting.
The Trail d'Écouves offers a range of races suitable for all profiles:
In addition to the trail races, 10 and 15 km hikes and Nordic walking courses are offered on Sunday, as well as children's races, making the event a sporting celebration open to all.
The Écouves forest massif, a Natura 2000 site, offers an incomparable playground for trail running. The courses follow forest paths, hollow lanes lined with century-old beech trees, heather moors, and ridges offering panoramas of the Norman bocage and the Alpes Mancelles. The diversity of soils and reliefs makes these races a real technical challenge.
The area benefits from the Trail Station label, offering marked and maintained routes throughout the year. The Trail d'Écouves is the annual highlight of this station, bringing the trail community together in a festive and friendly atmosphere.
24th edition of the Trail d'Écouves and Pays d'Alençon, from June 5 to 7, 2026, in Radon. Trail races from 8 to 61 km, hikes, Nordic walking, and children's races in the Écouves massif.
By car: The start area is located in Radon, just 5 km north of Alençon via the D1. Follow the signs for « Trail d'Écouves » and the directional signs set up on the day of the race. Free parking is signposted on site and around the village of Radon. From Paris, take the A11 then the N12 towards Alençon (approx. 2h30). From Caen, take the A88 then the N138 towards Alençon (approx. 1h30).
By train: Alençon station is served by TER Normandie trains from Paris-Saint-Lazare (approx. 2h) and from Caen (approx. 1h30). Shuttles may be organized to Radon on the day of the race. From the station, Radon is about a 10-minute drive. Carpooling is encouraged by the organizers.
Registration is open online on the official website trail-ecouves.fr and on specialized platforms (Finishers, FollowMySport). Registration opens in the autumn for the following edition. Prices vary depending on the distances and the registration date (preferential rates at the beginning of the period). A medical certificate of non-contraindication to competitive trail running or a valid FFA license is required for all races. Access to the trail village is free for companions.
Bibs can be collected the evening before and the morning of the race at the start area in Radon. It is strongly recommended to collect your bib the day before to avoid crowds on the morning of the race. Collection requires presentation of an ID and the medical certificate if not provided during registration.
Refreshment stations are set up regularly on all course distances, offering water, isotonic drinks, dried fruits, and energy bars. First aid teams are positioned along all routes. Course marking is managed by experienced volunteers. Runners in the 61 km race must be equipped with the mandatory gear listed in the race regulations.
The trail village in Radon offers: partner stands, a catering area, changing rooms, showers, and a massage area for runners. The friendly atmosphere and the warm welcome from the volunteers contribute to the event's reputation.
Official website: trail-ecouves.fr
Facebook: Trail d'Ecouves
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Massif forestier d'Écouves, Radon
Radon, 61250 Radon