More than 2,000 runners are expected to pound the trails around Bray and the Wicklow Mountains this month as EcoTrail Wicklow 2026 prepares for its biggest event to date.

The exhilarating event is not just for seasoned trail runners, with a novice run open for those who want to dip their toe into running in the great outdoors.

The trail running event – which has now become something of a festival – is supported by Fáilte Ireland and returns from Thursday, September 24 to Saturday 26, and this year includes five races ranging from 10km to 80km, through some of the county’s best-known mountain and coastal scenery.

Organisers say participation has continued to grow both in Ireland and overseas, with competitors travelling to Wicklow to tackle routes taking in landmarks including Bray Head, the Little and Great Sugar Loaf mountains, Powerscourt Waterfall and sections of the Wicklow Mountains.

While race day itself remains the focus of the event, EcoTrail Wicklow has expanded into a three-day festival featuring guest speakers, community events, charity initiatives and an expo showcasing some of the leading names in trail running and outdoor sport.

Race director Sliabh Wells said the ambition since the inaugural event had been to create a festival capable of catering for runners of all abilities.

“Our ambition has been to build a world-class trail running festival that any runner can be part of, whether that’s a first 10km on the trails or the full 80km through the Wicklow Mountains,” he said.

Things kick off on Thursday evening with ‘The Gathering’, at Bray’s Harbour Bar. The event, themed ‘The Long Game: Performance. Purpose. Longevity’, will be hosted by Seanie, who recently completed the 4,400 Streets of Dublin challenge, and will feature guests including Sorcha Loughnane, Ed Payne and John Kinsella.

A new partnership with the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation is among the notable additions to this year’s programme. As part of the collaboration, runners will be invited to take part in a pre-race “shake-out run” on Friday evening, with proceeds supporting the charity.

The festival expo will also return, bringing together a range of brands from the trail running and outdoor sectors. Exhibitors will include Dynafit, Precision Fuel & Hydration, Wicklow Wolf, Altar nutrition and Outwest Clothing.

Given the event is the ‘Eco’ trail, environmental sustainability remains a key focus for organisers. Pure (Protecting Uplands and Rural Environments) will once again partner with the festival in 2026, a year that marks the organisation’s 20th anniversary.

Ian Davis of Pure said the organisation hoped participants and spectators would help preserve the area’s natural beauty.

“Pure are delighted to be collaborating again with Ecotrail this year. Pure are celebrating 20 years protecting uplands and rural environments and the Pure Mile has grown from 5 miles in 2009 to over 1,500 miles. We want participants and spectators to see Wicklow pure, clean and and pristine,” he said.

All five races will take place on Saturday, September 26. Registration remains open for the 10km, 19km, 30km and 47km distances, while the flagship 80km race has sold out. To register, go to: wicklow.ecotrail.com