EcoTrail Wicklow runners seen littering will be disqualified as litter-free commitments enhanced

More than 1,400 participants are coming to Bray Seafront to take part in the fifth edition of EcoTrail Wicklow, which takes place on Saturday, September 28. The popular trail running race is committed to minimising it's environmental impact with actions such as no single-use plastic, sorting litter and the promotion of public transport to participants, which has hit a snag this year as Bray Dart Station is due to be closed for rail-line improvement works on Saturday (and Sunday).

The objective of the partnership between EcoTrail Wicklow and Pure is to carry out litter picks and clean-ups along the trails used for the race, from Bray Seafront to Bray Head, Belmont, Sugarloaf, The Wicklow Way and all the way to Roundwood.

The latest litter pick was organised on Thursday, September 20, at Ballyreamon Commons. The event was organised with the support of Wicklow Wolf Brewing Company, a long-time sponsor of EcoTrail Wicklow.

Pure director Ian Davis said: "It's extremely important that both participants and spectators see the county of Wicklow, pure, clean, and pristine, the way it should be, and this collaboration will ensure that there is no unsightly litter or dumping tarnishing the Garden of Ireland."

The EcoTrail Wicklow marshals also take on the role of litter pickers on the day of the race to ensure the route is clean and pristine for the runners. Any runner seen littering will be disqualified as it goes against the ethos of Ecotrail.

With start and finish near the bandstand at Bray Seafront, EcoTrail Wicklow offers five different race options starting through the day. The 80km race starts at 7.30am and will bring competitors all the way to Lough Tay and Roundwood and back.

The 47km race starts at 9am and will reach the Wicklow Way above Powerscourt Waterfall and back.

Starting at 10am and 11am, the 30km and 20km loop around the Big Sugarloaf and the Little Sugarloaf.

This year, EcoTrail Wicklow has introduced a 10km loop around Bray Head. The last race will start at 5pm. Participants will arrive throughout the afternoon with winners expected from 12.30pm.