Trail running evolves into a mass sport in France

Trail running has evolved from a niche adventure activity into a mass sport in France. The growth is attributed to the low barrier to entry, the post-lockdown desire for nature and silence, and the visual appeal of the sport on social media. While exact figures are difficult to consolidate, estimates suggest hundreds of thousands of regular runners and thousands of annual events.

The Fédération française d’athlétisme (FFA) manages the discipline by setting regulations, maintaining an official calendar, and organizing national championships. The FFA also provides labels for races to ensure standards in safety, marking, and equipment. To simplify access, traditional medical certificates have largely been replaced by online prevention courses.

Within the discipline, ultra-trail running—races exceeding 80 kilometers—has seen significant popularity. Major events like the Ultra-trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) see massive demand, with 75,000 registration requests for 2025. Other iconic races include Le Grand Raid de La Réunion and Les Templiers, which attract thousands of participants seeking a combination of performance, adventure, and connection with nature.