The world of trail running is undergoing a major shift, and certain initiatives are boldly supporting this transformation. Such is the case for École de Trail, an organization that is rethinking trail running education while offering a turnkey economic model for clubs and coaches. Combining grassroots pedagogy, digital tools, and scientific events, this comprehensive approach has earned the project a nomination in the "Service of the Year" category at the Trail Running Awards.
Photo: Ecole de Trail
A method breaking the mold: "Run less, but better"
At the heart of the project is the methodology developed by Sébastien Cornette. Far from traditional, often monotonous long runs, École de Trail offers an innovative pedagogical approach. The core idea? Transform training into technical workshops incorporating strength training, mobility, and cardiovascular development.
This workshop-based structure breaks down skill barriers. During the same session, an experienced athlete will complete six loops while a beginner completes three. The group stays united, but the workload is personalized. The goal is clear: to enable healthy, sustainable training by prioritizing quality over mileage volume.
Photo: Ecole de Trail
Shifting toward a licensing model inspired by sports giants
While the methodology has proven its worth, the organization underwent a major transformation ahead of the 2025 school year. Initially largely volunteer-run, the entity reinvented itself—backed by the entry of new shareholders—to adopt a sustainable affiliation model, much like global successes such as CrossFit or Les Mills.
École de Trail now offers complete certification for coaches (strength and conditioning specialists, healthcare professionals, volunteers) and organizations. This licensing system provides existing or newly created clubs with a strong brand, ongoing training, and a professional framework. The success speaks for itself: the network already counts 43 clubs in France and Switzerland and over 1,200 active members.
Digital technology to the rescue: The management application
The project's technological innovation lies in the deployment of a web application designed to simplify club management. At a time when volunteer engagement is sometimes waning, this digital tool takes over time-consuming tasks: registration management, administration, and communication.
For Laurent Lempereur, head of École Terre de Trail (Pas-de-Calais), the tool is a driver of professionalization: “What I like about the new formula? Freeing myself from all administrative tasks so I can achieve my professional dream and make a full-time living from coaching.”
But the application isn't just for managers; it also drives member retention through gamification. A cashback system rewards session attendance. Members accumulate rewards that can be used to buy gear or fund training courses.
More than a club, a strong social bond
At a time when individual coaching apps sometimes isolate runners, École de Trail takes a counter-approach by focusing on the collective. From the "Graines de Traileurs" program tailored to children's physiology to heterogeneous adult groups, the structure rebuilds intergenerational bonds.
This reassuring environment allows profiles far removed from sports to take the plunge. This is the case for Aurélie, 42, who found her place thanks to this inclusive approach: “The method gave me self-confidence. The collective and playful dimension allowed me to feel legitimate and run my first trail.”
The Trail Summit: The new hub for expertise and health
École de Trail's ambition goes beyond the weekly club framework to anchor itself in scientific and pedagogical reflection. On November 22 and 23, the entity is organizing the first edition of the Trail Summit at the Aix-les-Bains Convention Center (73).
This unprecedented event aims to become the essential meeting point between cutting-edge knowledge and field experience. Open to both professionals (brands, health stakeholders, organizers) and the general public, the summit will address the essential pillars of performance and well-being: health, nutrition, mental preparation, and training.
For this first edition, École de Trail has brought together an exceptional panel of speakers:
Athletes committed to healthy practice: The panel blends performance and resilience with figures like Ludovic Pommeret (two-time winner of the Hardrock 100), Camille Bruyas (athlete and physical therapist), and Diego Pazos. Inclusion is also in the spotlight with Boris Ghirardi (tibial amputee, Team Adaptive UTMB) and Paul Fontaine (trail runner with cystic fibrosis). Erik Clavery, Marion Delespierre, Théo Détienne, and Anne-Lise Rousset will also be present.
Science in the service of sports: Global references will speak, such as researcher Guillaume Millet (endurance sciences), nutritionist Anthony Berthou, and Samuel Vergès (altitude physiology). They will be accompanied by experts in sports psychology (Sandrine Isoard, Noémie Lienhart) and physiology (Stéphane Doutreleau, Lilian Lacourpaille, Sébastien Rattel).
Coaching expertise: Knowledge transfer will be provided by Adrien Séguret (French Trail Running Team Coach), Cyril Blanchard (Mental Trainer), and of course Sébastien Cornette.
It is not too late to get your tickets and attend the event on November 22 and 23 in Aix-les-Bains.
