SAINTÉLYON: THE 5 BEST TIPS TO SUCCEED!
The SaintéLyon is fast approaching! This legendary 78 km route linking Saint-Étienne to Lyon is technical and demands thorough mental preparation. Crossing the ridges of the Monts du Lyonnais, it packs 2,050m of elevation gain and 2,350m of descent. Follow our 5 tips to toe the SaintéLyon starting line with confidence.
Tip #1: Prepare progressively
The legendary SaintéLyon race held in early December, requires thorough advance preparation given the distance. Both technical and demanding, it alternates between road running and trail. For trail running, several weeks of progressive training guided by a
trail running coach are recommended.
It is also essential to run night or early morning sessions to avoid surprises and master night trail reading. The closer your training mirrors the conditions of the SaintéLyon, the better prepared you will be.
Tip #2: Gear up for the SaintéLyon
At the start of your SaintéLyon, night will have fallen. Proper gear is essential to tackle race day with total peace of mind. Here is a non-exhaustive list of essentials to conquer your SaintéLyon:
- shoes suited to terrain that can be muddy, snowy, or icy all at once. The key is ensuring they provide solid grip.
- a headlamp to give you optimal lighting. Battery life and beam intensity are the two key factors to focus on.
- technical, high-performance apparel engineered for your needs. For optimal protection during the race, make sure to apply the essential 3-layer rule.
When it comes to running gear, choosing the right apparel is essential.
Tip #3: Choosing the right clothing
Before braving the cold on the night of the SaintéLyon, here is our advice to get the most out of your race.
- Wear warm yet breathable clothing;
- Adopt the 3-layer system;
- Choose brightly coloured clothing with reflective prints to stay visible and safe;
- Don't overlook accessories: protect your extremities from the cold with thermal gloves, an ear-warmer headband, or a neck gaiter;
- Put on warm clothes as soon as you finish running to avoid getting sick.
We have also curated a selection of trail running gear for the SaintéLyon.
A thermal, insulating jacket for trail running:
A waterproof and windproof jacket:
Warm, windproof and waterproof trousers:
Tip #4: Warm up and hydrate
Running in the cold is a specific physical challenge. Here are our 2 key tips to run with confidence this winter:
- Warm up properly: 20 minutes are essential to prevent muscle and joint injuries
- Remember to hydrate “before – during – after”: cold temperatures speed up dehydration
For this second point, take small sips. The same applies to race nutrition. Avoid overloading your digestive system to steer clear of issues.
Tip #5: Enjoy race day!
The SaintéLyon is the last major race of the season. But don't put too much pressure on yourself! Focus on shared effort rather than pure competition. The priority is crossing the finish line; the clock comes second. While staying focused on the trail, make sure to enjoy yourself, push your limits, and embrace the thrill of wilderness running.
