SAINTÉLYON: THE 5 TOP TIPS TO SUCCEED!
The SaintéLyon is fast approaching! This iconic 78 km route linking Saint-Étienne to Lyon is technical and demands mental preparation. Crossing the crests of the Monts du Lyonnais, it features 2,050 m of elevation gain and 2,350 m of descent. Follow our 5 tips to arrive calm and confident on the SaintéLyon start line.
Tip 1: Train progressively
The legendary SaintéLyon race which takes place in early December, requires advance preparation given the distance. It is both technical and demanding, alternating between road running and trail. For trail running, several weeks of progressive training followed by a
trail running coach are recommended.
It is also essential to complete sessions at night or early in the morning, to avoid surprises and get comfortable reading terrain in low-light conditions. The closer your training conditions are to those of the SaintéLyon, the better prepared you will be.
Tip 2: Kit up for the SaintéLyon
At the start of your SaintéLyon, night will have fallen. The right kit to face race day with confidence is essential. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the must-haves for a successful SaintéLyon:
- shoes suited to terrain that can be muddy, snowy or frozen. The key is that they offer you a good grip.
- a head torch to light your way as effectively as possible. Battery life and light intensity are the 2 priorities to focus on.
- technical, high-performance clothing that meets your needs. And for even greater protection during the race, make sure to follow the essential 3-layer rule.
When it comes to running kit, choosing the right fabrics is absolutely essential.
Tip 3: Choose the right clothing
Before facing the cold on the night of the SaintéLyon, here are our tips for making the most of the race.
- Wear warm but breathable clothing;
- Adopt the 3-layer system;
- Choose colourful clothing with reflective prints to stay visible and safe;
- Do not neglect your accessories — protect your extremities from the cold with thermal gloves, an ear-warmer headband or a buff;
- Put on warm clothing as soon as you finish running to avoid getting ill.
We have also put together a selection of trail running clothing for the SaintéLyon.
A thermal insulating jacket for trail running:
A waterproof, windproof jacket:
A waterproof, warm, windproof trouser:
Tip 4: Warm up and stay hydrated
Running in cold weather is a particular challenge for the body. Here are our 2 key points for running comfortably in winter:
- Warm up properly: 20 minutes are needed to avoid muscular and joint injuries.
- Remember to hydrate "before – during – after": cold temperatures accelerate dehydration.
For this second point, take small sips. The same applies to nutrition during the effort. Do not overload your digestive system to avoid any setbacks.
Tip 5: Enjoy race day!
The SaintéLyon is the last big race of the season. But don't put pressure on yourself! Prioritise shared effort over competition. What matters is crossing the finish line — the clock comes second. While staying focused on the trail, enjoy the experience too — push your limits, of course, but also savour the joy of racing in the heart of nature.
