The Saintélyon, like many night races, requires specific preparation and kit. But this race also has its own characteristics that set it apart from many others. It takes place in winter, over a course made up of paths and roads — which adds a layer of complexity when it comes to choosing your gear. Here are our tips for tackling a night race and equipping yourself properly for the Saintélyon.
The 3-layer rule for winter night races
At this time of year, nights are often cold — sometimes bitterly so. They can also be wet, and the atmospheric conditions of past editions of the Saintélyon show that you have to be ready for anything on this course.
It is therefore important to adopt the best possible strategy to stay warm while still allowing the body to breathe and wick away perspiration. The 3-layer method is ideal for effective protection without sacrificing performance.
A first layer with a thermal base layer
The first garment to put on should be a thermal base layer: it is worn directly against the skin. It enables rapid moisture transfer to the outside, combined with fast drying. This is a crucial point, since moisture that builds up in the fabric is ultimately what causes you to feel cold during physical activity.
A second layer with a dedicated running shirt
This shirt can serve as a single layer if temperatures are mild on the night of your race and a thermal base layer underneath is not needed. Generally speaking (though this varies from person to person), above 5–8°C with little wind, a thermal base layer is no longer necessary.
This shirt can be selected from those that provide excellent muscle support beneath the pectorals and improved posture. This kind of support is essential for road and trail running, offering greater comfort and, above all, fewer micro-muscle tears that erode performance over the kilometres.
A third layer with a trail jacket
A trail jacket is an important addition to your kit. Choose one that is lightweight yet high-performing in terms of thermal insulation and breathability. It should also be stretchy enough to give you a full range of movement. You may prefer this type of jacket, or, if rain rather than cold is the main concern, opt for an ultra-light but waterproof jacket. Either way, never set off without a jacket on a winter night trail. Weather conditions can change rapidly and temperatures drop as soon as darkness falls. At the very minimum, you should slip a trail jacket into your backpack.
The lower body
Effective thermal protection for the legs should be a priority. Cold legs can be seriously debilitating during exertion. Opt for a thermal tight, which is ideal in the most demanding conditions. It delivers genuine comfort, zero restriction in your stride, and above all the reassuring sensation of well-protected, warm legs.
Other accessories for winter night races
The list of accessories can be long when it comes to being comfortably equipped for winter night races like the SaintéLyon. But sometimes you also need to know when to stick to the essentials.
The essentials to highlight include:
- A lightweight, low-capacity backpack (no more than 5 litres) for carrying supplies and stowing anything you don't need on you at all times
- A pair of gloves — opt for technical, warm ones. Bear in mind you may need to use your phone or a GPS device, so gloves with touchscreen-compatible fingertips are a real bonus.
- Technical trail socks, suited to your foot shape and seam-free to prevent friction and blisters
- Compression socks and sleeves to put on once you've finished, for optimal recovery
- A neck gaiter to keep warm at a vulnerable and vital spot
- A beanie — or, for those who prefer it, a cap
- And of course a head torch so you can see clearly. Make sure you choose a quality torch with good battery life and, if possible, two beam types (a wide, short-range beam and a long-range one).
- Finally, food for refuelling (don't pack too much) and above all a drink to slip into a bottle or a hydration bladder.
And if, at the last minute, you realise you're missing something, head to the Trail Running Salon at the SaintéLyon!
