The Saintélyon, like many night races, requires specific preparation and kit. But this race also has its own distinctive features that set it apart from many others. It takes place in winter, on a course made up of paths and roads — which adds a layer of complexity when it comes to preparing your gear. Here are our tips for tackling a night race and getting properly equipped for the Saintélyon.
The three-layer rule for winter night races
At this time of year, the night is often cold — sometimes bitterly so. It can also be wet, and the weather conditions from past editions of the Saintélyon show that you should expect anything on this course.
It is therefore important to adopt the best possible strategy to stay warm while allowing the body to breathe and wick away perspiration. The three-layer method is the ideal approach for effective protection without compromising performance.
A first layer with a thermal base layer
The first garment to put on should be a thermal base layer: worn directly against the skin, it rapidly wicks moisture away from the body and dries quickly. This is a crucial point, as moisture that builds up in fabrics is what causes you to feel cold during physical activity.
A second layer with a specific running jersey
This jersey can serve as a single layer if the temperatures are mild on the night of your race and there's no need to wear a thermal base layer underneath. Generally speaking (though this varies from person to person), above around 5–8°C with little wind, a thermal base layer is no longer necessary.
This jersey can be chosen from those that provide excellent muscular support under the pectorals and help improve posture. This kind of support is essential when running on roads or trails, offering greater comfort and, above all, fewer micro-muscle lesions that chip away at 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 to give you good freedom of movement. You may prefer this type of jacket, or if the weather is more likely to bring rain than cold, opt for a very lightweight but waterproof jacket instead. Either way, never set off without a jacket on a winter night trail. Weather conditions can change rapidly and the temperature drops sharply as soon as darkness falls. At the very least, slip a trail jacket into your backpack.
The lower body
Effective thermal protection for the legs is a must. Cold legs can be brutal during sustained effort. Gear up with a thermal tight — ideal for the toughest conditions. It delivers real comfort, zero restriction in your stride and, above all, the reassuring feeling of warm, well-protected legs.
Other accessories for winter night races
The list of accessories for staying comfortable during winter night races like the SaintéLyon can be long. But sometimes you also need to know when to keep it to the essentials.
The essentials include:
- A lightweight, low-volume backpack (no more than 5 litres) to carry your supplies and anything you're not using continuously.
- A pair of gloves — go for technical, warm ones. Bear in mind that you may need to use your phone or a GPS device, so touchscreen-compatible fingertips are a real bonus.
- Technical trail socks, suited to your foot shape and free from seams that could cause friction and blisters.
- Compression socks and calf sleeves to put on once you've finished, for the best possible recovery.
- A neck gaiter to keep warm in this vulnerable and important area for your wellbeing.
- A beanie or, for those who prefer, a cap.
- And of course a head torch to 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 bring too much) and above all a drink to slip into a flask or a hydration bladder.
And if at the last minute you notice something's missing, head to the trail running Expo at the SaintéLyon!
