Some trails take place over part of the night, or even the entire night. Unlike a daytime race, specific organisation and kit are required. Visibility is reduced, so certain precautions are necessary. You also need to remain visible yourself, deal with the cold and manage significant fatigue. Here is everything you need to know to run a night trail.
Strategies for running at night effectively
Hydration and nutrition
As with daytime running, proper management of hydration and nutrition is essential for a night trail. Throughout the race, remember to spread your intake by eating small amounts every 30 to 45 minutes. Alternate between fast and slow carbohydrates and prioritise easily digestible foods.
Although dehydration is generally slower than in full daylight, drink regularly nonetheless. We recommend alternating between water and energy drinks to compensate for mineral and carbohydrate losses. At aid stations, salty soups are ideal: they warm you up, rehydrate you and provide sodium.
Speed and stride
One of the main challenges of a night trail is visibility. Even with a good head torch, vision is limited. You therefore need to adopt a more cautious pace, particularly on descents. Shorten your stride and lift your feet slightly to avoid roots or stones.
Posture also plays a key role. To anticipate obstacles, keep your gaze well ahead. Maintain a slightly more engaged core to react to loss of balance.
Consistent training
Good trail preparation starts with training in real conditions. If you plan to run a night trail, daytime sessions alone will not be enough. You must also include night-time outings, ideally at times close to those of your upcoming race.
Training in real conditions is the most effective way to prepare. Your body learns to function at unusual hours and you train your brain to manage fatigue and darkness. You also get used to the particular atmosphere of the night and can test your kit.
Kit for running a night trail
Clothing and accessories
At night, weather conditions can be more challenging. The ground and air cool down, the risk of fog increases and changes in weather are harder to detect. The best solution is to plan several layers to be prepared for any eventuality.
Opt for long-sleeve technical t-shirts as a base layer. Choose lightweight fleeces or warm trail jackets as a mid-layer. Add windproof and waterproof jackets as an outer layer if needed. In cold conditions, ditch the shorts in favour of tights or trail trousers.
Heat is lost through the extremities. To counter this, choose a lightweight beanie, a headband or buff, thin or thermal gloves depending on the season, and warm yet breathable socks.
Head torch
Trail head torches are essential at night. Whether worn on the head or chest, they must deliver powerful, stable lighting. Some models offer automatic beam adjustment based on ambient light.
To choose the right trail head torch, pay attention to the lumen count — that is, the lighting output. For a night trail in varied conditions, we recommend choosing a versatile head torch in the 400 to 600 lumen range with multiple modes. You should also monitor battery life. In cold conditions, it can drop quickly. Carrying two batteries or two head torches is advised to ensure you are never left without light.
Safety equipment
Finally, enhanced safety is essential for running a night trail. Carry a survival blanket, a whistle or light signal for emergencies, a fully charged phone with GPS tracking, and a map or dedicated GPS device.
A head torch alone is not enough to be seen by others, particularly by drivers. For this, accessories with reflective strips are useful. You can wear a jacket with reflective fabric front and back, as well as bracelets around your ankles and arms, which catch the eye more effectively.
The best night trails
The SaintéLyon
Some races have become true landmarks in the world of trail running. Among them, the SaintéLyon is probably the most legendary night trail. Founded in 1952, it brings together more than 20,000 participants every year and takes place on the first weekend of December.
It starts at night, typically at 11:30 pm. Participants must travel between the cities of Saint-Étienne and Lyon, primarily along country paths. This demanding race is available in 8 formats, ranging from 13 to 164 km. The most popular remains the 81 km route with 2,000 m of positive elevation gain.
The Grand trail Nocturne des Hauts-de-France
In a different category, the Grand trail Nocturne des Hauts-de-France is also worth considering. Based in Liévin, it offers a more accessible format than some well-known races. Its course of 61 km with 800 m of positive elevation gain is still demanding. It features singletrack, very steep slopes and rolling wooded hills.
The Ultra-trail du Mont-Blanc
No discussion of a night trail would be complete without mentioning the Ultra-trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). While it does not take place exclusively at night, runners typically spend two nights outdoors. The race starts at around 6 pm. Covering 170 km and 10,000 m of positive elevation gain, the course circumnavigates Mont Blanc through Italy, Switzerland and France. A legendary race set against breathtaking scenery.
Running a night trail demands discipline and forward planning. By preparing seriously, testing your kit and listening to your body, you will get the most out of this unique experience. Once on the course, stay focused, keep a steady pace and savour every moment!
Photo credits: Delphine Danielou and Lilian Menetrier
