Photo: Anthospace / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) / Source (opens in a new tab)Saint-Étienne
SaintéLyon
Saturday, 28 November 2026
Lyon SaintéLyon 160km
160km D+ 4200m
SaintéLyon 80km
80km D+ 2100m
SaintExpress 45km
45km D+ 1000m
SainteVia 35km
35km D+ 650m
SaintéSprint 24km
24km D+ 500m
Race data
Terrain
Trail
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
5 modalities
Lyon SaintéLyon 160km
- Distance
- 160 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 4200m
- Max Time
- -
SaintéLyon 80km
- Distance
- 80 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 2100m
- Max Time
- -
SaintExpress 45km
- Distance
- 45 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1000m
- Max Time
- -
SainteVia 35km
- Distance
- 35 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 650m
- Max Time
- -
SaintéSprint 24km
- Distance
- 24 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 500m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lyon SaintéLyon 160km | 160 km | D+ 4200m | - | - |
| SaintéLyon 80km | 80 km | D+ 2100m | - | - |
| SaintExpress 45km | 45 km | D+ 1000m | - | - |
| SainteVia 35km | 35 km | D+ 650m | - | - |
| SaintéSprint 24km | 24 km | D+ 500m | - | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~31 h of SaintéLyon?Worked out for the longest course (160 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchYour checklist for SaintéLyon
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 7 ready
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 45 mm
Solar charging: up to 28 days of battery
Downside: No onboard topo maps
Gear
Main headlamp of 450+ lumens plus a backup
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Salomon Speedcross 6
Agarre excepcional en barro y terreno técnico
Downside: Durabilidad media en asfalto
Nutrition
Light, carb-rich dinner about 5 hours before the start
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Maurten Gel 100
Tecnología de hidrogel: excelente tolerancia gástrica
Downside: Precio elevado respecto a otros geles
Sun Protection
Lip balm: cold wind cracks your lips
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30
Stick format easy to apply mid-race
Downside: SPF 30 may fall short at extreme altitude
Body Care
Anti-chafe on feet, armpits and groin before the start
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Easy-to-apply stick format, even with sweaty hands
Downside: Higher price than traditional petroleum jelly
Accommodation
Stay in Lyon near the finish for immediate rest
Done, you already have it
View on B-Hotel →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
B-Hotel Barcelona
Car Rental
Pick up the car at Lyon airport
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud City
Trip logistics
Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.
Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
8 weeks to SaintéLyon: get your kit ready
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Swipe to see all 4 comparisons
Historical weather
What to wear at 5 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
2°C – 8°C
Average 5°C
Rain
40%
1.7 mm avg
Wind
16 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
6h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (40% chance of rain)
Asics
Asics Gel-Trabuco 14 GTX
A best-selling beginner trail shoe: GEL cushioning, good stability and a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane. Versatile and reliable for training on mixed terrain in any weather.
Berghaus
Berghaus Paclite 2.0 GTX
Waterproof jacket with a Gore-Tex Paclite membrane (around 330 g). Fully waterproof with taped seams, fixed adjustable hood, storm flap behind the zip and cuff adjustment. Packs down small in a vest. Heavier than a pure running hardshell, but it meets the waterproof-breathable membrane requirement in race rules and is the affordable route into Gore-Tex.
Brooks
Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX
The Cascadia 20 with a GORE-TEX membrane: stability and protection for rocky mountain terrain, keeping the foot dry on cold, rainy days.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove
Glove with a fully waterproof, windproof GORE-TEX membrane and light insulation. The pick for running in snow, sleet or heavy rain while keeping your hand dry.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove
Warmer variant of the Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX: the same fully waterproof, windproof membrane, with extra thermal lining for intense cold on top of snow or rain. The pick when the problem isn't just water, but water AND hard cold at once.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Chubasquero Gore-Tex Shakedry ultraligero (110 g). Impermeabilidad total sin membrana interior, altamente transpirable. El referente para corredores de montaña.
Nike
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
The best-selling gateway trail shoe: comfortable, cushioned and versatile for moving from road to trail. Waterproof GORE-TEX version, perfect for beginners and easy runs on mixed terrain.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti Pro Waterproof Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove built for running, not just standing still in the snow: a waterproof membrane with more dexterity and less bulk than a thick membrane glove, for sustained rain without giving up handling gels or poles.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti WP
Chaqueta cortavientos impermeable ultraligera (135 g). Costuras selladas, capucha ajustable y ventilación trasera. Se pliega en su propio bolsillo.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX
The Speedcross 6 with a GORE-TEX membrane: the same aggressive 5 mm lugs for mud and soft ground, now waterproof for winter, rain and snow.
Sealskinz
Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove from a brand that specializes in outdoor sport waterproofing. A solid middle ground between a thin windproof glove and a thick membrane glove: genuinely waterproof without the bulk or price of the Gore C5.
TRIWONDER
TRIWONDER Polainas Impermeables Trail
Waterproof, breathable low gaiters for trail running, hiking and mountain use. Under-shoe strap and adjustable elastic band. A budget-friendly alternative to premium technical brand gaiters.
Bring thermal layers (low of 2°C)
Buff
Buff Thermonet
Buff tubular térmico con tecnología Primaloft. Retiene el calor corporal, ultraligero y polivalente: gorro, braga, cinta. Ideal para alta montaña.
Craft
Craft Pro Hypervent LS Wind Top
Thermal top with a windproof ripstop panel on the chest and a highly ventilated soft jersey back. Built for high-intensity sessions in cold, windy conditions, with long cuffs and thumb loops.
HANKER
HANKER Braga de Cuello Térmica
Unisex thermal seamless neck gaiter in Soft Air Plus fabric (97% polyester). Seamless fit designed for trail running, cycling, motorcycling and outdoor sports. A budget alternative to Buff for moderate cold.
Icebreaker
Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS Crewe
Long-sleeve thermal top in 100% merino wool (200g). Natural temperature regulation, genuine multi-day odor resistance and a soft, non-itch handfeel from the fine merino yarn.
Odlo
Odlo Active Warm Eco
Camiseta térmica de manga larga con tejido reciclado y tratamiento antiolor. Regulación térmica activa, ideal como capa base en montaña.
Odlo
Odlo I-Thermic Longsleeve Mujer
Women's long-sleeve thermal top with insulating panels placed over cold-sensitive areas (lower back and kidneys). A mid-layer built for genuinely cold winter conditions, mountain outings or cross-country-style trail sessions.
ROCKBROS
ROCKBROS Pasamontañas Térmico y Cortaviento
Thermal windproof balaclava covering head, ears, cheeks and neck. Designed for cycling and motorcycling, it works just as well on windy, freezing trail runs.
Salomon
Salomon Agile LS Tee
Lightweight quick-dry polyester long-sleeve tee with underarm mesh, a side pocket and reflective details. Works as a standalone layer in mild cold or as a base layer under a windbreaker on colder days.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Run Tight
Mallas largas de trail con tejido elástico y transpirable. Cintura ajustable, bolsillo trasero con cremallera. Protección contra el frío y la vegetación.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Warm Glove
Guantes térmicos de running con palma antideslizante y puntas táctiles. Ligeros, cálidos y compatibles con bastones.
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock
Compression thermal top with a dual-layer fabric: ultra-warm brushed interior and quick-dry exterior. Second-skin compression fit with stretch mesh panels at the back and underarms for ventilation without losing warmth.
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock Hombre
Men's high-neck thermal compression top: brushed interior that holds heat and a quick-dry outer. Base layer for cold-weather runs.
Bring thermal gloves (low of 2°C)
Gore Wear
Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove
Glove with a fully waterproof, windproof GORE-TEX membrane and light insulation. The pick for running in snow, sleet or heavy rain while keeping your hand dry.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove
Warmer variant of the Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX: the same fully waterproof, windproof membrane, with extra thermal lining for intense cold on top of snow or rain. The pick when the problem isn't just water, but water AND hard cold at once.
Icebreaker
Icebreaker Oasis Liners
Thin merino wool glove, lightweight and breathable, with good moisture management and none of the overheating of a thick technical glove. Ideal as a liner layer or for mild winter temperatures.
LEKI
LEKI Ultra Trail Storm Shark
Glove for pole runners with the Shark system: clips straight into the grip of compatible LEKI poles, transferring force without closing your hand. Windproof and water-repellent.
Ronhill
Ronhill GORE-TEX Windstopper Glove
Running glove with GORE-TEX Windstopper fabric: blocks wind and repels light rain without the bulk of an insulated glove. Thin, close-fitting and dexterous.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti Pro Waterproof Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove built for running, not just standing still in the snow: a waterproof membrane with more dexterity and less bulk than a thick membrane glove, for sustained rain without giving up handling gels or poles.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Warm Glove
Guantes térmicos de running con palma antideslizante y puntas táctiles. Ligeros, cálidos y compatibles con bastones.
Salomon
Salomon Fast Wing Winter Glove
Technical winter trail running glove with a windproof outer shell and warm lining. Built for long outings in intense cold, wind and some moisture in the mountains.
Sealskinz
Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove from a brand that specializes in outdoor sport waterproofing. A solid middle ground between a thin windproof glove and a thick membrane glove: genuinely waterproof without the bulk or price of the Gore C5.
Consider long tights for nighttime cold
Amazon Essentials
Amazon Essentials Mallas Active Sculpt Talla Grande
High-waisted leggings with Active Sculpt compression fabric, available in plus sizes. Wide waistband that doesn't roll down or over-compress during long mountain outings.
Izas
Izas Olimpia Mallas Largas Mujer
Women's long leggings with a shaping, push-up compression effect, stretch breathable fabric and reflective details. Originally designed for gym and yoga, but the compression and reflective details also make it usable for low-light running.
Joma
Joma Pantalones Térmicos Academy Knight Hombre
Men's thermal pants with a brushed inner lining, built for training and running in cold weather. Elastic drawstring waist and heat-retaining fabric for winter outings or cold early mornings.
Joma
Joma Vela II Shorts Mujer
Lightweight, stretch women's running shorts with a wide size range (4XS to 2XL). Breathable fabric built for training and running in summer without overheating.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Run Tight
Mallas largas de trail con tejido elástico y transpirable. Cintura ajustable, bolsillo trasero con cremallera. Protección contra el frío y la vegetación.
Forecast for 28 November
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
SaintéLyon: the longest night in French trail running
Since 1951, SaintéLyon has linked Saint-Étienne and Lyon across the Monts du Lyonnais. The start is at midnight, with thousands of headlamps forming a snake of light in the dark. It is France’s most popular winter race.
Course and terrain
About 80 km and 2,100 m of climbing on tracks, trails and mid-mountain paths, with tarmac sections near Lyon. It isn’t technical, but mud, cold and darkness make it tough. The 45 km and 24 km versions share the final section.
Keys to finishing
- Light: a powerful headlamp and a spare. No light, no race.
- Layering: you’ll be cold on the tops and hot on the climbs.
- Dry feet: lugged shoes and spare socks.
- Sleep beforehand: a midnight start disrupts your body clock.
Check our gear guides and other races in France.
360Complete Pack
SaintéLyon 2026 registration
RegistrationOver 15,000 runners across all distances. Places for the 80 km go fast: register on the official website as soon as it opens.
Tips
- •Registration usually opens in spring
- •Medical certificate or French licence required (PPS for non-members)
- •Relays are a good way to debut
Where to stay for SaintéLyon
AccommodationStay in Lyon: you reach the finish in the early morning and don't need to travel. Book early, the city fills up that weekend.
Tips
- •Stay in Lyon near the finish for immediate rest
- •Sleep on Saturday afternoon: the start is at midnight
- •Earplugs and eye mask to sleep during the day
Gear for SaintéLyon
GearRunning at night in November demands light and warmth: a powerful headlamp, thermal layers, waterproof jacket and shoes with grip for mud.
Tips
- •Main headlamp of 450+ lumens plus a backup
- •Charged batteries kept warm (inside pocket)
- •Lugged shoes for mud; GTX helps if it rains
- •Gloves and hat: wind chill drops below 0 °C on the tops
Which shoes for SaintéLyon?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for SaintéLyon?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Neck Gaiter (Buff) for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
Comparison of the best neck gaiters for trail running in 2026: Buff Original, Midweight, Windproof, DryFlx, CoolNet UV+, Thermonet, HANKER and Salomon Merino. Which to pick based on sun, wind, cold or budget.
Best Thermal Base Layer for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
The best thermal base layers for trail running in 2026: Odlo Active Warm Eco, Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis, Craft Pro Hypervent, Under Armour ColdGear, Salomon Agile LS Tee and Odlo I-Thermic. Which to pick based on cold, sweat management, merino wool, compression or built-in wind protection.
Best Trail Running Gaiters 2026: 3-Way Comparison
Comparing the 3 best trail running gaiters in 2026: Salomon Trail Gaiters High, Salomon Trail Gaiters Low and TRIWONDER waterproof gaiters. Which to pick by terrain and budget.
Nutrition for SaintéLyon
NutritionRunning all night disrupts appetite. Alternate gels with solid food and drink even when the cold kills your thirst.
Tips
- •Light, carb-rich dinner about 5 hours before the start
- •Gels every 40-45 min: cold increases energy expenditure
- •Hot drinks at aid stations when available
Getting to SaintéLyon
TransportStart in Saint-Étienne, finish in Lyon. Fly to Lyon-Saint Exupéry and use the train or the official shuttles to the start.
Tips
- •Train Lyon Part-Dieu – Saint-Étienne: about 50 min
- •Book the official shuttle when you register
- •From Barcelona: direct flight to Lyon or about 6 h by car
Car rental for SaintéLyon
Car RentalNot needed for the race, but handy if you travel as a group or want to explore the region.
Tips
- •Pick up the car at Lyon airport
- •Leave the car in Lyon and take the shuttle: no tired driving at dawn
Insurance for SaintéLyon
InsuranceA night race with cold and slippery mud. If travelling from abroad, bring travel insurance with sports cover.
Tips
- •European Health Insurance Card at minimum
- •Travel insurance with sports and cancellation cover
Body care for SaintéLyon
Body CareHumidity, cold and long hours: blisters and chafing are the number one problem.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe on feet, armpits and groin before the start
- •Spare socks in your pack if it rains
- •Thermal neck gaiter: works as hat, collar or face cover
Sun protection for SaintéLyon
Sun ProtectionIt is run almost entirely at night, but wind and cold crack skin and lips. Protect your lips and face.
Tips
- •Lip balm: cold wind cracks your lips
- •Face cream if you'll finish after sunrise
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is SaintéLyon 2026?
- SaintéLyon 2026 runs overnight from Saturday 28 to Sunday 29 November, starting at midnight in Saint-Étienne and finishing in Lyon.
- What distances does SaintéLyon offer?
- The main race is about 80 km with 2,100 m of climbing. Shorter versions of about 45 km (SaintExpress) and 24 km (SaintéSprint) plus relays are also available.
- What gear do I need for a November night race?
- A powerful headlamp with a spare battery, a backup headlamp, waterproof jacket, thermal layer, gloves and hat. Temperatures often hover around 0 °C and mud is common.
- How do I get to Saint-Étienne?
- Fly to Lyon-Saint Exupéry and take the train to Saint-Étienne (about 50 min from Lyon Part-Dieu). The organisers usually run shuttles from Lyon to the start.
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