SaintéLyon 2026: Your Essential Guide to the Lyon-Saint-Étienne Night Race
The highly anticipated 72nd edition of the SaintéLyon, France’s iconic night trail race, is scheduled to light up the Monts du Lyonnais from November 27 to 29, 2026. This guide provides all the practical information you need, from race schedules and different event formats to registration fees and important contacts, ensuring you’re fully prepared for this unforgettable experience.
Event Overview: What, When, Where?
The SaintéLyon is a unique nocturnal running event traversing the challenging terrain between Saint-Étienne and Lyon in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It attracts runners of all levels, from seasoned ultrarunners to beginners looking for a thrilling night challenge.
- Event Dates: Friday, November 27 to Sunday, November 29, 2026
- Main Race Night: Saturday, November 28 to Sunday, November 29, 2026
- Location: Between Saint-Étienne and Lyon, France
- Website: www.saintelyon.com
- Facebook: SaintéLyon Facebook Page
Detailed Program and Start Times
The SaintéLyon 2026 program spans three days, with staggered starts primarily on Saturday night. Here’s a breakdown:
Friday, November 27, 2026
- Bib Collection: Exact times to be announced.
- SaintéGones (Children’s Races): Starts from 6:00 PM. A fantastic opportunity for the youngest participants to experience the magic of SaintéLyon.
Saturday, November 28, 2026
This is the main event day, with various races kicking off throughout the evening and night:
- 09:00 AM: Lyon SaintéLyon (160 km) – The ultra-distance challenge.
- 10:30 PM: SaintéVia (35 km) – A challenging mid-distance option.
- 10:30 PM: SaintéTic (13 km) – An ideal entry point for night trail running.
- 11:00 PM: SaintéSprint (24 km) – A dynamic and faster-paced race.
- 11:00 PM: SaintExpress (45 km) – A longer, demanding course.
- 11:30 PM: SaintéLyon (80 km, solo) – The classic individual challenge.
- 11:30 PM: SaintéLyon Relay 2 (Team of 2) – Share the experience with a partner.
- 11:30 PM: SaintéLyon Relay 3 (Team of 3) – Team spirit on the trails.
- 11:30 PM: SaintéLyon Relay 4 (Team of 4) – The ultimate team adventure.
Sunday, November 29, 2026
- Course Closure: 4:00 PM. All participants must cross the finish line in Lyon before this time.
Race Formats: Choose Your Challenge
SaintéLyon offers a diverse range of formats to suit every runner’s ambition and experience level:
- Lyon SaintéLyon (160 km): The ultimate ultra-trail experience, starting in the morning.
- SaintéLyon (80 km, solo): The flagship individual race, a true test of endurance.
- SaintExpress (45 km): A significant challenge for experienced runners.
- SaintéVia (35 km): A demanding yet accessible mid-distance option.
- SaintéSprint (24 km): A good balance of challenge and speed for those seeking a shorter night run.
- SaintéTic (13 km): Perfect for beginners or those wanting a taste of night trail running.
- Relay Races (2, 3, or 4 runners): These formats allow teams to share the effort and camaraderie of the SaintéLyon experience.
- SaintéGones (Children’s Races): Non-competitive fun runs for the younger generation, fostering a love for running.
Registration Fees for SaintéLyon 2026
Registration is done online, with fees varying depending on the chosen race. Please note that the SaintéVia 35 km fee was yet to be confirmed at the time of publication.
| Race Format | Fee |
|---|---|
| Lyon SaintéLyon (160 km) | €235 |
| SaintéLyon (80 km, solo) | €125 |
| SaintéLyon Relay 2 (Team) | €150 |
| SaintéLyon Relay 3 (Team) | €180 |
| SaintéLyon Relay 4 (Team) | €225 |
| SaintExpress (45 km) | €78 |
| SaintéSprint (24 km) | €50 |
| SaintéTic (13 km) | €30 |
| SaintéVia (35 km) | To be confirmed |
| SaintéGones (Children) | €10 |
How to Register and Prepare
Registration is typically done through the official SaintéLyon website. It is crucial to register early as spots can fill up quickly for this popular event. Once registered, focus on your training, especially incorporating night runs and hill work. Ensure you have all the necessary equipment for a night trail race, including headlamps, appropriate clothing for varying temperatures, and sufficient hydration and nutrition.
Contact and Further Information
For any questions or additional details, please refer to the official SaintéLyon website or contact the organizers directly:
- Website: www.saintelyon.com
- Facebook: SaintéLyon Facebook Page
- Location: 69000 Lyon, France
Whether you’re a participant or a spectator, SaintéLyon 2026 promises to be an extraordinary event, showcasing the beauty of night trail running and the incredible spirit of its participants. Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable night!
Source: jds.fr
