ASICS SaintéLyon 2026: all 20,000 entries snapped up

In 75 days, on November 28 and 29, 2026, 20,000 runners will line up for one of French trail running’s most iconic adventures: the 72nd ASICS SaintéLyon. A night spent running or walking more than 80 km between Saint-Étienne and Lyon, in the depths of winter, for the uniquely intense experience that defines the race. Sold out for several months already, with 25,000 people still on the waiting list, the 2026 edition confirms an unprecedented level of enthusiasm.

All 20,000 entries for the 2026 edition of the SaintéLyon, France’s oldest ultra race, were snapped up as soon as registration opened. Even more strikingly, 25,000 people are now on the waiting list for the 72nd edition.

Behind these staggering figures, the SaintéLyon is also an event that continues to evolve, along with the makeup of its field. The growing number of women and younger participants seen in recent years continues, with women now representing 30.2% of the field, three percentage points more than in 2025.

The average age of participants is also falling, from 36 in 2025 to 34 this year, confirming a steady rejuvenation trend over the past decade.

It is a sign that the SaintéLyon can attract new generations of runners while staying true to its identity and retaining its loyal following.

An inclusive event

Behind the thousands of entries are just as many personal challenges and stories. Since 2024, the Team Paralight has embodied this human dimension by shining a light on both visible and invisible disabilities. For its third edition, around a dozen participants, including people with spinal cord injuries, amputees, visually impaired runners and autistic people, will once again be welcomed and supported across several race formats, from the Ultra SaintéLyon to the SaintéSprint.

Running to advance cancer research

Solidarity is also woven into the history of the ASICS SaintéLyon, notably through its longstanding partnership with the Centre Léon Bérard in Lyon, one of Europe’s leading cancer research centres, where nearly 500 researchers work every day.

A 50-cent donation from every entry, charity entries and individual fundraising efforts: over the years, more than €500,000 has already been donated to cancer research.

The drive continues in 2026: all 50 charity entries on offer have been claimed, with the aim of raising more than €40,000 in additional donations.

Reducing the event’s environmental footprint

An event’s environmental impact is largely determined before the start line: participant travel accounts for around 80% of its carbon footprint. The ASICS SaintéLyon is addressing that challenge in part through venues that are easy to reach by train, a mode of transport already favoured by the majority of its runners.

Taking that commitment further, the event is entering into a new partnership with Trenitalia this year, offering registered participants discounted tickets. At the same time, the organisers are deliberately keeping international participation to a maximum of 2%, limiting air travel and continuing their efforts to promote lower-carbon mobility.