Coal Run
GET READY FOR THE 2022 HOUILLES ROAD RACE
Bodycross, a French running & trail equipment specialist, presents the Houilles Road Race. This event brings together the best runners on a 10km course in the heart of the Yvelines department (78), in the Île-de-France region. Extremely popular, every year participants race through the streets of Houilles, with the fastest completing the race in just 28 minutes.
THE ESSENTIALS FOR THE HOUILLES ROAD RACE
WHY EQUIP YOURSELF WITH BODYCROSS FOR THE HOUILLES ROAD RACE?
An international road running event, the Houilles Road Race brings together thousands of participants for a truly unique event. Two fast-paced races during which participants run at incredible speeds through narrow streets. These challenges are what make the event so famous. To help runners, Bodycross has decided to advise you on running apparel. And for good reason, as a major event partner, Bodycross knows what participants need. Lightweight fabrics, soft materials, and even garment adaptability are essential criteria when choosing an outfit.
During the Course des As, the second race of the Houilles Road Race, everything comes down to a 10-kilometre race. That is just a few dozen minutes for the fastest runners. A very short time during which runners must be quick to react. Surrounded by the world's best road runners, you need to rely on your fitness and equipment to make a difference. The slightest discomfort could cost you precious seconds. To protect you and give you an edge when it comes to equipment, Bodycross has created outfits especially for you: Houilles Road Race participants.
HERE IS A SELECTION OF BODYCROSS PRODUCTS SUITABLE FOR THE HOUILLES ROAD RACE
First, regarding upper-body apparel for the Houilles Road Race :
- The BIRKAN (men) and AVA (women) t-shirts are particularly lightweight models (averaging 90g and 135g respectively, depending on size). They are part of Bodycross's Zip collection. Their zip fastening allows you to adjust the fit and ventilation of the fabric.
- The BRICE (men) and AINA (women) tank tops are designed to provide exceptional freedom of movement by eliminating sleeves. These products also weigh an average of 75g and 60g respectively, depending on size. That means you can run feeling light as a feather.
- Next, the DJOE (men) and CLEM (women) models are versatile t-shirts offering excellent strength and flexibility thanks to their polyester and elastane compositions.
Next, regarding lower-body apparel for the Houilles Road Race :
- The BEN (men) and ANGY (women) 3-in-1 shorts are also part of the Zip collection. They feature cycling shorts lining that compresses the lower muscles from the glutes to mid-thigh. The zip fastening mainly allows you to adjust ventilation.
- The SILVIO (men) and VERA (women) single-layer cycling shorts are highly elastic models that are slightly thicker than the BEN and ANGY models. They are more versatile and can also be worn for long-distance races.
RUDOLF SILVER-PLUS
The Houilles Road Race takes less than an hour on average, during which you need to perform at your absolute best. You therefore need an outfit that causes no itching, irritation or scratching. This is why Bodycross chose to treat its clothing with the Rudolf Silver-Plus finish. This technology enhances the fabric of running and trail apparel. Once treated, the fabric loops that make up your equipment are considerably softened to prevent irritation. This also eliminates any risk of scratching. The finish also provides deep protection for the fabric and, by extension, limits contact between your skin and dust mites, bacteria, unpleasant odours, mould and itching. Ideal for a short race when wearing compression apparel.
COMPRESSION
Running at speeds as fast as those during the Houilles Road Race requires you to fully engage your muscles for 30 to 45 minutes. To help you reach this level of muscular effort, Bodycross strongly recommends wearing compression apparel, particularly compression cycling shorts or t-shirts. By compressing your muscles, these garments work in two different ways. First, they reduce muscle contraction time and allow you to reach peak effort more quickly, enabling you to maintain higher-quality, more intense strides. Next, compression fabric slows the production of lactic acid and delays muscle fatigue. This makes it ideal for explosive events such as the Course des As during the Houilles Road Race.
ECO-RECYCLED
Committed to the future and to protecting the environment, Bodycross has chosen to make eco-recycled fabric the focus of its running apparel production. In other words, it processes plastic bottles to create stretchy, durable recycled polyester. This means that producing clothing does not require new toxic or polluting products. Furthermore, the Houilles Road Race is held in a Parisian suburb where pollution is widespread.
More than just a physical challenge, running the Course des As in eco-recycled products is a powerful statement, highlighting the work done to protect the environment while offering high-quality products designed for running and trail running.
WHAT IS THE HOUILLES ROAD RACE?
THE ORIGINS OF THE RACE
Created in 1972, the Houilles Road Race is a small road race held in western Paris. It takes place in the town of Houilles. Originally, the town's former mayor, Alexandre Joly, and runner André Chauffray decided to create a sporting event. Chauffray drew inspiration from the Corrida de São Paulo in Brazil. In running, the term Corrida refers to a race between 5 and 15km. In its 50-year history, the Houilles Road Race has established itself as one of the fastest races in the world, with new speed records set every year. On average, around 2,500 participants take part each year. Finally, at every edition, participants can choose between two races: the first is a popular event open to everyone. The second, also known as the Course des As, is reserved for the fastest runners.
THE HOUILLES ROAD RACE COURSE
The Houilles Road Race is a road race held in the heart of the town in the Yvelines department. The race starts at the Place du 14 Juillet in the town centre, from where participants set off on a 3km course with a 45m elevation gain. The race finishes at Place Michelet.
A true day of celebration, the whole town gathers for an afternoon to support the athletes. Entertainment and brass bands help build the atmosphere along the course. Then, the popular race is the first to start, inviting men and women to give their best. The French Championship qualifiers take place during this race. No maximum time is set for completing the event.
Next, the Course des As is announced, but this race is reserved for the most experienced participants. That is to say, those registered with the French Athletics Federation – FSGT and the French Triathlon Federation. Participants must meet a qualifying time to compete among the fastest runners. Men must be able to complete the race in under 37 minutes, and women in under 44 minutes.
To conclude this Houilles Road Race day, fireworks are launched from the Parc Charles de Gaulle, just a few minutes from the finish line.
THE SPECIFICS OF THE EVENT
The reputation of the Corrida de Houilles has not escaped the best runners on the planet. The years and records have taken this event to an international level. To such an extent that among men, Kenyans have dominated with 13 victories in the last 47 editions compared to 11 French and 9 Moroccan victories. As for the women, Ethiopia has the most victories.
Here are some world records that have been set during the Corrida de Houilles event:
- French-Swiss Julien Wanders, French record holder in 2017 and European record holder in 2018, completes the Course des As in 27’25”.
- 24-year-old Kenyan Daniel Simiu Ebenyo completes the race in 27.12”.
- Jimmy Gressier, French, finishes with a time of 27’43”.
- Norah Jeruto, Kenyan, finishes in 30’32”.
- Nigsti haftu Tesfay, Ethiopian, finishes with a time of 30’52”.
- Gete Alemayehu, Ethiopian, records a time of 31’08”.
In addition to the maximum time required to finish the Course des As of the Corrida de Houilles, note that this course has been IAAF Silver certified since 2015. Certification issued by the World Athletics label for the best road races. Finally, the Corrida de Houilles is among the top 50 races in the world.
