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Get Ready for the 2025 Běhej lesy Season

The 10th anniversary of Běhej lesy is already behind us, and I believe most of us are planning to participate in as many races as possible next year. I also believe we all want to not only improve our results but also enjoy the running experience even more. That’s why it’s essential to start preparing now. The miles you run in autumn and winter will serve as an excellent foundation for next year’s races. In this article, I’ll share tips on what clothing to choose for running during the colder months. This isn’t a step-by-step guide on dressing for chilly weather, but rather a collection of my personal experiences. Functional Base Layers Are Essential! This may sound like a cliché, but it’s absolutely true. It applies to any physical activity, not just running. You could wear an expensive jacket with top-notch breathability or water resistance, but its properties won’t be fully utilized without the right base layer. Running makes you sweat more, so choosing a material that can handle moisture is key. Polyester fiber is the best in this regard. It wicks moisture quickly, offers excellent thermoregulation, and dries fast—critical benefits for runners. Keep in mind that everyone should choose their base layer based on their personal preferences and how they feel in it.

Every person is unique—we all run at different intensities, perceive temperature differently, and have varying levels of perspiration and motivation to brave bad weather. If you’re unsure about your choice, consult a specialist sports store or check out the functional clothing selection guide at www.craft.cz.

My Go-To Autumn Running Gear For cooler days, my favorite is the CRAFT Active Extreme X base layer, which combines recycled polyester with CoolMax fibers. As the name suggests, it’s designed for active movement, quickly wicking sweat away from the body. It’s no surprise that it’s a favorite among elite athletes across winter and summer sports. This layer works well on its own in temperatures between 5-10°C. If the temperature is closer to freezing—common during my early morning runs—I add a second layer. For warmer weather, I opt for PRO Dry Nanoweight base layers, which are lighter but still retain impressive functionality. In autumn, I pair it with a lightweight long-sleeve shirt from the Essence range.

For windy weather, I rely on the CRAFT PRO Hypervent 2 running jacket. It’s ultra-light, provides excellent wind protection, and can be packed into its own pocket. For rainy runs, I recently got the CRAFT Hydro Lightweight jacket, which weighs just 142 grams and offers decent water resistance and breathability (8k/8k). Its ergonomic fit and sturdy hood make it perfect for wet weather. However, like any rain jacket, it’s best for persistent rain; otherwise, you might overheat.

Lower Temperatures Call for Extra Layers Once the temperature drops below 10°C, I switch to long running tights. The PRO Trail Tights stood out to me for their durable, stretchy material, excellent fit, and multiple pockets—perfect for longer runs. They feature mesh pockets on the thighs and a zippered back pocket large enough to store a jacket or spare shirt. Zippers at the ankles make them easy to put on and take off.
When temperatures approach freezing, I turn to the SubZ collection. This range, designed for sub-zero conditions, provides excellent protection. The SubZ Jacket features a windproof membrane at the front and light insulation, making it suitable for even colder temperatures when paired with the right base layer. The sleeves and back are made of stretchy, breathable fabric with a soft fleece lining to wick sweat effectively while maintaining optimal thermoregulation. A lighter option is the SubZ LS 2 running shirt or the SubZ Wool LS, which combines synthetic fibers with Merino wool for the best of both worlds.

Footwear: Essential All Year Round Living on the outskirts of town, I prefer running on rough roads, forest trails, or dirt paths rather than crowded urban cycle tracks. For this, I use the CRAFT Xplor, a gravel running specialist. Thanks to the PX foam in the midsole, it offers excellent comfort and responsiveness. Its wide base and outsole, developed with Italian tire specialist Vittoria, provide great stability and grip on uneven, forest, or slightly muddy terrain. It’s also comfortable on roads, saving energy with its smooth rolling motion. The fit is slightly wider, which suits me perfectly. This shoe is built for mixed surfaces.

For pure road running, I opt for the CRAFT Pacer, a sibling to the Xplor, but with an outsole specifically designed for asphalt.

When I head into the forest to tackle trails, roots, rocks, and other natural obstacles, I wear the latest CRAFT Pure Trail X—the second generation of this trail shoe. CRAFT has improved its fit and upper material, ensuring comfort and stability even on highly technical terrain. The Cr Foam midsole delivers excellent dynamics and stability, while the aggressively designed outsole provides grip in all conditions.

The most crucial piece of gear, however, is something only you can bring: the motivation to get out there. If you’re like me, you’ll quickly feel that amazing sense of movement. Enjoy it!