Have you ever gone for a run when it’s dark out? It’s kind of scary sometimes, isn’t it?
Today I’m linking up with Erika and Patty for Tuesdays on the Run. The theme this week is Tips for Night Races, but I just want to focus on the importance of runner’s safety when running in the dark – either early in the morning or late at night.
It may seem obvious to “be safe” when you’re running in the dark, but it’s very easy to let your guard down out there, especially if you’ve decided to go for a run at the last-minute and you’re focused on just getting it done. Consider the following tips as a friendly reminder of what NOT to do when running in the dark!
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[bctt tweet=”Be safe – learn what NOT to do when running in the dark! #tuesdaysontherun #runchat”]
Running in the Dark: What NOT to Do
Experiment In An Unfamiliar Neighborhood
Are you thinking about trying a brand new route while running in the dark? Think again.
Early in the morning or late at night is probably the worst time to “freestyle” on your run. What if you get lost or injured and end up on the wrong side of the tracks without a soul in sight? What would you do?
About a year ago, I switched it up and went for a solo 4-mile run from my neighborhood into Center City Philadelphia on a Sunday night. While the area is relatively safe, I didn’t map my route out at all and every little noise freaked me out. I was completely paranoid because I wasn’t familiar with my surroundings.
When running in the dark, you have to know exactly where you’re going in order to ensure your safety. If you’re considering a new route, try it out in the daylight first! You can always look for safe running routes online that are already “blessed” by fellow runners on Map My Run or other similar sites.
Wear Dark Clothing
This must seem really obvious, but I see it ALL the time! I have been out on running trails at night where people are wearing navy blue shirts and black shorts. Don’t let this be you!
It’s important to make sure that you’re as visible as possible, especially when running on or near busy roads where drivers can have difficulty seeing you. This story of a professional runner getting fatally struck by a car is an example of how difficult it can be for drivers to see us out there, even when we’re wearing the right things.
Instead, I’d highly recommend wearing the brightest colored clothing you own when running at night. Whites, yellows, and bright neon colors work great.
Even better, look for a reflective vest to wear over your clothes or accessories such as head lamps or blinking lights. They are inexpensive and help keep you safe because other people can see you! And don’t worry about looking silly – people probably already think you’re silly just because you’re a runner!
Check out my review of Knuckle Lights – they are a great tool to use for running in the dark!
Run In An Area With Limited Foot Traffic
You may think that having the road or trail all to yourself when running before dawn or after sunset will give you a wonderful, safe run. Don’t fall for it.
It’s a little counterintuitive, but the more people you have around you on your running route, the better your odds are of staying safe out there.
Nighttime is not the time to check out that secluded trail in the woods. There’s a reason why certain parks close at sunset – it’s less safe!
Well-populated areas are often patrolled by local police, so in the event that there is an incident, you’d be better off in one of these spaces to get a quicker response time.
Neglect To Tell Someone Where You’re Going
Please, please don’t head out for a run in the dark without anyone knowing where you are. No matter how busy you may be, make the time to take this crucial step!
If I have to run at night, I let my boyfriend know where I’m going, how many miles, and what route I’m taking. If I’m taking too long on my run, he’ll call me to see where I am. Actually, I do this anytime I go out on a run on my own, and you should too!
At a minimum, posting Instagram and Facebook selfies before you head out can provide a record of your whereabouts.
There are also phone apps like Companion that lets your friends and family know where you are while on a run in real-time and you can communicate with them in the event of an emergency. See what works best for you.
Blast Your Music in Your Headphones
It’s time to admit the truth – music is a distraction when you’re running. Sometimes distractions are nice, but when it’s dark out, all bets are off.
When running in the dark, keep the volume in your headphones lower than you would during the daylight hours. Since your visibility is already decreased, make sure you don’t handicap your hearing as well.
Why is this important? You want to be able to hear when runners, bikers, or potential attackers are behind you. And if you’re running on an actual road with other drivers, being able to hear can be the difference between life and death.
Leave Your Cell Phone Behind
Some people like to run “naked” without a GPS watch or music, but when you’re running in the dark, you better have your cell phone with you!
In the event of an emergency, you can use your phone to call 911. If you get lost on your route, you can call a loved one or friend to pick you up. And if someone needs to reach you in the event of an emergency, they can easily get a hold of you.
I always run with my phone out of habit. In the dark, I’d recommend carrying the phone in your hand for easy access just in case you need it.
Get in “The Zone”
One of the best things about running is how effective it is at clearing your mind and relieving stress. I know that my mind drifts to all sorts of carefree places when I run, especially when I’m running alone.
But when you’re running in the dark, you want to be on the alert – don’t get lulled into a false sense of security.
Pay attention to everything that’s going on around you. How many people are out on your running route? How well-lit is the area? Is there any suspicious activity going on?
Runners in the dark can be targets of robbery and potentially sexual assault, so it is imperative that you stay on the alert to avoid a very dangerous situation. Unfortunately, I have heard this happen too many times to female runners in Philadelphia.
Ignore Your Gut Instincts
Have you ever had a situation where you thought, “I don’t have a good feeling about this”?
Several weeks ago, I went on a solo run in the dark – I can’t remember if it was early in the morning or in the evening. It’s a popular trail but several of the lights were out, so it was really difficult to see other people.
As I went on my run, I noticed a guy sitting on a park bench and he really creeped me out. Instantly. I didn’t get a good look at him, but I kept my distance as I ran by. Knowing I’d have to pass the bench on the way back, I was really worried about seeing this guy again. Something wasn’t right.
Sure enough, a few days later a Facebook group I belong to warned runners about a man masturbating on a park bench on the trail. Bingo. Thankfully, the police were notified and they handled the situation. Apparently, the man was mentally ill.
Long story short – trust your instincts. If you have to cut your run short, do it. It’s not worth potentially being tomorrow’s news story. Your personal safety is your first priority, always!
Putting It All Together
Sometimes, bad things still happen even when you take all of the precautions outlined above. But these tips can help you stay on the defensive and prevent some of the worst incidents while out running in the dark. It’s a very heavy topic, but one that all runners should talk about and take seriously. Please share this post with other runners to help us all stay safe out there!
How do you make sure you’re safe when running in the dark? Do you have any other tips to add?
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These are fantastic tips! I’m not a night or dark runner (I opt for a treadmill or stationary bike in the wee hours) but as it gets darker and darker in the evening, I know SO many runners who will benefit greatly from this! Thank you for sharing such fantastic wisdom!!
Glad you enjoyed the tips, Rachel! They are so important this time of year!
These are all great tips! I had to do some zero dark thirty runs this summer, and it is always a little scary! I wear a head lamp too.
I will probably need to invest in a head lamp soon!
These are really great tips – thank you! My BGR group runs on Tuesday nights and I just sent them an email with some items to buy for night running, but I’m going to also send them the link to this blog post.
Oh that’s awesome, glad I can help! I always see BGR runners in Philly well equipped for their early morning runs!
Thankfully I almost never run in the dark just fro training runs.
Having your cell phone with you is a must!
It can be handy when in a pinch, but I definitely prefer running in the day time!
I’m waiting for DST to end so morning runs will be lit again. I try to run outside on the weekends, so by the time I’m out there, it’s hopefully lit and people are on the running paths.
Only a few more days to go thank goodness!
Great tips!
When I run at night (or early morning) I always wear BRIGHT colors and run with my flashlight on. My husband also tracks me on his phone.
Better safe than sorry, Erin! 🙂
Perfect timing for these great reminders! Ugh, hate it when it’s time for dark runs again! I’m pretty good at most of these except blasting the headphones…. I also wear my super cool running headlamp so I can see where I’m going 😉 winter running is the sexiest.
I love running in the winter too – I fell in love with it last year since it was either run outside or be trapped inside!
Great tips for me, I am starting to do morning runs totally in the dark and even though lots of runners use the Central Park loop from about 5:30am onwards, it’s still different to me that I need to bring my phone and own light just in case!
It’s definitely an adjustment running in the dark. Great that you’ve got your phone and light handy – so important!
Good tips! The other day I went for a walk when it was just starting to get dark and I was terrified. To make it worse, someone set up a random tent on the side of a trail…that was enough to make me turn around and go home! Definitely agree with all of these tips – safety is more important than anything.
Oh boy a tent?! That would definitely freak me out, especially if I was alone. Glad you liked the tips!
Great advice! Thanks for posting!
Glad you enjoyed this post!
Great tips! I’m not much for running in the dark. Sometimes it’s dark at the beginning of my run (which means I’m up too early haha) but otherwise, I try to run in daylight for safety, especially in NYC.
I’ve run in Central Park a few times, never when it’s dark – I couldn’t imagine!
Great tips. Another one is to make sure to change up your route often, just in case someone IS watching out for you, you aren’t incredibly predictable.
You can never be too careful out there!
YES, this is very smart if you regularly run early in the morning or late at night. Thanks for sharing this!
Great tips! I’m a scary cat and don’t run at night but these are great if I did and for those who do!
Glad you liked the tips, Ivanna!
I avoid running at night. And reading everyone’s comments on the topic kind of freak me out ! Too dangerous !
It can be scary out there, but not always. I enjoy my nearby running trail in the later hours because there are still people out there but it’s not as crowded.
When its dark outside, my mantra when it comes to clothing is the brighter, the better!
We need to somehow spread the word so that people take heed – dark clothes are SO unsafe out there!
I’m thankful that I can avoid running in the dark 99% of the time. I live in a mostly safe area, but even here there are occasional incidences. I’d rather run on a treadmill if it’s dark and I can’t meet up with friends.
Yes, I definitely prefer the daylight too. If I had a treadmill at home I’d definitely use it as a last resort when I need to run!
These are great! I run in the dark as little as possible here. We’ve got plenty of “wild life” lurking to deter me.
Oh boy, wild animals?! That definitely adds another level of danger!
I loathe running alone in the dark. It is by far my least favorite kind of running, which is why I reluctantly turn to the treadmill once the days get shorter. Right now it’s pitch black until just after 7 am here and gets dark around 6:30 pm. After Sunday it should be okay to run in the morning for a little while longer but I’ll be treadmilling it soon! Stay safe!
I think that goes with your gut instincts…sometimes the treadmill is an easier and safer option if you have one available. I can’t wait for daylight savings to end!
I have times when running in the dark, pre-dawn, is necessity. My best safety accessory? My dog–she is so protective of me! And I have my “safe” route that I follow on those days, no matter what. Always lots of people out no matter how early and it’s a well-lit neighborhood. Great set of tips!
Thanks! A dog would be great to have on an early or late night run!
All great tips!! I run at night (and early morning) frequently…another tip is to run in the middle of the road (depending on traffic). You’re less likely to trip over a raised sidewalk edge, and you’ll probably have a flatter terrain (than if you’re on the edge of a road). I use Knuckle Lights, they’re great!!
Ooh that’s a great tip, Kim! I usually run on a trail or city streets. It does make sense to hit the middle of the road to avoid hazards! I need to check out the knuckle lights!
These are excellent tips! I usually run during the morning or daytime, so I rarely run outside in the dark. During my early morning walks to the gym though I sometimes catch myself wearing all black! That’s like rule #1 and I break it all the time.
PS. I like the comment about people already thinking we’re silly because we’re runners. So true 😉
Thanks, Ariana! It’s so easy just to put on some workout clothes and not think about that aspect. And yes, us silly runners, running for fun!
Awesome tips! It took me a while to realize that blasting music is not safe to do, whether it is day or night… I actually learned this from riding my bike but I think it is just as applicable to running. There have been many times when running during the day when I needed to be able to hear things, like someone coming up behind me.
I think a lot of us like to jam out on our runs, but it takes away another one of our senses at night, so it’s really worth it to just turn it down a bit!
Great post! The story about the man on the park bench gave me chills. I think we’ve all had moments where we could just tell that something was “off” during a run, and it’s the worst feeling ever! I always make sure to carry my phone with me just in case I ever need to call for help or an early pickup if I need to avoid a creepy part of the trail.
Yes, that was definitely a creepy incident that could have been a lot worse. This is when having a phone is really a necessity!
I rarely run in the dark. I typically run by myself and my number one running rules to never break is to not run in the dark alone.
Great tips!
I do go on some solo runs when I’m running in the dark, so it can be done…but having a person to run with is definitely ideal!
This is all great advice. Sometimes at this time of year, the dark sneaks up on me! I’m used to an 8:30 sunset, so if I’m running at 7:30 I expect it to stay light. Sometimes I end up wearing dark clothes or being on a dark street accidentally. I need to remember that winter means it gets dark early!
That’s really gross about the guy on the bench. Blech. What is wrong with people?!
This is a really good list. I try not to run in the dark. Reflective gear is probably my top choice, and I really like the new apps so you can be tracked.
Thanks! I definitely need to pick up even more reflective gear.
Hi Janelle! Glad to see you wearing our reflective belt and you got some nice tips too! We especially liked the “get in the zone” portion because it’s so true for many women runners out there! perhaps they can bring a pooch or a running buddy too?
Regards, Phil and Team Tuvizo
Yes, those are great tips too, Phil! Having a buddy, especially a furry friend would definitely increase your safety! I’ve never gone running with a dog, would love to1
I am also a big advocate of reflective gear and a headlamp. You want to make sure you are seen.
Great tips! I don’t have a head lamp but should definitely look into getting one.
These are great tips, totally sharing with our fans! Thank you 🙂
Thanks so much, Tammy! Hopefully they will find them useful!
Love your site! I almost always train in the early morning hours long before the sun comes up. These are great and important tips. It’s true that it can be a little scary at times, but I love the quiet.
Thanks so much, Lisa! I wish I could do runs in the morning but I go to work too early!
“Dress like a highlighter.” 🙂
Thanks for these tips, as I head out for a sun-not-yet-out run through my neighborhood. My worry is more the wildlife in our area as any little rustling can make you leap! Visiting from Saturday Sharefest.
I run through the woods and along a canal at midnight, I love it, I find it really peaceful, but I’m an over 6ft guy and it’s a nice area, I have only seen a person once and spooked them a bit but just said hi and kept jogging lol