Running at night is quite tempting. During the day, you get the same landscapes, sounds, traffic and the foreseeable daily grind but at night, everything is different. With the arrival of darkness, the temperature drops in the summer, there’s less traffic – both pedestrians and cars – and there may be a chance to spot a skittish nocturnal animal as well as the opportunity to see your town in a completely different light.
Jogging at night also gives you the flexibility to arrange your exercise so it doesn’t interfere with your work diary. Even if it may be a real challenge to begin with, equipped with a few things and the right attitude, you’ll start to enjoy running at night time while staying safe.
In a town
Depending on where you live, running at night time will only change two things: how you will be seen and what you see. Ideally, you should be prepared for both.
Take the easy option by choosing a well-lit route, committing it to memory during the day and then following it at night. It may be tempting not to be spotted in your town but it’s safer when you stand out! Noticeable clothing and accessories should be a major part of your outfit.
Stay on pavements wherever possible. And, if you can, get a running partner or join a running group. If you come across unpleasant people, there may be safety in numbers. Most of all, it should be exciting and fun to explore your town lit by the moon, street lamps or your head torch. So don’t forget to take a break and enjoy the moment.
On the road
As soon as you leave the pavement, your top priority must be to be seen. Always assume that traffic can’t see you. So it’s your task to actively make sure that you stand out. Take a torch, wear a head torch and run against the flow of traffic. In this way, you can see the traffic coming towards you. Leave your head phones at home. It’s just as important being able to hear your environment as is seeing it!
Again: it may be tempting to swap your neon clothes for something more simple and fashionable. But don’t! Instead, dress up as brightly as possible. Every manufacturer of running clothes has jackets, trousers, hats and gloves in striking colours or with reflectors. Use as much as you can in this respect. If someone asks you if you’re straight out of the 80s, take it as a compliment! If that’s not your thing, wear a hi-vis vest instead. They’re cheap and won’t win prizes at a fashion show but they’ll protect you from harm more often than you might realise.
The surrounding countryside
Artificial light, communication and preparation are your best friends. You must be able to see easily and recognise your path, rocks, uneven ground, roots and anything else that might be in your way. Run with a lightweight torch in your hand or a head torch at a low or medium light setting. Too much light will interfere with your night vision, while you’d have to guess where your path is if you don’t have enough light. When choosing a head torch, consider one with a 3-way headband. A headband that fits over your head will keep the torch more stable and the beam of light will be moving less when you’re running.
If you’re trail running at night, it’s less likely you’ll come across any people. So try to find a running partner or if you’re running by yourself, tell your partner, your parents or someone who cares about you where you’re going and how long you plan on being out.
Take a little more water and food than you think you’ll need. If you’re injured while you’re out and about and you can’t keep going, there’s no harm in having a few extras at hand. No matter how long your journey is, a lightweight First Aid kit can save your life. Remember: even if you’re close to a town, you may be a long way away from any help.
Jogging at night away from civilisation
You must assume that you have to rely completely on yourself when running a trail at night, far away from a community or a town. You must be prepared and tell others your plan. We highly recommend going with a running partner. If not for reasons of safety then because it’s more fun together. Of course, the recommendations relating to equipment apply here, too, but take a little more of everything. Know the route and estimate realistically how long you’ll need for it, where you can abort it and, if needed, how (and who!) you can call for help, regardless whether you have mobile reception or not.
Even if you’re not going far, a running backpack will help you to carry the additional equipment you need to feel safe while accumulating the miles on your evening run. The temperature can drop quickly and you may not notice changes in weather in the dark. Pack a lightweight hat, a buff and gloves, even in the spring and summer. A hardshell waterproof jacket is an absolute must in the rainy season. And winter is a whole other level. So if it’s your thing to go running at night in the snow and wilderness – kudos! We’re assuming you’ve done your homework on this.
When running at night, never feel under pressure to rush. Take your time to rack up the miles. You can think about speed, records and heart rates when you’re running during the day.
There are few experiences on earth that are as satisfying as challenging your endurance under the stars, surrounded by the peace and calm of the wilderness.
