Safety for Runners

Our top tips are:

1. Stay Aware
   ‍It’s easy to zone-out (or think about dinner!) on an evening jog, but it’s important to pay attention to your surroundings as well. Simply being aware can be the difference between minutes or seconds of preventing an accident or an assault.
2. Run a familiar route
   Stick with paths you know. However, most runners say don’t run the same route every night either – this may create a pattern for a potential attacker to track you. Why not choose a few routes and maybe switch it up every other night to keep it random (and more interesting!)
3. Carry a phone on you
   Use tracking apps that can alert mates or family if you are in trouble. With a push of button the Safety Beacon app sends an emergency message or calls designated contacts who can respond and locate you on a map. Tempting as it may be staying off grid is not the best idea. Plus even using the light from your phone could be a deterrent.
4. Run against traffic
   Facing traffic as you run not only provides drivers a clear view of what’s ahead of them, but also gives you a visual of oncoming vehicles. Never assume a car can see you and stay to the side. In the dark a runner is visible only 100 feet away. Wear reflective shoes, jackets or anything that makes you stand out!
5. Run with a friend or join a running group
   It might be a cliché but there is ‘Safety in Numbers’. Most runners also reported being more likely to keep it up when with a friend or partner!
6. Let someone know where you are going and when you are likely to be back.
   Text a friend or family member, leave a note for your flatmate or use a location tracking app they can access if needed.
7. Listen to Your Surroundings
   If you can’t do without music keep the volume super low and use one ear bud. It makes it harder to hear cars and potential attackers.
8. Finally – if it hurts, stop.
   If you walk/run through pain, it can cause other injuries. Rest and come back to it another day!