Running in the dark : So this may be a silly... - Bridge to 10K

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Running in the dark

Zebadee1 profile image
19 Replies

So this may be a silly question with an obvious answer, however....

Now the school holidays are over, going for a run in the evening is pretty much my only option (and my favourite time to run). But it's getting dark a lot sooner. What do people wear to see and be seen? I run along a seafront promenade so it's a pretty even surface, but not greatly lit. And I don't want to crash into other fellow runners or a cyclist. (I noticed quite few cyclists don't bother with lights)...thank you

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Zebadee1 profile image
Zebadee1
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19 Replies
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10

High Viz and head torch.... there are lots to choose from... I have a high viz light jacket, a light head torch and a flashing belt... :) I whizz it around depending where I am running, so I can be seen from the front or back:)

One bright spark !! on here, even wore Christmas tree lights all over his upper body, he really could be seen... ( Not recommended) !

LED light clips for jackets, light guards, LED shoe lights and reflective arm bands, and flashing laces too :) Lots to choose from on Amazon and other places too :)

Zebadee1 profile image
Zebadee1 in reply toOldfloss

Thank you...all great tips. I didn't want to carry a torch so will have a search for a head torch. My trainers have a reflective strip, but will look for the other bits too....thank you........kind of like the xmas lights idea, was thinking of a glow stick myself 😀

Runnf profile image
RunnfGraduate10

Great question, I came onto the forum today thinking of Autumn running gear, too. One thing about head torches, which I'd implore anyone who wears one to consider, is that they are absolutely blinding to anyone running towards you. There's a stretch of my local park which most people stick to in the winter, doing loops so you're often passing the other runners after work, and a couple of people wear head torches. Whenever they approach me I can't see anything but their shiny light and it is scary and irritating not to be able to see where I'm going. Possibly not as much of an issue for you if you're running along the seafront.

Hope I didn't hijack your post about this. Other ways of visibility for people to see you are those flourescent arm or leg bands that you can add to your outfit, plus I have shiny bits on my shoes, jackets & wear bright yellow socks :-)

Zebadee1 profile image
Zebadee1 in reply toRunnf

That's a great point actually. Would not want to blind anyone.

JaoJao profile image
JaoJaoGraduate10

Great thread, I think autumn running and running in the dark is on a lot of peoples mind 👍

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10

My ronhill hi-viz running jacket has a flashing light inset in the back. I also have a clip on LED light.

Fatgirlslim19 profile image
Fatgirlslim1960minGraduate in reply toDexy5

Dexy, my jacket has a removable stopper for a light, but I can't find an insert for the same name... Did your jacket come with it, or did you get it separately?

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toFatgirlslim19

I bought it separately through Cotswold Outdoor where I got the jacket. But I can’t see it on the website now. Try this. ronhill.com/vizion-led

Fatgirlslim19 profile image
Fatgirlslim1960minGraduate in reply toDexy5

I did see those ones but wasn't sure if it was the same thing (I'm easily confused!) The stopper on the jacket just pushes in and out, does your light do the same?

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toFatgirlslim19

Yes, the stopper is just to fill the hole until you get the light. I don’t know why they don’t sell them with the light in.

Fatgirlslim19 profile image
Fatgirlslim1960minGraduate in reply toDexy5

Bit of extra money for them 😉

Thanks Dexy, that's helped a lot!

Kevtrev profile image
KevtrevGraduate10

Have a look at decathlon they sell everything head torches and body ones they seriously do sell everything they even sell kayaks and sup boards from gym to horse riding running walking water sports and many more things happy running 😉👍

Zebadee1 profile image
Zebadee1

Thank you everyone. Never need an excuse to go shopping.

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate10

Decathalon chest light for me - similar to the one below. Great front light and a flashing red back light. Also, easy to pop your hand over it to diffuse the light when running past folk (although I find my runs are pretty lonely!!)

decathlon.co.uk/run-light-2...

Fatgirlslim19 profile image
Fatgirlslim1960minGraduate in reply toSandraj39

That's pretty swanky! I like that idea... Been trying to figure out if I want to do early morning runs as it's a bit secluded and I'm a wuss! This looks like a good idea.

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate10 in reply toFatgirlslim19

I agree, feeling safe is important. I tend to do my 'dark' runs on the local pavements in a pretty safe residential area and save my favourite trails and bridleways for the weekend daylight! Good luck!🙂

Fatgirlslim19 profile image
Fatgirlslim1960minGraduate in reply toSandraj39

Good plan. Our pavement street lit bit isn't very big so I could end up doing lots of out and backs 😂

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate10 in reply toFatgirlslim19

I am lucky I have a few options, although one of the roads is an unadopted road, full of potholes and no lighting...makes me run faster!😱😉

Fatgirlslim19 profile image
Fatgirlslim1960minGraduate in reply toSandraj39

😂

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