Running in the dark

[CHS0611]

I live in a rural village and my run at the moment is on an unlit gated country road. Very few cars and no spectators. Does anyone have experience of running in the dark? Am I likely to get more injuries or find it tougher than running on the lit streets? There is possibly enough lit roads in the village to do a circuit. Would it be better to stick to that than have to faff about with torches and hi-vis gear? Or should I wear hi vis anyway in the dark?

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Yes wear Hi-vis for sure. Always be seen..... reflective clothing / bands/ flashing armbands etc are all good!

i also use a chest torch if i run in the dark, well worth it, it ensures you are seen but lights your path too.

[Jododds]

I would light yourself up like a Christmas tree! Cars will give you a much wider berth. Hi viz and flashing lights and of course running on the right so you see them coming. Good luck! Be safe.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Lots of us run in the dark.. early mornings or evening... This is the UK

High Viz is absolutely essential and there are quite a few of the Graduates who run with head torches too..I have a sash and a flashing back belt too

If you feel safe on your country lane route.. then stick to it... but the villages sound a good bet too. You know your area and how confident you feel.

Wherever you run... if it is dark.. then slower and steadier than ever... but it is terrific fun

[rolysmate Graduate]

Oh yes get yourself some reflective gear whichever way go with the run, is the track you run on in good order, will there be many trips etc

You'll be surprised how much you can see at night but as above I would want the track to be pretty good

[RunForestR Graduate]

I live in a similar location - but as we're on the East coast - at the moment not yet a problem - but in a few more weeks the sun will be just rising, and then after that it's darkness all the way....So I intend to deck myself out like one of those Coca-Cola trucks at Christmas - prefer to look like a Christmas tree than a hood ornament!

[CazAM Graduate]

I bought myself one of these harness type lights for runners from Amazon £13 it has a mega bright front light and a rear light too the area I run in the dark is too uneven not to have light... be careful out there