Running After Dark: How to Stay Seen and Safe This Fall

Daylight saving time ends November 1, and pretty soon most of us will be starting or finishing runs in the dark. That doesn't mean you have to move everything to the treadmill. With a little gear and a few habits, running in low light can be just as safe (and honestly, kind of peaceful). Here's what we tell runners who come into the shop this time of year.

Be Seen, Not Just Bright

Drivers notice movement more than color, so put reflective and lighted gear on the parts of you that move: ankles, wrists, and feet. A reflective vest is great, but a pair of reflective ankle bands or a clip-on light on your shoe often catches a driver's eye faster. Neon colors help at dusk, but once it's fully dark, only reflective material and lights really show up. Aim to be visible from every direction, not just the front.

Our picks: the Nathan Hexlite Reflective Vest and the Amphipod Xinglet Visibility Sash are light and easy to throw on over anything. Want to add some light too? The Amphipod Xinglet Optic Beam USB Vest lights up and recharges by USB. For the parts of you that move, swap in Nathan Reflective Run Laces or pull on a pair of Feetures Elite Light Cushion Reflective Mini Crew socks.

Light Your Path

Being seen is half the battle. The other half is seeing where you're stepping. A headlamp or chest light makes uneven sidewalks, curbs, and potholes a lot less sneaky. Chest and waist lights sit lower and throw better shadows on the ground, which makes cracks and roots easier to spot. If you're running on trails or unlit stretches, bring more light than you think you'll need.

Our picks: Petzl makes some of our favorite headlamps, including the Petzl Swift LT, the Petzl Actik 450, and the Petzl Aria 1R. If you'd rather not wear anything on your head, a handheld light like the Nathan Polaris Hand Torch 200R or the brighter Polaris Hand Torch 400RX puts the light right where you're looking.

Run Against Traffic

When there's no sidewalk, run facing oncoming cars so you can see what's coming and react. Don't assume a driver sees you just because you see them. Make eye contact at intersections when you can, and wait for cars to stop before crossing in front of them.

Turn It Down

We love a good playlist too, but in the dark your ears are a big part of your awareness. Keep the volume low, try just one earbud, or switch to open-ear headphones so you can hear cars, bikes, and anything else around you. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 (also in a Mini size) and the Shokz OpenFit Pro leave your ears open, so you get your music and still hear what's coming.

Tell Someone Your Plan

Let a friend or family member know your route and when you expect to be back. Most phones and watches can share your live location or send an alert if you take a fall, so take a minute to set that up. Carry your phone and some form of ID with you on every run.

Stick to What You Know

Dark runs aren't the time to explore a brand-new route. Choose well-lit, familiar roads and paths where you know the surface and the traffic patterns. Save the adventure runs for the weekend daylight.

Find Your People

There really is safety in numbers. Running with a buddy or a group makes you more visible to drivers and gives you backup if something goes wrong. Join our group run every Tuesday at 5:30 pm from the shop. The miles go by a lot faster when you've got someone to talk to.

Dress for the Drop

Fall evenings in Kansas can cool off quickly once the sun goes down. Layer up so you can adjust as you go, and don't forget gloves and a light hat on chilly nights. Being comfortable keeps you focused on your surroundings instead of how cold your hands are. The Nathan HyperNight Reflective Beanie 2 and HyperNight Reflective Convertible Mitt 2 keep you warm and add a little extra shine at the same time.

Summary

Running in the dark comes down to three things: be seen, see where you're going, and stay aware. Grab some reflective gear and a good light, pick a familiar route, and let someone know where you'll be. Stop by the shop at 1129 Garden Way and we'll help you find the right lights and reflective gear to keep your fall miles going strong.