8 Top Tips for Running Safety

Image source: Duncan under a CC by 2.0 license

There have been a few posts on our Facebook group in the last week about safety when running.  So, I thought I'd put together a few tips for you all which I've found helpful:

1.  Take your phone with you - and make sure it's on and charged!
2.  Make sure someone else knows you're out running, and if possible let them know which route you're running.  There are apps you can download which will allow someone else to know where you are when you're out running - if you fancy using one, have a look on your phone's app store.

3.  If you're running at night, wear something bright / hi-vis.  Although it might feel safer to be invisible at night, it really isn't!  Brighter is better!!

4.  Run without music at night - or, if you have to have some, have only one earbud in.  You need to stay aware of your surroundings.

5.  Find safe, well-lit routes for night-time running.  If you can, familiarise yourself with them during the day.  Run them first at dusk to check that the street lighting is okay and don't go down unlit dark paths (unless you absolutely can't avoid it, in which case, get a head torch!).  Running along bus routes / main roads is your safest bet.

6.  Where possible, run against traffic.  You can see them coming and it puts you in a better position to be able to avoid any crazy driving!

7.  Run with others.  We have group runs at various locations across Notts which are free for you to join in.  If you want a running buddy, just let us know and we'll put a request on our Facebook group for you.  

8.  Have some kind of ID - an ID bracelet or tag for example - on you which can be used in an emergency.  Hopefully there won't be an emergency but if something does happen at least someone will be able to be alerted for you.

Stay safe... enjoy your running... and enjoy the freedom of the streets!