Running in the Dark – How to Run Safely at Night

Of course, our running shoes are the most important tool for us runners. Especially in the dark, they should not only fit properly – but they should also be reflective, just like the clothing. "Reflective elements on running shoes increase safety," says Eva Hirschhäuser.

To ensure this safety when running in the dark, True Motion running shoes, for example, are equipped with 360° reflectivity. In the U-TECH Nevos, the True Motion U on the back of the shoe is also reflective.

In the dark, many runners rely not only on reflection, but also on active lighting. There’s a good reason for this, as Eva Hirschhäuser explains: "Running safely in the dark depends on two things: being seen and being able to see." On poorly lighted routes in particular, it therefore makes sense to bring our own light sources. The best way to do this is with headlamps.

"There are special headlamps for runners," says Eva Hirschhäuser. These are lighter and the battery is in the strap at the back of the head rather than in the lamp itself. "This ensures better weight distribution and thus a more natural running experience."

In the dark, having a light source on our body also provides additional, external safety. Drivers and cyclists simply see well-lit runners earlier. To be seen not only from the front, but also from behind, a red rear light helps. This is similar to a bicycle tail light, but is tied around the chest or around the head together with the headlamp. Another advantage is that animals see runners in time – and don’t get scared when they run past them.

Anyone who goes for a run in the dark should run with foresight. Even if we know the route and light our way with a headlamp, we can miss small obstacles in the dark. However, with the right running technique, we can protect ourselves well against falling, explains Eva Hirschhäuser.

"We run more safely if we take shorter steps and keep our body’s center of gravity centered above the ground," she says. "In addition, it helps if we strike with the full length of our foot." This way, we increase stability and improve our balance if we ever step on unexpected obstacles.

Our running pace also has a critical impact on our safety in the dark. If we don’t know the terrain well or have very poor visibility, we should eliminate tempo runs from our training program. In general, however, this does not mean that we cannot train faster runs in the evening hours.

"Especially in the winter, it is often unavoidable to run in the dark," says Eva Hirschhäuser. "However, interval runs should then only take place on very well-lit routes."

Many runners prefer to leave their cell phones at home during training. There’s a reason for this – most of the time, it interferes with our running motion – especially when we’re holding it in our hands while running. However, if we go for a run in the dark, it can be quite useful to take the cell phone with us.

“Especially if we go out running alone and something does happen, we need to draw attention to ourselves,“ says Eva Hirschhäuser. On a dark, lonely route, this is often difficult. “But if we have our cell phone with us, we can call for help if something unexpected happens.“

To make sure our cell phone doesn’t bother us while we’re running, we should put it into the pocket of our pants or jacket. If we hold it in our hand instead, it can lead to an inefficient arm swing. Running then gets more exhausting – and we may lose our appetite for a workout in the dark.