Running at night

[LaughingM]

Do you do it? Do you feel safe? Do you take any 'extra' precautions that you wouldn't take in the daytime?

Since the nights have been drawing in, I've been on a few runs in the evening (no later than 9pm so far) and once the clocks go back all my runs during the week will be in the dark. My route so far has been along reasonably well-lit roads, half of which is a bus route so normally plenty of people around. I usually only put my headphones in one ear and have a flashing light. So all in all, I feel pretty safe.

I am considering going for a run later on, about 10ish. However, a foolish google search of 'is running at night safe' has terrified me, so I'm handing it over to the mums net jury!

I'd oersonally only do it with company, but i live in the sticks and so its not lit and therefore less safe.

I run in the dark although usually the latest is around 9. My safety considerations are wearing hi-vis kit and sticking on roads that don't feel too isolated. I don't generally wear headphones when running. A bus route with folk about sounds good. I also quite like residential streets where the houses are close to the road. When it starts getting dark in the evening it takes a wee bit of time to get used to running in the dark again and feeling confident about it.

I do, but tbh, in my town your major risk is slipping on wet leaves rather than anything else.

I do. I live in a big city though so it's easy to stick to well-lit busy routes. I wouldn't think twice about walking somewhere at that time of night so for me it's no different.

I would feel different of I lived in the countryside and didn't have the safety of pavements though.

I do, but I run laps around our estate and I live in a small town. My mum brought me up not to do such things but since moving here I've seen lots of other women running at night too.

I don't, unless in town with running club and street lighting etc. Am REALLY scared of being hit by a car, and as for the fields - the inky blackness of the countryside is terrifying! Rabbit holes, tree roots, all bad enough in daylight thanks.

I do but I stick to well lit residential or town centre roads. I'm happy to amuse people waiting at bus stops while I do 3/4 circuits of the nearby streets.

I do. I live in a big city though, with a nearby green space that also has cars crossing it so seldom isolated (and usually with other runners/cyclists around). So I can avoid many road crossings but also stay on fairly busy routes.

I do but run in well lit areas and wear high vis jacket or vest and am
going to get flashing light.

I have my phone with me, and dp knows when to expect me back.

I think it's fine but then I will happily walk home from a local pub at 11pm etc as I feel safe.

It really depends on the area.

Someone at work suggested a personal alarm - somethign like these
I bought one last year, but haven't gone out with it yet.
I avoid the slippy leaves route, and the off road stuff. So the cyclepath for me.
9 is too late to run for me personally (early bed), but I run at 8.

Thanks for your thoughts everyone. You're right, I absolutely wouldn't think twice about walking home in my area at night so I think I feel fine about running as well - with with extra attention to leaves and cars etc! Now, next thing is to try and work up the motivation one evening to get off the sofa and out there!