Would you run in the dark?

[Pineapplepyjamas]

Another terrible murder, early in the evening, has made me reconsider my running safety.

I’m extremely cautious in all aspects of my life, but didn’t used to think anything of running in the dark winter evenings - say about 7pm. Through city streets, not parks.

Would you run in the dark? How dangerous do you think it is?

[StrawberrySquash]

Yes. Life is too short to limit what I do to that degree. Yes, there are (shitty) rules that we have all internalised about what we should do, and yes, I do restrict where I go, and that frustrates me. But what am I going to do? Not walk home from work after dark? I live in London, work in Central London, driving isn't an option. Get cabs everywhere? That means being in a locked car with one man. And broke. I also think that the fear of what might happen / how we 'should' behave, those limit our lives, just as never leaving the house after four in winter would limit our lives.

Yes, I've never been sexually assaulted, and maybe I'd change my answer if I was. But also the main risk to me would be from a partner, not a stranger. So fuck it.

[BeenAsFarAsMercyAndGrand]

I do - on the hills and moors. I avoid more built up areas because that's where people are.

When I lived in a city, I used to run after dark, but I would plan my routes carefully and avoided badly lit streets, stuck to busier roads etc.

[BeenAsFarAsMercyAndGrand]

@ColorMagicBarbie

I wouldn't run in the dark if it was totally pitch black and I might run into a tree etc. But I'd defo run in a field as the light was fading. A head torch could be a useful solution.

I recommend a head torch. I use a Petzl Swift - it's pricy, but lights up technical trail runs amazingly and makes me very visible to cars etc when I have to use roads.

[CinnamonMagic]

I saw this about safety work on the BBC yesterday
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-58665603

When I run in the autumn and winter it tends to be in the dark, I feel like my area is pretty safe and I'm at a much greater risk of inactivity and associated heart disease and diabetes.

I do get the "Crimewatch reconstruction" wobbles sometimes. But I lost a decade to agoraphobia and I don't want fear to stop me doing relatively safe things any more. Plus at this latitude (north Scotland) "after dark" starts very early and would be very restrictive.

I appreciate women who have been attacked or living in areas that have tragically hit the headlines may understandably have a different risk assessment.

I would feel comfortable cycling after dark here too but it's fairly quiet, well lit roads.

[ExConstance]

Yes, but at 5am. If it is dry I go down a farm track and through a wood, if it is muddy along a country road. I have never worried about being attacked. I do vary the route and the mornings I run though.

[Mumoblue]

No. I’m not a runner anyway (my ankles roll like it’s going out of fashion, so it’d just be a one way ticket to falling on my face), but I wouldn’t feel safe. Probably to do with where I live, too. Maybe if I was out in the countryside, I’d feel less weird about it.

[Pineapplepyjamas]

I just cycled home in the dark (from the event that caused me to ask about cycling safety) and felt totally safe. Feel empowered.

[MrsSkylerWhite]

Don’t run, poor old knees, but happily walk in the dark.

Wouldn’t where I grew up, though (Brixton).

[arrangeyourface]

Yes, I actively run in the dark and not always on main roads.

[OverByYer]

I do but stick to well lit busier streets which limits how far I can go. It really pisses me off to be honest. I live trail running too but don’t do that on my own or in the dark

[UnaOfStormhold]

I do when I have to, because not running isn't good for my mind or body, but I am choosy about routes, never do the same run twice and make sure I have tracking on. That said I do find alternatives to running alone at night when I can - mostly using flexible working to head out in daylight and joining a running club so I have company, both of which make runs more fun as well as safer.

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

I walk in the dark, usually pre-dawn in winter rather than in the evening. I have two dogs with me, I recognise most of the people I'm likely to see (fairly rural) and if I feel slightly threatened, I put my keys through my fingers.

I've never had problem. The various sexual assaults I've experienced were minor, and all during daylight or in crowded places. I actually feel safer in the middle of nowhere.

[CharlieParley]

No. I used to walk home alone at night after my shift when I was in my early 20s. Deserted city streets, three am. Used to think I'd fight off an attacker or run away. I don't rate my chances anymore, so I don't do that anymore.

Walked home in the dark last Saturday, at 9:30 pm, fairly busy street then totally deserted small streets. I did find the group of young men scary who I encountered half way on the busy street (due to their behaviour), so much so that I looked for lit windows in houses where I could knock on the door if necessary. They were rowdy, but I passed them quickly and they were more interested in getting to the clubs and pubs than me. And while scanning for lit windows, I was also weighing up the likelihood that they would confront me as very low. I still hate that I'm doing this. That we so often have to do this.

That is about my limit now, if I'm out on my own in the dark: not too late, not too long, not too deserted.

I would not put another woman off running in the dark if she wanted to though. I think that's something where each individual has the right and responsibility to weigh up the risks for herself. The only time I would caution against running or walking somewhere would be if that somewhere is a spot known to be dangerous.

[CBUK2K2]

Irrespective of gender there are parts of lots of towns and cities where you’re best to avoid during hours of darkness, the majority is perfectly safe however.

[ColorMagicBarbie]

To be fair, I reckon my half mile time would improve if I thought a dodgy geezer was following me. 😂

[NoNotMeNoSiree]

I don't run but the same applies for would I go for a walk in the dark?
Yes, I would and do.