10 Personal Safety Tips for Runners

Although running with friends can be fun, many people prefer to run alone because it provides a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of a hectic lifestyle. However, getting away from it all by running solo does make you vulnerable to attack. So, what steps can you take to ensure your safety when running alone? Here are ten tips to help runners stay safe on solo runs.

If you can, it is safer to run in daylight hours rather than when it is dark. There are more people around during the day, you are more visible, and there are fewer places for attackers to lurk. Also, the light of day makes it easier for you to see and avoid potential problems.

Of course, running in daylight may not be an option during the winter. Consequently, running in the dark or twilight is your only option. In this case, it is best to stick to well-lit areas where there will be other runners, bikers, or walkers.

Always take your phone with you when you run so you can call for help should it be needed. And keep your phone somewhere you can get it quickly in an emergency, for example, an armband phone holder or a running belt.

Listening to loud music on headphones will prevent you from hearing approaching traffic, shouted warnings, or someone approaching from behind. So, although music makes a great companion on the run, it is best not to wear headphones. Alternatively, have the volume turned down or have only one ear covered by the headphones.

Pepper spray is a practical self-defense product for runners. And, to make life easier, SABRE sells an excellent pepper spray for runners, which comes with an adjustable hand strap. However, you need to know how to use a self-defense spray. It is advisable to watch a few training videos on YouTube and practice using the spray.

A Pepper spray is a potent deterrent, but it won't summon help in an emergency. And pepper sprays have been known to fail. So, we recommend that runners carry a personal safety alarm as a backup. Personal alarms are inexpensive and can be taken anywhere, including where pepper spray is prohibited.

When running in the dark, it is crucial to make yourself visible. So, wear bright clothes and reflective gear so drivers can see you. It is also best to avoid running in areas with heavy traffic and obey traffic signals when crossing roads.

Muggers and other criminals tend to target people who look vulnerable. So, try to look confident when running. Look people in the eye as you approach them, for example. And plan your route, so you don't look hesitant about where you are going. It is also a good idea to vary your course and the timing of your runs to avoid anyone lying in wait for you.

Sharing your running routine with trusted friends and family is recommended so that the alarm can be raised if you don't get home on time. However, telling the world where and when you will run is not great. So, be wary of what you post on social media and running apps.

Finally, always be on the lookout for anything suspicious. For example, someone lurking in a doorway up ahead or a group of people hanging around for no apparent reason. If you see anything that doesn't look right, change your route to avoid it.

Thanks for reading; we hope that these tips have been helpful. If you liked this page, please share it with your friends on social media.

Have a wonderful day, keep on running, and stay safe!