Running in the Dark: Safety Tips and the Gear I Actually Use
When the days start getting shorter, running in the dark becomes part of the routine for a lot of us.
As a running coach in London, Ontario, I spend plenty of evenings outside with my Soul Runners groups. And once fall arrives, it doesn’t take long before our evening runs are happening almost entirely in the dark.
Personally, I don’t mind running in the dark. There’s something I really enjoy about getting outside in the evening, especially when the temperatures start cooling down.
But there is one thing I take seriously: making sure drivers, cyclists and other people can see me.
Whether you’re heading out for an early morning run before work or getting your kilometres in after dinner, a little preparation can make a big difference.
1. Being Visible Is Just as Important as Seeing Where You’re Going
One of the biggest mistakes runners can make is assuming that because they can see their surroundings, everyone else can see them.
Streetlights might help you navigate a sidewalk, but they don’t necessarily make you visible to a driver approaching an intersection.
Dark clothing can make you especially difficult to spot, even in areas with decent lighting.
That’s why I recommend wearing something that helps you stand out.
Reflective clothing is a great starting point, but I also like using an LED running vest because it provides its own light rather than relying entirely on headlights reflecting off your clothing.
Ideally, you want both.
2. Why I Wear an LED Running Vest
Over the years, I’ve tried different running visibility accessories, and an LED running vest has become one of my favourite pieces of gear for evening runs.
The one I’m currently using is a rechargeable LED running vest with a front light, and I’ve been really happy with it.
Here’s what I like about it:
It’s bright. The illuminated straps help me stand out when I’m running in darker areas.
It’s comfortable. I can wear it for an entire run without it bothering me.
It’s rechargeable. I don’t have to keep replacing batteries.
It has a front light. This is especially useful when I’m running somewhere with uneven pavement or limited street lighting.
It works with different layers. I can wear it over a shirt in the fall or a winter jacket when the temperatures drop.
My only minor complaint is that after wearing it over my winter jacket, the straps stretched out a little. Now that I’m back to wearing lighter clothing, it looks slightly loose.
It doesn’t bounce around or affect my running, though. It’s more of an appearance thing than anything else.
For me, it’s a worthwhile piece of running gear, especially considering how much time I spend outside coaching evening classes.
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3. Choose Your Running Route Carefully
Not every route that feels great during the day is necessarily the best choice after sunset.
When I’m running in the dark, I prefer routes with good lighting, sidewalks and predictable intersections.
A few things I recommend:
Stick to familiar routes whenever possible.
Choose well-lit streets and paths.
Be cautious around driveways and intersections.
Avoid isolated areas if you’re running alone.
Run facing oncoming traffic when you must use a road without a sidewalk, where safe and permitted.
And remember, having the right visibility gear doesn’t mean you can assume a driver has seen you.
I always approach intersections with that in mind.
4. Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
I love running with music, but when I’m outside in the dark, I also want to be aware of what’s happening around me.
If you’re wearing headphones, keep the volume low enough that you can hear approaching vehicles, cyclists and other people.
Another option to consider is bone-conduction headphones. Unlike traditional earbuds, they sit outside your ears, allowing you to enjoy music or podcasts while keeping your ears open to traffic, cyclists and other sounds around you. They’re especially worth considering if you enjoy listening to music on your runs but want to stay more aware of your surroundings. Of course, you still need to pay attention, especially when running in the dark.
And if you’re running somewhere unfamiliar, it’s worth sharing your planned route with someone you trust.
These are small habits, but they’re easy to incorporate into your regular running routine.
5. Dress for the Temperature, Not Just the Darkness
Fall and winter running can be tricky because the temperature often drops quickly once the sun goes down.
You might feel comfortable heading out the door, only to find yourself getting cold halfway through your run.
I recommend checking the temperature, wind and precipitation before leaving, then choosing layers based on the conditions and how hard you’ll be running.
One thing I particularly like about my LED vest is that I can wear it over whatever clothing I need that day.
Whether it’s a lightweight long-sleeved shirt or a winter jacket, I can still make visibility a priority.
6. Consider Running With a Group
One of the reasons I love our evening Soul Runners clinics is that nobody has to figure everything out on their own.
Running with a group can make those darker evenings feel more enjoyable, especially if you’re newer to running or aren’t comfortable heading out alone.
There’s also something motivating about having people expecting you to show up when it’s cold and dark outside.
Sometimes getting out the door is the hardest part!
If you’re in London, Ontario, and looking for people to run with, you’re always welcome to check out our Soul Runners running programs.
Don’t Let the Dark Stop You From Running
Shorter days don’t have to mean putting your running goals on hold until spring.
With a little planning, the right clothing and some extra attention to your surroundings, running in the dark can still be an enjoyable part of your routine.
For me, an LED running vest is one of those simple pieces of equipment that makes evening running easier. I use mine regularly, and it’s something I recommend to runners who are looking to improve their visibility.
Just remember that no piece of gear can guarantee your safety. Stay alert, choose your routes carefully and never assume someone has seen you.
Want to run with us? Explore Soul Runners’ in-person running clinics and coaching programs in London, Ontario.
See you out there!
Kristen Owner | Soul Runners
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