If you're going to run in the dark, make sure you wear reflective clothes

on November 16, 2010 at 12:06 PM, updated November 16, 2010 at 12:11 PM

kay.jpgKay Noller of Fleet Feet makes sure she has reflective gear on before going out for a night run

HUNTSVILLE, AL. - The announcement was broadcast over the public address system at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn last Saturday before the homecoming game, casting a dark cloud over an otherwise beautiful, chilly football day.

The announcer asked for a moment of silence for Marie Wooten, dean of Auburn's College of Sciences and Mathematics, who died early Friday morning after being struck by a car while running downtown. A friend of hers, Frankie Bell, was also hit by the car and injured.

"It was horrible," said Dink Taylor, co-owner of Fleet Feet and a longtime local runner who was at the game. "She was out running in the dark and somebody wasn't paying attention."

You often hear about bikers getting hit by cars, but it doesn't seem like you hear about as many runners. Now, with winter coming soon and less light available, runners are taking to the streets earlier and later when they get home from work, often in pitch black.

"Actually, I've known a lot of runners who have gotten hit, and two got killed at the same time," Taylor said. "You remember Janice DeHaye (who ran at Grissom High School)? She was up in Virginia visiting friends to run a 50-miler and got worried because some of them weren't home.

"Turns out, two of them had been killed. Three or four of them had been out running and all got hit, flying all over the street. It happens.

"In 32 years of running, I've never taken chances. You just don't dodge or dart across streets."

Taylor said he's found the secret to staying alive while running at night.

"You have to run as if you're invisible," Taylor said. "That's the way you have to think. Everybody should pretend they're invisible. You've got to take some personal responsibility.

"Over half the people (in cars) don't ever see you. I hate to say it, but there's older people who will never cross the yellow line (to give runners room)."

Taylor's suggestions for running in the dark?

1. Run with reflective clothing: vests, belts, hats, etc.

2. Run with a headlamp. "That's critical," he says.

3. He runs on the Greenway a lot because there's no traffic.

4. Always run facing the traffic.

How about sidewalks vs. the asphalt road? Many runners believe the road is softer, and some studies indicate the concrete is tougher on feet.

"For me personally, if I'm running on Bailey Cove, I'm running on the sidewalk, not the street," Taylor said. "Some people think there's difference between pavement and concrete, but I don't think there is.

"People may think it's softer, but I say, 'Hey, get some new shoes.'"

The bottom line: Runners should make sure they're seen at night, assuming drivers don't see you.

Tips for running in the dark

Here are some tips for running or walking in the dark from Runner's World:

Face the traffic: If your running routes do not have bike paths or sidewalks and you are forced to run on the road, always run in the direction facing oncoming traffic.

Dress correctly: If you are training when it is still dark, ensure that you are dressed to be seen. Drivers at night or early mornings are rarely on the lookout for runners, so you need to advertise your presence as vividly as possible. Wear light-colored or reflective clothing like shocking-pink or brilliant orange. Many brands of running shoes have reflective material on the heels, and tracksuits, bibs and rainsuits can now be purchased with reflective strips. Reflective belts are also extremely useful as they are easily noticed by drivers, and can be worn with little or no discomfort. The worst type of clothing to wear while training in the dark is a blue, black or navy tracksuit or T-shirt, which renders the runner virtually invisible to traffic. If you don't have reflective gear or light colored clothing, pull a white T-shirt on over your tracksuit.

Never run or walk alone: If at all possible, run with a training partner. In the absence of a training companion, tell someone which route you will be running and what time you expect to return.

Walk or run defensively: Don't simply assume that all road-users know about the "pedestrian has right-of-way" rule. Many of them don't.

Lose the jewelry: Leave the valuables back home. The only accessory you need is a wristwatch with a stopwatch function.

Vary your routes: Don't establish regular patterns by running the same route at the same time every day. Keep one step ahead of any would-be muggers by randomly varying your routes and the times that you go out.

Self-defense: Some individuals carry hand-held spray devices that contain mace or something similar.


Keep right: If you're running on a cycling or pedestrian path, always run on the right hand side so that faster runners, runners and cyclists can easily pass. If you're running with one or more companions, don't hog the path and prevent others from easily overtaking.

Leave the iPod at home: That way you will be alert to any potential dangers, be it a dog, a fast-approaching car, or the sound of other people around you.


Use a headlamp.