Jogging in the dark: 7 gadgets for autumn

See and be seen. When jogging in the dark, this popular saying borrowed from the jet set is a mantra. A mantra that can protect runners of all levels from falls and accidents and thus also from serious injuries or even worse consequences. In this article, you can read about what is particularly important when running after sunset (or before sunrise), how to minimize the risk of tripping on dark trails and which smart gadgets help car, motorcycle and bicycle drivers to spot joggers from a distance.

Gadgets that make jogging in the dark safer

Jogging in the dark: beware of tripping hazards!

In addition to walking, jogging also experienced a small renaissance during the Corona pandemic between 2020 and 2022. The world of culture stood still for months, sports fields were deserted, climbing halls closed and many people lost motivation during fitness training at home. And so many amateur athletes dug their dusty running shoes out of the shelf and wanted to start jogging again. But those who couldn’t or didn’t want to get up during their lunch break had to go after work (or when the children were in bed). In the best case scenario, many have stuck with it to this day. And they face a challenge then as they do now.

Because in addition to the inner demon, runners from the end of October to March have another enemy: the darkness. First of all, it is treacherous because, in addition to the physical strain, you also have to pay attention to where you step. At least when you are away from lit streets and footpaths. In addition, runners are difficult or impossible to spot in the dark for other road users. This is precisely why adequate equipment is life insurance for amateur runners who want to do something for their health after dark.

Let us first focus on our own orientation. Because nothing is more annoying than ending up flat on your face after just a few minutes because you missed a root or the curb was a little higher than expected. For this, sporting goods manufacturers have developed the developed. (you can find a current one here) First of all, it should be as light as possible, fit comfortably and be adjustable to the shape of the head. Ideally, the running lights should consist of a front and rear light. But that is not a must. Because in order to be seen, reflectors are the better companions. But more on that later. Now there are runners who feel disturbed by an LED lamp attached to their head in any way. As an alternative to the forehead variant, lamps that are attached to the chest using an elastic strap system are the way to go. The principle is the same. The only small disadvantage of the : For runners who monitor their heart rate with a heart rate belt (which is a very good idea), the belts could get in each other’s way.

See and be seen: With LEDs and reflectors

Seeing the way and avoiding falls is one thing. If that goes wrong, it is often just bruises or abrasions. Things could turn out less fortunately if joggers are simply not seen by other road users. Rule number two when jogging in the dark is therefore: joggers must also be seen. For this reason, manufacturers of running and cycling clothing have been equipping their products with so-called reflective areas for years, which reflect the headlights of cars, motorcycles or bicycles, for example. However, it is even safer to use additional to the body or a Basically, the more reflector surface, the better.

Jogging in the dark: LED from head to toe

As long as it doesn’t interfere with running, anything goes when it comes to lighting when jogging in the dark. Safety is the top priority. You can run through the park lit up like a Christmas tree. While the head and chest lamps mentioned above are almost standard equipment for nocturnal athletes, LEDs on shoes are rather rare. Shoe or shoelace clips equipped with LEDs are also quite helpful. Similar to the clips for the arm, the flexible shoe clips are clamped around the heel. Their advantage: In contrast to the headlamp, the LEDs on the feet are always moving and can be seen even better by drivers. A set of two that can be operated with the constant light and flashing modes, . The laces are threaded and then flash according to the step frequency.

Clothes make the runner: light is half the battle

If you look at joggers today, black is still one of the favorite colors among runners. It may look elegant and classy, ​​but in terms of visibility and safety, this dress code could at least be improved. At least when it comes to and running cap in bright colors, ideally yellow or neon green tones. This will make you stand out much more, at least at dusk.

New in town? Don’t forget your smartphone!

Especially when you’re new in the city, you want to explore your new home. And nothing is healthier than hopping on your running shoes and going on a discovery tour on foot. The only danger is that you could get lost in the unfamiliar surroundings. It can be tricky to find your way back home from a park or forest, especially at dusk or in the dark. If you don’t want to buy and afford a GPS-enabled running watch, take your smartphone with you on your first few runs to be on the safe side. Google Maps or other apps are usually a reliable help if you ever get lost.

In Germany, dozens of joggers are attacked, robbed and sometimes injured every year. Light alone is of little use. In the event of an attack, an acoustic warning signal can help. Here is a which is supposed to be up to 120 dB loud and deter attackers.

Conclusion: Every nocturnal runner has his or her own health largely in his or her own hands. There is a wide range of lighting for the body, and LED vests and all kinds of reflectors improve visibility. If you also wear bright running clothing, you can lace up your (soon no longer dusty) running shoes in the evenings, pumped full of motivation and without fear of painful incidents.

More information can be found here.