Tips and Best Gear for Running in the Dark

With the shorter days of autumn come later sunrises and earlier sunsets. Which means it might not be as easy to squeeze in your run in the daylight hours. Most runners don’t love running when it’s dark. But there are some ways to make running in the dark more interesting, enjoyable, and safe. 

Where and How to Run in the Dark

Even more than a run during daylight, it’s important to consider where to run when it’s dark. Preferably, the run will be in an area that’s well-lit: either city streets or a residential neighborhood with street lights. Generally speaking, streets in a city will be properly lit. 

If running off road, for example on a multi-use trail or bike path, It’s important to do your research to find those that feature lighting. That favorite waterside path might be lovely during the day, but dark at night with little to see. On Great Runs, we do our best to point out routes that are lit at night. 

One tip to make running in the dark more enjoyable is to choose a route along a main commercial road in a city (as long as it has sidewalks!). While these types of streets might not be as bucolic by day, at night there’s more to look at, for example festive lighting, window displays, and attractive skylines. 

We note that in northern latitude cities, such as in Alaska, further north in Canada, and Europe, there is special attention to street lighting. For example, in Scandinavian cities, where the bicycle is such a prevalent mode of transportation, there is particular lighting for cycle paths. 

We also enjoy running in residential areas at night. Pick a neighborhood with well-lit, quiet streets. It’s fun to wind your way around a residential neighborhood, with houses aglow. This can be especially fun during certain times of year, such as during Halloween, the Christmas Holiday season, or after a fresh snowfall. On the Great Runs site, use the ‘Gorgeous Residential’ keyword or ‘Fantastic Neighborhoods‘ category. 

Run with a Group

Running with a group can be festive when it’s dark. There’s strength and safety in numbers! Connect with a local running club. Many running stores host regular group runs…even when it’s dark! On the Great Runs site, there are links to running stores on the Location Overview map, and also the ‘Stores and Group Runs Tab’, where we list group running options. 

Safety Tips for Running in the Dark

One particular safety tip for running in the dark: run opposite traffic. It’s especially important at night, so cars can see you. 

Another extra safety precaution when running in the dark is to be especially observant of traffic signals, and to take a beat when crossing a road even when the walk sign is on. It’s best to assume that the car wanting to make that right turn doesn’t see you. 

Helpful Gear for Running in the Dark

Choosing gear for running in the dark depends on where you’re running and also if you want to take extra precautions. If running on brightly lit city streets, it might be fine to not have any ‘night running’ gear. That said, many brands of running shoes and apparel are equipped with small reflectors that can be helpful in being seen. 

If the area is not well-lit, or if you want to be on the safe side, it’s very helpful to wear something bright, preferably with reflectors. This can be a light reflective vest that goes over your clothes, or a bright jacket with reflectors. Some running vests even come with lights that flash. This type of gear is available in any running or outdoor gear store. Bike commuters also equip themselves with gear for dark conditions, so checking out a bike store might be helpful. 

If running in a darker area, or on a trail, a headlamp is a must. These are the types of headlamps that are typically worn by campers and hikers. A more rudimentary solution is to bring a flashlight!! 

The bottom line when thinking about running in the dark: choose your route wisely, take our suggested extra safety precautions, and have the right gear depending on the lighting situation along your route.