Running in the Dark Seasons

When you run with a group, you naturally find yourself surrounded by individuals of varying skill levels, experiences, paces, and goals. This diversity becomes a catalyst for improvement as you subconsciously challenge yourself to keep up with faster runners or maintain a consistent pace alongside your team.

It's not a race against each other, but rather a collective push towards individual and shared excellence. The camaraderie of our team creates an environment where achievements are celebrated, and everyone contributes to the collective motivation. We pioneer this philosophy and it has spread throughout all the boroughs.

Whether someone has just ran a marathon or managed to complete their first 5k, their reception will be the same. And because success is so measurable, even the smallest wins are worth sharing.

It's as if running liberates us from the shackles of everyday social norms. With our minds focussed on the physical act of running itself, the need for formal politesse fades away. We take comfort in the fact that we are a team of peers pursuing a common goal and facing common adversity. Because of this, we cannot help but become less filtered in the expression of our emotions and more liberal with our words of encouragement, creating an environment where all members are free to converse openly and authentically, unafraid of judgement.

Safety Protocol for Night Runs

As darkness descends upon us in the fall and winter months we insist that you follow the basic safety protocol:

• You must have a light and reflective gear at all night runs.
• Runners must stay behind the pacer at all times. If you cannot you're in the wrong pace group.
• No headphones
• No one is to cross any intersection without the right of way. Wait for the light.
• It is very important to stay in a tight knit running pack; a buddy system no more than two side by side.
• Observe and stay tune to your environment, street, sidewalks, cars, and pedestrians
• Any obstacles on the running path.
• Be vocal about hazards on the road and pedestrians right of away.
• Lookout for each other this is not race.

Combine this with a rush of endorphins and a thrilling sense of achievement, and you have yourself all the ingredients required for a meaningful and enjoyable experience. Get these conditions right, and your runs can become exactly what you make of them. If all you want is an easy-going chat to decompress from a long day in the office, group running offers that. Equally, if you're searching for something a bit more meaningful, our community runs could serve as a form of regular catharsis, akin to that of a mobile therapy session. To do so you must work within the pace group and follow the pacer's instructions for the safety of everyone.

Understanding the Risks (2023 Update)

Summertime is over: what I mean is daylight is ending sooner and night time will overtake our runs. In addition winter months bring shorter days early mornings that can be dark when you wake up and evenings that turn dark by late afternoon. These shorter days can impact your running schedule, forcing you to navigate colder temperatures and stay safe in the dark.

What Are The Risks Of Running In The Dark?

One concern runners face while running in the dark is the risk of a fall. Snow-covered sidewalks and roads can easily hide black ice, causing you to slip and experience a painful bruise or even a broken bone or torn ligament. But, the lack of daylight during the winter can affect visibility for drivers, too. The earlier sunsets and later sunrises mean you may be out in dim conditions, making it harder for drivers to see you.

You need to wear Reflective Gear

Reflective gear can help runners increase their visibility to drivers. Certain colors, like neon yellow, bright orange and white, provide a higher contrast against the dark surroundings. I recommend wearing these colors and even adding reflective tape to your clothing, shoes and accessories.

Why Does Personal and Route Lighting Help?

Both personal lighting and running on well-lit routes during the dark winter months will help you be seen and help reduce your risk for injury.

Devices such as clip-on blinking safety lights, LED-lit armbands, a well-lit running belt and a headlamp make you more visible when running in the dark. These devices light the path in front of you and alert others to your presence.

Well-lit streets, parks and paths always provide better visibility and are generally safer. They reduce the risks of low visibility, such as tripping hazards or unexpected encounters.

Choose well-lit routes during the darker winter months to increase your chances of an injury-free run.

Groups Will Enhance Safety?

Running groups play a role in improving safety for runners. They can offer access to running information, such as safe running routes, new reflective accessories and practical safety tips. And winter is the perfect time to join a group. During darker days, there's safety in numbers, and running with a partner or two is always fun.

In conclusion, you should have reflective clothing, a visibility vest, and a running light like the Tracer Lamp. Stay safe, healthy and consistent with your running.