Safety

Tips for Running Safely

Most of these tips are common sense and maybe things that you already do. Sometimes however it is important to continue to remember to practice common sense.

In general, it is essential that you wear sensible kit in which to run, warm-up and down appropriately and have water for those hot days when running in summer.

General Safety Principles when running

RUN AGAINST TRAFFIC so you can observe approaching vehicles unless this means running on the inside of a blind bend. Cross well before the bend and return as soon as it is safe to do so.

WEAR REFLECTIVE MATERIAL if you run before dawn or after dusk - if you do not have a "reflective" get one for the run from the Harriers

When approaching an intersection / T-junction, make eye contact with the driver who is waiting to proceed onto the main road. If the driver does not see you, pass behind the car.

Always stay alert and aware of what's going on around you. The more aware, the less vulnerable you are.

Never assume that because you have heard/seen a danger / obstacle that your fellow runners have. Make the call to advise them.

Trust your intuition about a person or an area. React on your intuition and avoid a person or situation if you're unsure. If something tells you a situation is not "right", it isn't.

Ignore verbal harassment. Use discretion in acknowledging strangers. Look directly at others and be observant, but keep your distance and keep moving.

Dogs can be dangerous, so avoid eye contact and slow to a walk if threatened.

When running with a group, the ethos is to re-group if there are runners of varying abilities. At the end of the run, ensure that all members of the group return safely.

If leading a run, set a positive example by practicing the advice set out in these guidelines.

Further Safety Principles when running alone

DON'T WEAR HEADSETS. Use your ears to be aware of your surroundings. Using headphones, you lose the use of an important sense: your hearing.

Carry a mobile phone or change for a phone call. Know the locations of telephone boxes along your regular route.

Vary your running route pattern; run in familiar areas if possible. In unfamiliar areas, such as while traveling, contact a local running club or running shop. Know where open businesses or shops are located.

Run with a partner (or let them accompany you on a bike). Run with a dog.

Write down or leave word of the route of your run. Tell friends and family of your favourite running routes. This could make the difference!

Avoid unpopulated areas, deserted streets, and overgrown trails. Especially avoid unlit areas, especially at night. Run clear of parked cars or bushes.

Carry identification or write your name, phone number, and blood type on the inside sole of your running shoe. Include any medical information. Don't wear jewellery.

Practice memorizing car registration numbers or identifying characteristics of strangers.

Carry a noisemaker.

CALL POLICE IMMEDIATELY if something happens to you or someone else, or you notice anyone out of the ordinary. It is important to report incidents immediately.

Create a network of women runners. Create a system whereby women can find other women to run with.

When running in winter, be aware that the road or trail could be icy and so sometimes in these conditions the sensible choice is not to run – the risk of an accident is perhaps too high!