Four things to wear when… running in the dark

December 21st marks the shortest day of the year this year. With the hours of daylight hitting their low point, runners have less opportunities to get in the kilometres during the bright hours of the day. 

Running in the dark can be adventurous and fun– the city or town looks completely different exploring it in dim lighting. That said, there’s always the problem when low visibility makes runners hard to spot. If you’re running during dark mornings or in the evenings after work, here are some items to consider wearing:

Pearl Izumi BioViz apparel. Pearl Izumi has been studying how to create the best apparel that will get runners and cyclists seen while exercising in the dark. Their BioViz design is their answer. The brand is well known for their neon yellow apparel which is five times more visible than regular colours and they have continued to up their game with their BioViz apparel.

They opt for neon colours because of their ability to convert invisible UV rays into UV light. Placement of neon colouring and reflective strips is also something that Pearl Izumi has considered carefully. They strategically place these eye-catching details so that drivers will recognize runners faster. For example, neon patches on lower extremities will have drivers see the dynamic movement of legs much quicker and reflective patterns on the upper body give others a solid point of reference as they get closer.

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Headlamp. Those living in cities that are well-lit by streetlights might be able to get by without owning a headlamp. However, a run on trails, country roads or even the park close to home likely means that it’s tough to keep eyes peeled on the path below. To help navigate and watch for potentials hazards like roots or rocks or spot things up ahead, invest in a headlamp for running. Heading out with a partner or group? Having these bright lights on hand means that you will also have a much easier time spotting each other too.

360 degree reflective jacket. When running at night, you want to be seen by other runners sharing the path and especially by drivers on the road. Jackets that have reflection just in one place just aren’t going to cut it for dark winter running. You need an outer layer that has reflection from all angles: back, front, sleeves and side panels.

Added reflection. It doesn’t hurt to be extra cautious. For night running, add a little extra colour or reflection to the outfit. There are tons of products on the market for this. Invest in a pair of gloves or a headband that will catch the eye or go for a reflective band which cyclists are often known for using. There are even spray paints available– just make sure not to ruin your favourite gear in case it doesn’t wash out properly.