Running is a fantastic way to stay active and healthy. However, it's important to always stay mindful of your safety while you're out on the road or trail. It's unfortunate that it has to be this way, but taking a few simple precautions and carrying the right safety devices can go a long way in keeping you safe during your runs. In this post, we'll take a look at the top 5 safety devices that runners should carry to stay protected.
1. Pepper Spray
Pepper spray is a popular safety device, especially among runners. It's compact and easy to carry while providing a highly effective defense against attackers. When used correctly, pepper spray can incapacitate an attacker, giving you time to escape. Make sure to choose a pepper spray that's specifically designed for runners and that you know how to use it properly. Practicing with it is crucial so you know what to do just in case. Our maximum strength pepper spray contains 1.4% MC, 10% OC, is lab-tested, includes UV-Dye, sprays up to 10 feet, and has up to 25 quick bursts. It also comes with a keychain for quick access.
2. Personal Alarm
A loud personal alarm is another safety device that can startle an attacker and draw attention to you in case of an emergency. There are many types of personal alarms available on the market, ranging from small, portable options to ones that can be attached to your keychain or worn on your wrist. Some personal alarms also feature a GPS tracker or a direct link to emergency services, providing an added layer of safety.
3. Reflective Gear
Visibility is key when running in the dark or low-light conditions. Wearing reflective gear such as vests, armbands, or clip-on lights can make you more visible to drivers and help you avoid accidents. Some running shoes even come with reflective materials built into them.
4. Running Belt
A running belt can be a handy accessory to keep your phone, keys, and other essentials close at hand during your run. It can also double as a safety device by carrying items like pepper spray or a personal alarm. However, for best practices it is important to have your safety device easily accessible so we recommend clipping it to the outside of your running belt or carrying it in your hand. Look for a running belt that's designed for safety, with reflective materials and easy access to your devices.
5. Phone with Safety Features
Carrying a smartphone with safety features is an absolute must for women runners. A phone with GPS tracking, emergency contacts, and an emergency button can be a lifeline in case of an accident or attack. In addition, you can use your phone to track your runs or stay connected with friends or family members while you're out. There's also a great new runshare app, Running Mate, the first of it's kind that's helping runners stay safer by pairing them with a mate to run with.
6. Bonus: The Safely Sidekick
Our latest self-defense device, the Safely Sidekick, combines multiple safety features into one handheld tool. It includes a 130-decibel alarm (as loud as a jackhammer!) that strobes when used, a 150-lumen flashlight with steady and strobe modes, a glass breaker, and a grip option (knux or strap). Additionally, it contains our maximum strength pepper spray. The Safely Sidekick is designed to be lightweight and easily attachable to a keychain, making it perfect for runners.
Why We Started Safely
One of our four female co-founders loves running but didn’t feel safe doing so. This is part of what inspired us to create Safely, a company founded by women for women on a mission to create a safer tomorrow. We’ve participated in multiple events with different run clubs, teaching others how to use pepper spray with our practice spray. To check out an upcoming event, visit our events page.
Final Thoughts
As women who run, we deserve to feel safe and protected while enjoying our passion. Carrying the right safety devices can help us stay prepared for any situation and give us the peace of mind we need to enjoy our runs to the fullest. Remember to stay aware of your surroundings, take precautions, and always trust your instincts.
Happy running!