How to Stay Safe Running in the Dark – Trail Runner Joel Språng Shares His Top Reflective Gear Tips

Running is a convenient way to start exercising regardless of your experience level. In addition to boosting your physical health, it gives you the opportunity to move outdoors and vary your training in different environments. 

But once darkness falls, safety becomes more important than ever—and reflectors and headlamps should be a natural part of your running gear. We spoke to experienced runner Joel Språng, who shares his passion for trail running and explains why reflective gear is essential when running in areas with traffic during the evening. 

A Passion for Running – How Språng Training & Adventure Was Born

Joel Språng is the founder of Språng Training & Adventure, a trail running company that hosts group training, events, and races around Gothenburg, Sweden. He previously worked for another trail running company that focused heavily on running trips abroad, but when the pandemic hit in 2020, everything came to a halt—and Joel found himself out of a job. 

After a brief time working as a consultant, he realized he wanted to go a different route and start his own business. 

“I realized I could actually do most of this on my own. So I decided to really go for it. I’ve been into running for many years and have a real passion for trail running. That’s what I focus on—creating fun workouts, races, and various events in the Gothenburg area,” Joel explains. 

Since then, he has built a strong community of runners, ranging from complete beginners who’ve never run in the woods before to casual fitness enthusiasts and competitive amateur athletes. 

 

Trail Running – Motion with a Sense of Adventure 

For Joel, trail running is about more than just exercise—it’s a way to experience nature up close. 

“Running in the woods is more of an adventure—there’s so much more going on. You might climb a hill, run down a slope, or scramble up a rocky section. You jump over logs or navigate obstacles—it’s more action, more adventure,” Joel says enthusiastically. 

For those tired of pounding city pavement, trail running offers a more exciting and varied alternative. Running in nature means focusing on the experience—spotting animals, hearing birds, and enjoying scenic views. It’s clear Joel enjoys his work, describing it as both fun and full of variety. 

 

Making Evening Runs Safe and Enjoyable 

Running alone in the dark can feel intimidating—but with the right gear and by joining a group, your evening run can become the highlight of your day. 

“We run in groups, anywhere from 10 to 30 people. It’s amazing to put on a headlamp, head out into the woods, and light up the trail together—it’s really cool!” says Joel. 

Joel and his running groups mostly run in forests, away from traffic, but they still need to cross busy roads now and then. When it comes to visibility and safety in traffic, he emphasizes the importance of headlamps and reflectors—especially in urban areas. 

“The most important thing is not to stay home just because it’s dark. Don’t be afraid to head out anyway. It’s dark for several months of the year here,” Joel notes. 

He also stresses the need to adjust your pace in the dark—slow down, look ahead, and scan the trail to avoid tripping on roots or rocks. 

 

Reflective Gear and Essentials – Tips for Safe Running in the Dark 

When running at night, safety should always come first—for yourself, for drivers, and for other road users. Thankfully, there’s now a wide range of stylish and smart reflective gear for runners that helps you stay visible without compromising on comfort or design. 

Recommended Gear: 

• Headlamp – A powerful light illuminates the trail, lowers your risk of injury, and improves your visibility on roads. 

• Reflective vest or harness – Available in slim-fitting models that are comfortable and won’t flap while running. 

• Reflective bands for arms and legs – Movement enhances visibility. Arm and leg bands make you easier to spot in traffic. 

• Reflective hat – Modern designs now include reflective beanies and headbands specifically made for outdoor workouts. 

• Reflective jacket – A stylish reflective jacket protects you from the wind and makes you highly visible from a distance. 

 

Runners Could Be Better at Using Reflectors 

Joel believes runners—and people in general—could be better at using reflective gear. Many overestimate how visible they are in low light, assuming streetlights are enough. But in reality, without reflectors, a driver can only see you from 25 meters away. With reflectors, you’re visible from over 125 meters. 

“A lot of people forget they’re in an urban environment. You can’t just cross the street wherever you want when it’s dark—though many still do,” Joel says. 

There’s also a common belief that reflectors are bulky or unattractive. But today’s products are sleek and stylish. Joel shares that his own habits improved when he got a dog—now both he and his dog wear reflective gear on evening walks as a matter of course. 

 

Want to Start Running with Språng Training & Adventure? 

Joel leads weekly running groups in Skatås and at various locations around Gothenburg. 

“The purpose of Språng Training & Adventure is to help people explore new places and train somewhere other than their usual loop. It’s about experiencing something different,” says Joel. 

You can find more information at sprangtraning.se and follow them on social media. 

 

Make your runs safer and more visible in the dark – explore our range of stylish reflective beanies and accessories for runners, designed for those who won’t compromise on safety or style.

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