How to stay safe while jogging alone: Expert shares 5 tips for runners
Michaila Banger of Run Or Walk For Life shares safety tips that individuals can follow while jogging.
Jogging has countless benefits, and for many people, it is an easy way to stay active.
However, recent incidents involving five women who were murdered in Kempton Park over a period of two months have raised serious concerns about the safety of people who exercise outdoors.
The incidents have sparked panic among runners and prompted warnings for people to be more cautious while exercising on the roads.
We spoke to Michaila Banger from Run or Walk for Life, a health-focused organisation founded by a medical doctor in 1983, with several running clubs in Johannesburg, including Kempton Park, to find out how runners can stay safe.
According to Banger, being part of a running club comes with several safety benefits.
She explains that Run or Walk for Life has safety precautions in place, including security personnel.
"The Run or Walk For Life Kempton Park venue has security at the venue. Members are in groups for added safety. The security on site remain at our venue while we exercise on the field," says Banger.
Runners are also given bright bibs and other reflective elements to make them more visible to motorists. Banger explained that the bibs also have a QR code which can be used to help alert the organisation if something happens to a runner.
"God forbid something happens, a passer-by can scan the QR code that is on the bib to notify us about the incident, so that we can alert the family members, should we need police out there or an ambulance," she says.
She adds that the organisation also uses marked routes, with runners encouraged to exercise in groups rather than alone.
For those who prefer running independently, Banger also shares the following safety tips.
Choose a visible route
Banger advises runners to choose areas where there is good visibility and enough space between them and passing vehicles.
"Try to be in a place where there's visibility of traffic, broad roads, so that you are not running in the grass or in the field, but make sure that there’s enough space between you and the cars," she says.
She also advises runners to face oncoming traffic so that they can see vehicles approaching.
Run with a group
Another important safety tip is to avoid exercising alone.
"Try and find a group that you're going to exercise in," Banger advised.
Running with others can provide an added layer of safety and means there are people around who can respond if something goes wrong.
Wear visible clothing
What you wear can also play an important role in keeping you safe.
"Make sure that the clothes that you wear are visible in the area that you are exercising or jogging in," she says.
Bright and reflective clothing can help runners stand out, particularly when exercising during early mornings, evenings or in areas with poor visibility.
Make use of technology
Technology can also provide an additional safety net for runners.
Banger advises runners who use devices such as Garmin watches to activate their safety and tracking features so that family members or friends can monitor their whereabouts and receive alerts if something goes wrong.
"Just make sure that you also are able to alert your family should something happen to you while you are on the road with the safety features," she says.
Choose the right time to exercise
Banger also stressed the importance of choosing the right time to exercise. She recommends runners exercise while the sun is out and avoid running in the dark, when visibility is reduced and there may be fewer people around.
She encouraged runners to plan their routes and exercise times carefully, making sure they can see their surroundings and remain visible to others while out on the road.
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