Lighting and Safety

As a runner you want one thing: to be able to safely run your routes, even when it is dark outside. Running lights and reflective accessories are then not a luxury but indispensable. With the right lighting and reflection you stay visible to traffic and can see yourself where you are running. That gives more peace of mind, confidence and makes your runs considerably safer. In our collection you will find everything you need to continue running safely in the dark too, specially selected for runners who want to train all year regardless of the time or the weather.

The range runs from headlamps and chest lights for your own visibility on unlit paths to LED armbands, reflective vests and clip-on lights for maximum visibility in traffic. The main selection criteria are where you run, the type of light you need and whether you primarily want to be visible to others or want to illuminate the path ahead yourself. Also view our range of running socks and running jackets with built-in reflective details for a complete safe running outfit.

Why is running lighting indispensable?

Without lighting you are vulnerable in traffic in the dark and see less well yourself where you are running. Reflective clothing only helps when light shines on it, such as car headlights. Lighting ensures that you yourself give light and are therefore also visible to road users without a direct light source AND that you can see the path ahead yourself.

In the Netherlands it is dark early or late light for a large part of the year. From September to April many runners train at least part of their kilometres in the dark. In rain, fog and overcast weather visibility is also limited during the day. Good lighting is therefore for most runners not a seasonal product but a basic component of the running kit. Also read our blog starting with running for more tips about the right equipment for evening and morning training sessions.

Which lighting suits you?

The right choice depends on where you run, when you train and whether you primarily want to be visible or want to illuminate the path yourself. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You run through the city and want to be well visible to motorists and cyclists: Choose an LED armband or reflective vest with integrated lighting. In urban traffic with street lighting you do not need a powerful lamp for your own vision but do need clear visibility from all sides. A flashing LED signal quickly and effectively attracts the attention of approaching vehicles.

You run on unlit paths, forest paths or in nature: Choose a headlamp or chest light for active path illumination. On unlit routes you are dependent on your own light source to see obstacles, puddles and irregularities in the path. A powerful headlamp with at least 100 lumens is the safest choice on unlit paths. Combine with trail running shoes for maximum grip in the dark on unpaved surfaces.

You train early in the morning before sunrise or late in the evening: Choose a combination of visibility lighting and path lighting. In twilight and early dark both your own vision and your visibility to others are relevant. A chest light combined with an LED armband gives the most complete coverage for morning and evening runners in mixed urban and semi-rural terrain.

You run trail runs in autumn and winter with decreasing daylight: Choose a powerful headlamp with a wide light beam for trail use. Trail runners need more light than road runners due to the technical surface and the higher concentration needed at every step. A headlamp that moves with your gaze is safer on technical terrain than a chest light with a fixed beam. Also read our triathlon beginner's guide for more explanation about safe training in changing light conditions.

You want maximum visibility from all sides in busy traffic: Choose a reflective running vest with integrated LED lighting for 360-degree visibility. A reflective vest you wear over your normal running outfit and makes you visible from the front, rear and sides. The most complete safety solution for runners in busy traffic during evening and morning training sessions.

What types of running lighting are there?

Headlamps

The classic for night and trail runners. A headlamp you wear around your head and illuminates the path exactly where you look. Because the light moves with your head you can easily look at obstacles without interrupting your running stride. Adjustable in light intensity and beam width. Ideal for trail running, forested areas and unlit rural paths. Choose a model with at least 100 lumens for sufficient visibility on unlit paths.

Chest lights

A chest light you wear on your upper body and illuminates directly the path in front of your feet. The light image is more stable than a headlamp because it moves less with the running stride. Ideal for evening runners on unlit but relatively flat paths. Many models also have a red rear light for visibility from behind. A good addition to or alternative for a headlamp.

LED armbands and arm lights

Lightweight LED armbands that you wear around your upper arm or wrist for striking visibility without restricting movement. Available with a continuous setting for constant visibility and a flashing setting that attracts the attention of approaching vehicles. Ideal as an extra visibility layer in urban traffic. So light you barely feel them.

Reflective vests with lighting

A reflective vest with integrated LED lighting gives 360-degree visibility for the most complete safety solution. Worn over your normal running outfit without moving or hindering. Combines passive reflection with active light for maximum visibility also without a direct light source on your clothing.

Clip-on lighting

Compact lights that you quickly attach to clothing, backpack or running belt. Flexibly deployable, easy to reposition and compact enough to always have with you as emergency lighting. Ideal for recreational runners and walkers who do not always plan to run in the dark but still want to be prepared for it.

Reflection versus active lighting

Reflective clothing and lighting are both indispensable but have a different function. Reflection works reactively: it only works when a light source such as car headlights shines on it. Without active lighting you are invisible in the dark zones outside the lit area of car headlights.

Active lighting works proactively: it gives light itself and is always visible regardless of the presence of external light sources. The safest combination for runners is active lighting for your own vision combined with reflective elements on clothing and accessories for passive visibility. Preferably choose running clothing such as men's and women's running jackets with built-in reflective prints as a supplement to your active lighting.

What to look for when buying?

Light intensity in lumens

Lumens is the measure for the amount of light a lamp produces. For use in urban areas with street lighting 50 to 100 lumens is sufficient for your own vision. For unlit paths and trail running you need at least 100 to 200 lumens. For technical trails in complete darkness models of 300 lumens or more are the safest choice.

Burn time and battery

Check the burn time at the light intensity you use most. Many lamps give a high lumen value at maximum setting which quickly drains the battery. Choose a model whose burn time at the middle setting suits the duration of your longest training session. Rechargeable models via USB are more practical than models on disposable batteries with regular use.

Weight and fit

Running lighting must be light enough to barely feel during your run. A too-heavy headlamp causes neck complaints during longer endurance runs. Also check whether the band or clip is firm enough to stay in place during the dynamic movement of running.

Waterproofness

Check the IP certification of the model. IP44 protects against splash water for use in light rain. IP67 or higher is fully waterproof for use in heavy downpours. In the Netherlands with its changeable weather splash water resistance is a minimum requirement for running lighting.

Visibility from all sides

Check whether the model also has a rear light for visibility from behind. Many car collisions with runners happen from behind. A red rear light or reflective elements on the rear of your lighting or clothing are a direct safety measure.

Our advice: Invest in at least two types of lighting for a complete safety solution. A headlamp or chest light for your own vision and an LED armband or reflective vest for visibility to others. With this combination you are optimally protected both for yourself and for fellow road users during evening and morning training sessions. Always combine with running shoes with good grip for safe running on wet or dark surfaces.

Who is running lighting suitable for?

• Runners who train early in the morning or late in the evening who want to be visible and safe in the dark.
• Winter runners who continue training outside even on the shortest days of the year and daily start or finish in the dark.
• Trail runners who run on unlit paths in forests and nature and need active path lighting for safe running on technical terrain.
• Urban runners who train in busy traffic and want maximum visibility from all sides for motorists, cyclists and other road users.
• Triathletes who combine early morning training sessions with running and want to train safely at every light condition.

Complete your safety equipment with a running hat or cap with reflective details for head protection and running gloves with reflective prints for safety during cold evening training sessions. Also read our blog the 10 biggest beginners' mistakes in running to avoid common mistakes.

Need help with your choice?

We will be happy to help you. You can reach our running specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about running lighting and safety

When do I need running lighting?

At twilight, in the dark or with poor visibility due to rain, fog or overcast weather. Also early in the morning before sunrise and late in the evening after sunset. In the Netherlands it is dark for a large part of the day from September to April for many runners who train before or after work.

Is reflective clothing sufficient or do I also need active lighting?

Reflective clothing alone is not sufficient. Reflection only works when light shines on it. In the dark zones outside the lit area of car headlights you are invisible without active lighting. Active lighting makes you always visible regardless of external light sources and also illuminates the path ahead of you.

What is better for running: a headlamp or a chest light?

A headlamp moves with your gaze and illuminates exactly where you look, which is an advantage on technical terrain. A chest light gives a more stable light image closer to the ground, which is more pleasant on flat paths. For trail running a headlamp is the better choice. For evening running on paved paths a chest light is sufficient. Many runners combine both for maximum coverage.

How many lumens do I need for running in the dark?

For urban running with street lighting 50 to 100 lumens are sufficient for your own vision. For unlit paths and trail running you need at least 100 to 200 lumens. For completely dark technical trails models of 300 lumens or more are the safest choice.

Is running lighting also waterproof?

Most running lamps have an IP certification for splash water resistance. Check the IP value when purchasing. IP44 protects against splash water. IP67 is fully water-resistant when submerged. For Dutch changeable weather at least IP44 is recommended for running lighting.

Can I also use running lighting for walking or cycling?

Yes. Headlamps, LED armbands and reflective vests are widely usable for walking, cycling and other outdoor activities during evening and night. Most models are designed for multifunctional use with adjustable bands or clip-on systems that also work well during other activities.