Hill Running Safety

What do I need to take with me if I’m running in a remote location?

How many of us have just headed out the door & gone for a run? I’d say just about everyone! There are a few things we should all be thinking about before we do that again. What might happen if you twist an ankle or even worse such as break something? Did you bring any spare gear with you or are you just dressed in shorts & a t-shirt?

Think about where you’re heading & how long for? Have you been there before? Will you be on your own or with others? What are the others taking with them? What time of year is it & what’s the weather like?

If it’s a short run then you won’t need as much gear with you but taking some basic items such as a phone, a windshell & a pair of gloves could help you out if something happens. In fact, can you even carry a phone with you? Will it fit in your pocket or do you have a small bumbag that you could use?

If you’re planning a longer run then using a running vest is ideal. There’s plenty of accessible space for food & liquids at the front & a larger space at the back for extra layers & safety kit such as a 1st aid kit & foil bag, headtorch etc. Here’s a link as to what runners might expect to carry & how to pack during remote races such as the UTMB. Even if you're not running these sorts of events, then you still might need some of the items.

Some basics should be spare layers such as a long-sleeved top & waterproofs that cover the whole body, a phone & some form of navigation so you can tell the person your phoning where you are, that’s if you have signal! Food & water can help you out, even if the situation isn’t too bad, a bite to eat & drink can help with morale (chocolate always helps). Don’t forget a hat/gloves & a buff or two, they don’t take up much space or weight so why not take a couple? If it’s cold & raining then the odds are your gloves will get wet, so do you have a spare pair of waterproof gloves?

The above isn’t an exact list but hopefully, a nudge to make you think ‘am I prepared’?

What is a remote location?

A remote location could be halfway up a hill somewhere, or 10 minutes from home up a hardly used path. Unless you run in well-populated areas, you might find yourself in trouble easier than you think. Have a wee think before you head out of the door, if the unexpected were to happen, how remote & away from others will you be? Would somebody hear you if you needed to shout for help?

Have I told someone where I’m going?

Have you let anybody know where you’ll be running? Best practice is to tell someone where you’re going, what time you’re leaving & when you expect to be back? We don’t want to take all the fun out of going for a run, but taking a few easy precautions should give you & your loved ones some peace of mind.

If you find yourself going for an unexpected run & you haven’t had a chance to tell someone that your ‘just nipping out for a run’, then you could text someone to let them know the route or leave a note with the details.

Even if you’re an experienced runner, then letting someone know your plans & taking the appropriate kit can only be a good thing.

Please check out the video below which visually explains what can happen…