Runner's Corner -- Smart Tips

Running/Walking Smart -- "The Pennfit Way"
Tips for running/walking safely on and around Penn's Campus

Carry Identification or write your name, phone number, and blood type on the inside sole of your running shoe. Include any medical information.
Carry a Quarter for a phone call.
Run with a partner. There is strength in numbers.
Write down or leave word of the direction of your run. Tell friends and family of your favorite running routes and the approximate time you will be out on you’re run with a time back.
Run in familiar areas. Know where telephones, hospitals, police stations, and call boxes with lots of visibility.
Always stay alert.
Avoid unpopulated areas, deserted streets and overgrown trails. Especially avoid poorly lit areas at night. Stay away from parked cars and bushes.

Ignore verbal harassment. Use discretion in acknowledging strangers. Look directly at others and be observant, but keep your distance and keep moving.

Always run against traffic so you can observe approaching vehicles. Try to make eye contact and acknowledge a driver. The interaction, however brief, could save your life. Be aware of traffic signals and stop sign. Drivers are impatient and often do not look both ways going into traffic.
Pay attention to color of all lights and directorial arrows of streets when crossing.
Don’t wear headphones. You need to be aware of everything around you. Wearing headphones diminishes a runner’s ability to hear a car horn or potential approach of an attacker. Walkmans are also attractive items for thefts, Wearing headphones means you cannot concentrate on your running workout.
Wear reflective material especially, if you run before dawn or after dark, although running during these hours is not recommended. If you do run during these times you want to make sure that you can see where you are going and that you will be seen while you are running. Always be familiar with the course and be sure your course has a shoulder.
If attacked attract “make noise”. Try not to show fear and talk to the person without pleading with them.
Avoid running during the extreme heat of the day. Find shaded areas to run. Dress appropriately and maintain hydration