With the 5:15 am pre-dawn start for all 3 Reggae Marathon events, we all spend the first 45 minutes running to the light…the street lights!
A frequently asked question is how safe is it to run in the dark? Do I need to wear a light? The answer is no, with a caveat or two.
The Reggae Marathon course runs along a stretch of paved road, the Norman Washington Blvd. Street lights are at regular intervals and once we stretch out, somewhere around the 1 mile mark, it is relatively clear running. Here are the caveats to running safely:
- Line up in the start chute based on your expected comfortable running time. If you are an 8 min per km runner, don’t line up with the 6 min per km runners. You will block faster runners behind you. Reggae Marathon is a chip timed race…your timing starts when you cross the start line mat and ends when you cross the finish line mat.
- If you are walking, definitely don’t line up in front of runners! Period!!
- Once the race starts, keep moving. Don’t stop suddenly in the middle of the road. If you have to stop, move over to the right and stop off the course.
- On the course don’t walk or run 3 or 4 abreast. You are being discourteous to runners and walkers behind you. It’s also unsafe.
For most of us daylight breaks around the 3 mile mark…just after the round-a-bout. If you’re timing is right, you’ll see the Negril river peaceful in the early morning light.
After that as the sun continues it’s rise, no need to look for the streetlights…daytime running!
So…be smart in the dark. Follow some common sense walking and running rules. And run to the light…
Until next time…
Reggae Marathon RunninGuy
