As the Fall season is around the corner, morning and evening runs occur in increasing low light conditions. Our consumer survey of 350 runners in this issue of runstyle reveals that almost 70% run in the early morning or evening hours. Their top concerns while running? Weather, cars, people, dogs, cyclists, and this year we can include e-bikes as an additional concern.

In our feature story on run safety products (see page 18), June Angus, co-founder, Amphipod, highlights these traits as key in safety offerings:

1) Enhancing the ability to be seen by others.

2) Enhancing the runner’s ability to see the way.

3) Enabling runners to carry what they need with them (hydration, phone, etc.).

When it comes to weather, of course it depends on where you are. As Renee Grant from retailer Runner’s Depot points out, “Florida runners are constantly dealing with heat and humidity. Starting at 5:00 AM to avoid the sun doesn’t even help much when the humidity is 90%. Hydrate all day long, wear light colored clothing, and always a hat and sunglasses if running in the daylight.” Check out our Retail Q&A with Renee Grant on page 14.

What about purchasing products for potential self-defense from people and/or animals? We asked consumers about that topic, and separated those survey responses by male and female, for both purchasing or considering purchasing those items. And, when we asked if they would appreciate a store sales associate recommending run safety products, 95% of females responded “Yes” or “Maybe.” Similarly, males responded 86% for “Yes” or “Maybe.” See the complete Trend Insight survey with runners beginning on page 26.

We also asked runners which items they feel are the most essential for their run (not including running shoes). We separated that out by males and females too, and listed the top twelve by number of their comment mentions. See page 34 for those revealing replies.

Reflecting (pun intended) on this issue’s run safety products and what’s on the minds of runners, while I may be dating myself a bit, I’d like to leave you with my favorite line from Sgt. Phillip Esterhaus, a character on the 1980s television drama Hill Street Blues: “Let’s Be Careful Out There.”