Advice & Helpful Articles

Running Safely at Night in Stanton

Tips for winter runs, headtorches, and avoiding tractors

During the darker months, most of our Tuesday runs happen after sunset — which makes reflective kit and lights really important. Running safely at night isn’t complicated, but a few simple habits make a big difference.

Here’s how to stay safe, seen, and confident when the evenings get dark:

✅ Wear something bright or reflective

You don’t need expensive kit — anything reflective or hi-vis works.

• Bright jackets or tops

• Reflective strips/bands

• Fluorescent hats or gloves

• Even a reflective dog harness if you’re running with a furry friend
  
  

Think of it like this: if a driver can spot you early, they can give you space.

✅ Bring a small light or headtorch

A small clip-on light, chest light, or headtorch helps you see the path and lets others see you too.

We run in a group, so a few lights together make a nice bright “moving beacon.”
Some locals have even reported UFO sightings… but it’s just us jogging past.

✅ Run facing oncoming traffic

If we’re ever on a road without a footpath, we run towards traffic, not with it.

This means:

• Drivers see you sooner

• You can step aside safely

• You’re in control, not surprised from behind
  
  

We run as a group, but every runner doing this helps everyone.

✅ Keep the chat, keep the fun — just stay aware

We talk, laugh and enjoy the run — that’s the point of being social!
But we also stay aware of:

• Cars

• Cyclists

• Dog walkers

• Farm machinery (it is Stanton…)
  
  

A quick “car!” from someone in the group and everyone shifts over. Easy.

✅ Go without headphones (or keep them low)

We love a good playlist too, but on dark winter roads:

• Being able to hear cars matters

• Being able to hear other runners matters

• It helps keep the group together
  
  

If you need music, just keep the volume low.

✅ Stick with the group — nobody gets left behind

We ALWAYS regroup halfway.
If someone needs to slow down or walk, the group adjusts — simple as that.

Running in a group at night is:

• Safer

• More visible

• Much more fun
  
  

✅ If in doubt, ask

New runners often worry about winter running:

• “Do I need a fancy headtorch?”

• “What if I’m too slow?”

• “What should I wear?”
  
  

Just message us on Facebook and we’ll help. We were all new once.

Quick checklist before a dark run

✅ Bright or reflective kit
✅ Small torch, chest light or headtorch
✅ Run facing traffic when needed
✅ No loud headphones
✅ Stay with the group
✅ Enjoy it — winter runs can be amazing

Join us

We run every Tuesday at 6:45pm, starting from Stanton Recreation Ground Car Park.
Just turn up — no sign-ups, no fees, no pressure.

We can look like a pack of glowing, blinking UFOs in the distance, but we’re very friendly aliens.

A Beginner’s Guide to parkrun

Where the Steamers run on Saturday mornings

If you’ve heard people talking about “parkrun” and wondered what it actually is — don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here’s a simple guide to what parkrun is, why so many runners love it, and where you’ll usually find the Stanton Steamers on a Saturday morning.

What is parkrun?

parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5K run held on Saturday mornings all over the UK (and the world).
It’s open to everyone — any age, any pace, walkers included.

✅ Free
✅ 5K route
✅ Walk, jog or run
✅ Friendly volunteers
✅ No medals, no trophies… just great community fun

You register once online, get a barcode, and that’s it. Turning up is always optional — no pressure, no commitment.

Why do people love parkrun?

• You get a time each week if you want to track progress
  
  

• It’s welcoming to beginners
  
  

• There are runners, joggers, walkers, parents with buggies, and dogs
  
  

• It’s a brilliant confidence-builder
  
  

• The atmosphere is incredibly supportive
  
  

For some people it becomes a weekly habit — for others it’s an occasional treat.

Which parkruns do we go to?

Steamers don’t travel as an organised group — we just happen to bump into each other at the same places!

You’ll often find us at:

✅ Thetford parkrun

• Trail style with woodland paths

• Friendly atmosphere

• Great if you prefer softer ground underfoot
  
  

✅ Bury St Edmunds parkrun (Nowton Park)

• Beautiful park setting

• Mixture of paths and grass

• Can get muddy in winter (we call that character-building)
  
  

✅ Thornham Walks parkrun

• Lovely countryside course

• Popular with families

• Big café reward afterwards
  
  

If you turn up to any of these, chances are you’ll spot a Steamer top somewhere in the crowd.

Do I need to be fast?

Absolutely not.
parkrun welcomes:

• Walkers

• Joggers

• First-timers

• Couch-to-5K runners

• People who talk the whole way round
  
  

You’ll never be too slow. In fact, every parkrun event has a volunteer “tail walker” — their job is to finish last, so nobody else has to.

How do I join in?

1. Go to parkrun.org.uk

2. Register once (free)

3. Print or download your barcode

4. Turn up to any parkrun on a Saturday morning

5. Have a run, get a time if you want one
   
   

If you don’t want a time, you can run without a barcode — no problem.

What should I bring?

• Trainers

• Comfortable running clothes

• A barcode if you want your time recorded

• A smile helps too 😄

In winter:

• Gloves, hat, light or bright kit

• Expect mud at some courses!
  
  

Why it works well with Stanton Steamers

A lot of new Steamers get into parkrun because:

• It’s relaxed

• It builds fitness for the Tuesday run

• You see friendly faces

• It boosts confidence quickly
  
  

Some of our runners got their first ever 5K medal through parkrun — it’s a great milestone.

Thinking of trying it?

Drop us a message on Facebook if you’re nervous, and we’ll happily meet you at the start of your first parkrun.
Or just turn up — you’ll be welcomed either way.

See you on a Saturday morning sometime — and if there’s cake afterwards, that’s just an added bonus.

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️
Stanton Steamers