Local runners shed some light on the night

Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) - As the days get shorter, the local running community is doing what it can to shed some light on the night. Beyond Running in downtown Fargo has group runs a few times a week, but tonight's jog was different. It wasn't about getting a personal best, instead, it centered on safety, and how it's a runner's responsibility to make themselves visible.

During daylight saving time, the possibility of runners being hit by cars skyrockets up 186 per cent. Almost everyone in the running group has a story about someone they know, or even themselves, who have been hit, or had a close call with a car.

Two months ago, Monica Schlemmer's sister Stacey went for her last run.

“A 16 year old was on his way to school and happened to hit her, he says the sun blinded him.”

Stacey was listening to her Ipod, and running on the wrong side of the road, she never saw the car coming.

“Her injuries were such that she was going to die either way.”

Now, Schlemmer always makes sure that her husband, Chad, has his safety gear with him before he leaves the house for a run.

“A lot times it seems like drivers are talking on cell phones and not paying attention to runners, they may notice other cars, but they don't notice pedestrians, runners, bikers.”

Almost every runner here has a story of disaster. Tonight, they're putting their safety first, making it a point to wear reflective gear, flashing lights, or something that will make them stand out to oncoming traffic.

“Cars will always win, and so we're the ones that have to be cautious when we're running.”

They hope their efforts will light up the night, so no more runners are injured, or killed, while being a part of the sport they love.

“Because it's ultimately our responsibility to be safe as we're sharing the road with drivers.”

Experts here at beyond running say to always have an ID with you and to carry a cell phone. If you are injured, it'll be easier to contact loved ones, and get you to safety as fast as possible.