So you’ve taken the decision to run. But just how safe is it to run in Gaborone? What times are best? What areas should be avoided? And can you run alone? These are all questions that women – some aspiring runners and others, visitors to the city have asked me, so I thought it was time for me to tackle this in a post. I have spoken to some women who say they would never run alone in Gaborone. I don’t want to downplay anyone’s fears or experiences but I will say that 80% of my runs are solo and I feel safe. However, I also take a few simple precautions.
1/ Choose Your Route Carefully: When I’m running alone, I choose a route that is bustling with activity, either alongside a main road where there are lots of cars or where there are people walking to and from work. I also make sure that I’m visible and have a panoramic view of my surroundings. So for me the A1 is a great starting point and I incorporate the three main flyovers heading into town. When I explore the neighbourhoods, again I stick to the main roads and leave out some of the inner roads. I never choose a route that involves going through narrow passages as there have been reported mugging incidents, and unless I’m in a group or it’s broad daylight, I avoid underpasses. I never run in the bush when I’m alone (for example, shortcut from Block 8 to Block 7). My routes are tried and tested and if I’m uncertain where a road goes, I first test it out with someone to make sure there are no dodgy blind spots.
2/ Never Run In The Dark: I’m very strict about this. I never run alone when it’s dark. I don’t compromise on this even if it means running in the sun for a bit longer than I’d like to. This makes winter running a bit more challenging for me as it’s usually dark when I get back from work. That’s when I’ll do more runs in a group or on the treadmill.
3/ Change Up Your Routes and Times: I love changing my routes and times to keep things interesting, but one good thing about doing this is that you keep things unpredictable and it prevents you from being an easy target for someone who may be watching you. Also, changing your route keeps you on your toes which generally helps to keep you more alert.
4/ Be Aware Of Your Surroundings: When running, be aware of what’s going on around you. When someone is running or walking towards me, I look at them confidently and raise my hand to greet as we pass each other. Also beware of fake stretchers. I’ve spotted them twice on my run – they pretend to be runners but then randomly stop for some very awkward stretching. Both times, I immediately crossed over to the other side of the road. Maybe they were completely innocent and just bad at stretching? But there was no harm in crossing over!
5/ Keep Your Music Down: I only started running with music about a year ago. It really helps to keep me going especially on days I’m just not feeling very motivated to run. But I was once startled by another runner. He was innocently running past but because my music was too loud, I didn’t hear him until he was right beside me and I jumped with fright. He felt so bad but I immediately told him it was my fault! After that I realised that even if I’m listening to music, I still need to hear what’s going on around me so my music is at the lowest setting.
6/ Inform Someone. This is a given and I think applies to anything really. Let someone know you’re going for your run, maybe even the area you plan to run in and how long you think you’ll be out for. That way if something happens at least they know where to start looking.
7/ Run in a Group: If you are really uncomfortable running alone, find a running buddy or join a running group or club. The two running clubs I know are Gaborone Striders Runners Club and Runwidit – they have several group runs during the week, in the early mornings or evenings after work and they try to cater for different levels. They also organise long weekend runs in several parts of the city or on the outskirts of Gaborone. There is also the local 5k ‘parkrun’ held at the Gaborone Golf Club every Monday at 5:30pm which is really fun and in a safe environment. Another option is The Pack Running, a group of women, who run at University of Botswana every Thursday at 05:30pm. I don’t belong to an official group but every Saturday, I organise a run with a few friends and we explore different parts of the city. So if it’s feasible you can also start a group with workmates or friends. There are really so many possibilities!
8/ Beware of Cars: Safety of course also includes watching out for cars. I’ve had many friendly drivers stop for me in my neighbourhood or at a crossing, but I’ve also seen a lot of mad drivers on the road. And as a driver, I’ve seen runners in very dark clothing and crossing roads haphazardly. So be mindful of the cars around you – wear light or bright coloured clothing, cross roads carefully and run against traffic so you can always see what’s ahead of you.
There are two additional points I should mention as many people recommend them. Let me stress though that I don’t use them and I’ll explain why. The first is carry a fully charged cell phone so that if something happens, you can easily call for help. My issue with cellphones in Gaborone is that many people are actually mugged for their phones, so I always feel it’s a disadvantage to have them and I choose to run without especially for my short runs. If you feel safer running with one, then I would say make sure it’s not very visible. The second frequently cited recommendation is carry pepper spray. I don’t carry one because I’m clumsy and it would end up being used on me! But if you know how to use it and feel safer carrying one, go ahead.
I’m a cautious person but I can honestly say I’m comfortable running in Gaborone. I love exploring different routes and seeing buildings I often overlook when driving. I love seeing other runners on the road. I love the fresh air especially in the early mornings and I love the hustle and bustle of people and cars in the late afternoons. But I am also aware of my surroundings and routes, I don’t run when it’s dark, I keep things simple – no flashy gadgets or selfies in tunnels!
For runners in Gaborone, do you feel safe running outside and what other safety tips would you include? What areas do you generally avoid in Gaborone? For other runners, where are you from and do you feel safe where you run? What safety precautions, if any, do you take?
I’m joining Kooky Runner and Zenaida on their link up, Tuesday Topics. I’m also joining a new link-up, Runner’s Roundup with Mile By Mile, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Runs with Pugs, Running on Happy, and Faux Runner! Hop on over to their blogs and others, and be inspired!
The Gaborone Runner 
This is good advice for runners everywhere! It’s a shame that in this day and age, women still have to fear running alone!
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Thanks Wendy! It really is such a shame. Once Ditiro told me to try out a favourite running route of his and when he was done, I said, “I need an alternative for this section because I wouldn’t feel safe to run across here”. And he said, as a man, that was not even a consideration of his. So our realities as men and women are different.
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All great points! Luckily I don’t have to worry about being mugged for my phone, and it’s always in a pocket, although if there isn’t a skirt over it, it’s probably visible. I’d also say be especially wary of cars backing out of their driveways — that’s the closes I’ve come to being hit!
I actually agree on the pepper spray, although I know many women who do carry it. There’s one area in town that I wouldn’t run at by myself, although in a group I’m ok — it’s actually a path I really like, but there have been some attacks there. Well, more than in other places.
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That’s a really good point about driveways!
My husband bought me a hand-held pink (lol) pepper spray, but I just know I would end up using it on myself!
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This is great advice for anyone in Gaborone and everywhere else. I carry a small personal alarm with me so that I can make a lot of noise if I need to.
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Personal alarm! I actually hadn’t thought of that. I used to have one when I was at university. I think the campus security team actually gave them to us for free. I’ll look for one asap.
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This is really good advice! I’m happy to say that I basically follow all of your advice. Sometimes my friends will tell me I’m overly cautious but that doesn’t bother me – nothing wrong with being overly cautious and safe!
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Thank you Kim! Nothing wrong with being overly cautious and safe at all!
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The bottom line is common sense and being aware of your surroundings. I also tell people to follow your gut instinct…we all have it, and it’s usually on-point. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. I run often in the dark (in the early mornings), but I’m very familiar with my area, and feel safe in doing so…not everyone has that kind of a setting, though. Great post!!
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Oh yes, and for me my gut was telling me there is something very dodge about those fake stretchers! I love the fact that you feel safe running in the dark. And that’s really how it should be!! I definitely wouldn’t risk it here as there’ve been too many incidents at that time of morning. But as soon as it’s light I’m good to go.
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Good tips for women running anywhere. I very rarely run in the dark anymore. Since I retired, I can run more of my runs in the daylight. When I used to run in the dark, I always ran with a friend. We had some weird things happen when we ran before sunrise, including one guy who “flashed” us from his car! Yuck!
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Laurie!!! How awful, YUCK, indeed!!! “Gross” as my kids would say!
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Thanks for this excellent post, Shathiso! Your 8 tips are very valuable. Being new to running in South Africa, safety has taken on a completely new meaning for me. I run without a cell phone and without pepper spray, too!
I don’t want to be paralyzed by fear, so I have found excellent routes where I feel very comfortable running alone. I love Cape Town and I think being aware of your surroundings helps a lot to avoid any unpleasant surprises. 😊
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Exactly Catrina. The last thing you want is to be paralysed by fear. I’m so glad you are exploring the beauty of Cape Town on foot and that you’ve found lovely running routes. It really is about being aware of your surroundings and using common sense as some other readers have said.
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These are indeed great tips for runners everywhere! You really do have to be smart and aware of your surroundings.
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Thank you Deborah 🙂
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Such good advice here! I run with my cell phone but I definitely try to hide it as much as possible. And I have mixed feelings about pepper spray, because like you I don’t feel confident in using it. I’m glad you have figured out some ways to run safely where you live!
Thanks for joining the link-up!
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Thanks Lisa. It’s just such a shame we have to put a lot more thought into the times and places we run, and what we carry. My husband puts far less thought into his runs!
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This is good advice for anyone running anywhere! I also don’t like to run in the dark. I was attacked once, in Palm Springs, CA, so you see it can happen anywhere. I’ve started running with my big dog on occasion when I have to run early and I feel much safer. Thanks for linking up at the Runners’ Roundup!
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Oh gosh Debbie, so sorry to hear that you were attacked. But glad you are still out there running!
Thank you for co-hosting this new link up!
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Safety is such a huge concern, no matter where you are. That’s interesting about the phone – I wonder if you could carry it in a spibelt under your shirt, or somewhere hidden. I’d be worried about an emergency.
I feel very safe where I run and I often run alone in the dark early mornings. I don’t use headphones or music and I always try to stay pretty aware. I think it helps that I’m on the larger side (5’10” and pretty solid), so I like to think I’m not the easiest of targets (my friend says she’s not “easily moveable” and the same applies to me). However, I still don’t let my guard down.
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So many people are attacked for their phones so I just prefer not to have one on me at all, especially for my short runs. But if I’m going to be alone for my long runs, then I usually take it in my hydration pack.
Love that you feel safe and can do early morning runs. That’s how it really should be.
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This is a great post with good advice wherever you are. I keep my phone with me (we have to if volunteering for running club anyway) but hidden, as muggings do happen, and I only run alone in the dark to and from running club when it’s a short route and someone knows I set off and when I’m due to arrive.
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Glad your run to and from running club is a short one. And I love that you always have so many people to run with to!
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These are great tips that are universal for runners everywhere! I don’t worry about muggings where I live but I’m much more aware when I’m traveling to a bigger city. Thanks for linking up!
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Thank you Rachel! And thanks for hosting this new link-up!
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Great advice! I run in populated areas and try to always be aware of my surroundings. If I do run before the sun comes up I don’t use earphones. Plus I take my German Shepherd with me. 🙂
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Thank you Denise 🙂 A German Shepherd is a lovely running companion to have! My 10 year old Basset Hound looks scary enough but just wouldn’t keep up with me on the run, LOL!
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Great tips but it does bother me that women still need to be careful when going out for a run. I do like running in the dark but have seen so many weird cars out there that I’ve either had to speed up or go a different route. Your point about fake stretchers make me laugh. Well, not funny but also funny at the same time. Seriously, you write so well and should write for a magazine.
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It frustrates me so much Zenaida that our reality as women runners is so different from male runners. My husband never has to think of any of this and even though he can get a run in after the kids have gone to bed and its dark, there is no way I could do that alone. Thank you so much for your comment on my writing! I really enjoy writing and would love to write for a magazine. Maybe I should just be bold enough and start approaching them! The worst they can say is no right!
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Please do it! I love reading your posts. Not only do you write well, but your topics/posts are interesting to read.
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