Is Canberra safe to run after midnight?

poetix said :

If I can be forgiven another comment, it strikes me as sad that this young woman has to plan her run like a military campaign. Or give up ona free run and pay for a gym. Or that I can’t just watch stars where I want without driving to where there is no possible other person who just might be a threat. I acknowledge the good intentions of some of those commenting who happen to be men, but the fact that people are two hundred centimetres tall and quick, and strong, or one hundred and sixty (or so) and slight or, like me, in between, but slow (and not slight at all) shouldn’t make a difference to our confidence in getting out to run or watch stars. And yet it does, for anyone on the wrong side of the ledger.

We still have a way to go, methinks. (Another example of stating the obvious in a pretty way.)

It’s not like running a military campaign, it’s common sense. I would give the same advice for running or walking to anyone, male or female, large or small. However everyone has their own level of risk that they are happy with and your build can play into that, which is why I mentioned my height. Height is mainly about others perceptions of yourself. I know people who are smaller than me that are faster, stronger or more vicious than I am, but most people when looking at them would think they are harmless. I take all the same precautions when going for a run, and carrying the same items can help with other things.

If I fall and break a leg when there is no one around I can use the mobile to call for help, I can use the light to signal where I am or to get attention if the mobile is out of range. I carry a backpack which I can use the straps from to splint my legs in case of a fall or in case of a snake bite. Keeping a watchful eye out helps to avoid snakes, other creatures, trip hazards, branches at eye level as well as anyone who may not have the best intent for myself. I have a poncho for if I get caught in heavy rain and carry extra water and a bit of chocolate in case I get stuck somewhere for a while. I do this whether it’s day or night. The main reason I restrict where I run at night is to minimize the risk of injury.

Although I do have ear buds in and listen to music it’s at a very low volume that lets me hear runners, walkers, vehicles, skaters, bikes and animals approaching from behind. The main reason to wear them is that a cold wind getting in my ears gives me headaches and vertigo, the secondary reason is to help with running rhythm.

As for the stars, the main reason to drive out of town is so you can see them properly as there is too much light around in town. However doing so gives you the option of avoiding other people if it makes you feel more comfortable.

Frankly the risk of attack is very low and in my opinion worrying about it and letting it stop you doing things you enjoy is the worst thing to do and only encourages those few people who are inclined to do stupid things because they can see the effect it has on people.

Henry82 said :

Merle said :

. I think it’s one of those situations where you’re fine right up until the day that you aren’t.

Just like driving, marriage, health, job security, etc etc

If you would like to get a sex change and probably have your legs surgically shortened (I’m pretty damn short) and go running alone at midnight, you are more than welcome to.

Merle said :

. I think it’s one of those situations where you’re fine right up until the day that you aren’t.

Just like driving, marriage, health, job security, etc etc

As a short, slim female in my early twenties, I can tell you it’s not something I’d be doing. I think it’s one of those situations where you’re fine right up until the day that you aren’t.

Agree, Poetix. This lady has her freedom to do something normal and unremarkable curtailed by a few possible predators, and she has to cower inside a smelly, noisy gym rather than a really nice run outside in our attractive environment.

Back in the 80s, the feminists at ANU made a rather powerful statement to this effect. There’d been some horrific attacks on campus, and so the university authorities were recommending that women didn’t walk alone after dark, didn’t walk between the libraries and halls of residence etc. Turning half of the population into virtual prisoners.

So the feminists printed up official-looking signs, titled “curfew on men”, stating that due to the violent attacks on campus, all men had to be indoors after dark and must not walk around on campus. They were very effective at getting the message across. And yet, in 2011 we are right where we were then.

poetix said :

If I can be forgiven another comment, it strikes me as sad that this young woman has to plan her run like a military campaign. Or give up on a free run and pay for a gym. Or that I can’t just watch stars where I want without driving to where there is no possible other person who just might be a threat.

I agree, but that, unfortunately, is the way the world is. We may prefer that it was otherwise, and may work towards making it otherwise, but, as you say, we’ve got a way to go.

And, as plenty of topics on RA point out, being male, tall and fit isn’t always much protection against the mongrels that hunt in packs – and I say “that” deliberately as they don’t deserve “who.”

If I can be forgiven another comment, it strikes me as sad that this young woman has to plan her run like a military campaign. Or give up ona free run and pay for a gym. Or that I can’t just watch stars where I want without driving to where there is no possible other person who just might be a threat. I acknowledge the good intentions of some of those commenting who happen to be men, but the fact that people are two hundred centimetres tall and quick, and strong, or one hundred and sixty (or so) and slight or, like me, in between, but slow (and not slight at all) shouldn’t make a difference to our confidence in getting out to run or watch stars. And yet it does, for anyone on the wrong side of the ledger.

We still have a way to go, methinks. (Another example of stating the obvious in a pretty way.)

I walk my dogs after work most nights (after 1am) and find that it is ok in the Belconnen area, although i do have a dog who attacks people if they approach at this time too – and the other barks. I walk/run with phone in pocket, not listening to music just the dogs and me panting. Give it a go with a friend a few random nights and see how it goes i say!
As other posters have said winter is colder I have to walk through a fog but 24hr gym does not help the dogs much.

The 5k bridge run is probably okay, but you really should be careful. I have run in the dark in winter (around 9 or 10pm) around Lake G in Belconnen, Yerrabi Pond (both are dark in places) and around the actual lake, and have been okay. If you can get to run a bit earlier, it is better, and there are some evening groups that you can join, including the Bilbys, where non members can pay around 2 -3 dollars a session to run in a group under lights at Dickson, and Geoff’s group, which is free and is open to anyone, no matter how fast or slow (see http://www.geoffmoore.blogspot.com) By contacting Geoff, he could also put a word out for you to find a running buddy. 🙂

One area I’d avoid late is the Carillion onwards up the river, most of it a bit of a mozzie jungle at night.

You may find some other runners with similar hours. Around sunset and a while after there’s often joggers skaters riders etc, on the main areas, not sure if there’s any later.

Jamie Wheeler said :

you still run the risk of a car full of trouble makers maybe cruising through the area and seeing you. Although there’s not much to do there, troublemakers could go their to drink or muck around in cars. There have been several stories of cars full of thugs cruising Canberra looking for victims.

Generally the track is off the road, although you could probably run into those types near the carillon or BM peninsular? ANU campus seems to attract those cars of trouble makers at night, so possibly avoid that area. I regularly see car clubs meeting down near National Museum, but from what i’ve seen they’re very well behaved and seem to be “older” hobbyists, rather than teen hoons (police patrol too)

If OP wants a good run, running back and forth from civic to parliment house is quite safe. You can also climb the parliament house grass upto the fence (about 2/3rds of the way to the top). Obviously if you cut through civic on a thursday-saturday nights you’re going to meet drunks anyway.

I agree with Deye’s post.

Around the lake is fine, but wear a head torch so that cyclists can see you. Imo run with a phone as well, and if you have any issues like feeling sick, don’t leave the track. Personally i’d avoid Black Mountain at Night, imo its a bit too secluded.

I forgot to say, during the day on weekends try the Mt Ainslie track for a different challenge. It starts behind the War Memorial. Just be careful of the surface on the way back down. I have done it at night, but don’t recommend it unless you know the track well and have decent lights. It would be very easy to slip and fall on the way down in the dark. It’s also a little freaky with kangaroos and other creatures in the shadows.

I regularly run or walk up till about 10 – 10:30 at night, I will sometimes be out later than that taking photos. You rarely see other people and they are mostly running/walking themselves and minding their own business. Have a mobile with you, keep an eye out, and don’t have music blasting loudly in your ears and you should be fine. Don’t push yourself to the limit and keep something in reserve in case you need it. That said, I am a fairly tall male so people tend to keep their distance.

Most of the track around the central basin is lit apart from a small section between the lake front of the National Gallery through to Kings Av bridge. A small torch is handy, but not necessary if you are okay with the dark – and under the trees it does get dark. The other part that isn’t lit is Rond Terraces, the small section in front of the War Memorial looking across to Parliament House.

The central basin track is around 5km long and mostly flat, though you can take the side track up Regatta point to put a hill into it. It is probably the safest route you’ll find. Weekends there are likely to be more people out that are not exercising, though they should be fairly noisy and noticeable.

@poetix for stars you are mostly better to go out of town as there is too much light spillage in town – especially for the comet. Again you will very rarely see anyone else. Keep your wits about you and you should be fine. Driving out to one of the look outs out of town and if there is already someone there go to a different one, or stop on the side of a quiet road somewhere would lower the chances even more. Just watch out for the drop bears, kangaroos, wombats and possums that sneak up on you.

Well I guess it depends how fast you can run!

I’d be very careful of running alone in Canberra at midnight in a remote locatlity. Although it’s probably unlikely anybody will be around the lake, you still run the risk of a car full of trouble makers maybe cruising through the area and seeing you. Although there’s not much to do there, troublemakers could go their to drink or muck around in cars. There have been several stories of cars full of thugs cruising Canberra looking for victims. You would be a sitting duck that late at night at the lake and nobody would hear you scream. Why not invest in a treadmill? If that’s not the same, try jogging around the streets. I know somebody who used to work late at a restaurant and they used to run laps around their street at 1AM with no problems. Getting a mobile you could take jogging and also have somebody who knows where you are and when you should be back should also help protect you.

I don’t think I can ever recall hearing about an assault around the lake, statistically speaking I would have thought the chances of running in to trouble would be extremely low.

That said if I were you I’d be keeping alert (e.g. not listening to music whilst running) and carrying a mobile phone to get in contact with police if need be.

Re: earlier post, FYI:
http://www.fitnessfinda.com.au/24-Hour-Gyms/Canberra/

poetix said :

Also, while asking a question like this I would not give specific details of where you want to run and the time. Good luck with the fitness thing!

..or mention that you are a slim 20-somthing girl!

As other prople have said, there’s probably a very low probability of an incident, but not 0%. Even still, I imagine you’d be on edge the whole time so it would be no fun at all.

Perhaps check out one of the 24h gyms in town (I know there’s a least 2). While treadmills are as boring as bat sh#t, you’d be much less stressed the whole time!
Also, winter in Canberra is COLD at midnight, so you’d have to be keen for the outside option for half of the year…..

I used to run around LBG at around 3 or 4 am, and the only people I ever (rarely) saw were other early joggers. There are some small unlit areas, but like the other poster said, I think those areas are unlikely to attract crims. Can you imagine how long they would have to wait for a customer! And in all likelihood, if there is going to be anyone “waitin” for you, you will see a car parked nearbye. So you can turn around and jog the other way. Just my 2c.

Interesting question. Recently I wanted to go star watching (or comet watching) on my own very late at night, but thought better of it as too risky a thing to do. I was half ashamed of myself. Admittedly this was Christmas Eve/Christmas morning so I was very aware there might be drunks around. Perhaps I should just have taken my staffie.

Also, while asking a question like this I would not give specific details of where you want to run and the time. Good luck with the fitness thing!

The lake should be OK but definitely find a running buddy (or an accompanying cyclist) to go with. A torch will help in the unlit parts. I wouldn’t venture through civic too late though. Early morning is better (and cooler).

I think the biggest risk there is being an unfit 50+ male, suffering a heart-attack, falling into a bush and not being found for a fortnight.

That being said, it doesn’t seem like a place that represents good opportunities for muggers. They tend to focus on quiet areas between pubs/clubs and suburbia. Some groups of thugs cruise in cars, scouting for likely victims and intercepting at underpasses (So go over-road where practical). Running and being sober will probably rule you out as being a likely victim though.

The only violent public/stranger sexual assaults I can recall of have happened in Civic and the ANU (But I’m not very mindful of this myself).