Trail running is swiftly becoming one of the most preferred ways of exercising. There are currently 1.77 million trail runners worldwide, and this number continues to grow exponentially. In the UK alone, reports show that trails like Arthur’s Seat in Scotland receive nearly 300,000 monthly Instagram tags from its many visitors. For most trail runners, the sport’s appeal lies in its numerous health benefits, especially when done in the presence of nature. A lot of these runners also enjoy the inclusivity of trail running as it’s an activity that nearly anyone can pick up with some preparation. This also applies to those who require corrective eyewear.

Although the idea of running outdoors with glasses may seem troublesome, there are ways to make it uncomplicated. Here are a few tips on how to do this for your next trail running session.

Try prescription sunglasses

Evidence proves that proper sun exposure has lots of benefits, including better Vitamin D absorption, the release of endorphins, and regulated circadian rhythms. However, when under the sun for too long (like when running a full trail), it can be too harsh on the eyes. Although standard sunglasses may be the answer, people who require vision correction may have a harder time seeing. Therefore, it’s best for these trail runners to go with prescription sunglasses. These glasses work by blocking out ultraviolet (UV) light, which is the cause of sun-related eye conditions. Runners can choose from a variety of lens options and frame shapes from trusted retailers like GlassesDirect, which offers hundreds of sunglasses from top brands like Tommy Jeans and Champion. These sun-protective add-ons will be applied to lenses that still have the necessary prescription, ensuring the safety and clarity of runners’ vision.

Consider performance frames

One of the most convenient things about trail running is that you can do it as much as you’d like. A survey from the University of Central Lancashire found that the average trail runner runs up to four times each week for an average of 30 miles. It’s also common for a trail run to last around three hours, meaning that runners really get the most out of their running equipment. With such frequent sessions, your eyewear should be able to withstand more than just regular wear and tear. Sports companies like Oakley offer frames that are lighter and stronger than non-sports-grade eyewear. By wearing durable frames like these, you can lessen the chances of running risks such as eyewear damage in the event that they fall.

Get a sports strap

Running on trails entails a lot of movement. This is especially true for seasoned trail runners who choose challenging routes. In fact, some of the UK’s most popular trails are high-level, such as The Cheviot in Northumberland or Nanttle Ridge in Wales. Uneven terrains like these lead to plenty of manoeuvering, which, when mixed with sweat, can cause eyewear to slip off. It can be distracting having to slide glasses constantly back in place and ultimately requires more effort for the runners. You can eliminate this issue by using a sports strap. This will keep your eyewear firmly in place by transforming them into goggles. You can easily find adjustable ones from athletics retailers like Decathlon to certify that while they are secure, they’re not restricting your blood flow. This way, you won’t even notice your glasses while on a trail run.

Add an anti-fog spray

British runners are very familiar with unpredictable weather. Despite how inconvenient this is, they’ve become so used to this that many still choose to run while it is raining. This may be even more challenging for runners with glasses, who have to deal with their lenses fogging up as a result of the cold. To address this issue, you can get an anti-fog spray that coats your glasses with fog-repellant technology. Brands like Zeiss offer an anti-fog kit that comes with a cleaning cloth along with the spray to clear up your lenses. By using products such as these, your vision will be taken care of on your trail run, no matter the weather.

Use tinted lenses

The UK is rich in unique and diverse plant life, and runners have the opportunity of encountering them on their trail routes. It becomes a problem, though, when runners accidentally damage them. Much of British wildflowers have declined due to human interference, so as a runner, you need to be mindful of where you step. To help you with this, you can get brown-tinted lenses for your glasses. These increase contrast, which will help you see environmental details better. These lenses, readily available from retailers like Sunglasshut, highlight the natural warm colours of your surroundings, helping you see any vibrant flora that you may come across. Through brown-tinted lenses, you’ll be able to see better on your trail run.