Bat vs. Runner: 2-0

By Basile Salomon

4 minute read

It was 9:30 p.m. on an October evening on Mount Royal. I was ticking off the miles in the dark, focused on my pace, when BAM — something slammed violently into the back of my head.

First reaction: “A frisbee? A branch? A lost drone?”

I slowed down, disoriented, trying to understand what had just happened. Then I saw the thing swoop back toward me. In the darkness, I spotted membranous wings, claws, and finally realized: a bat was literally attacking me.

Second strike. Just as violent. This time, I felt the claws scrape my scalp. Blood. Confusion. And one absurd thought: “I’m getting beaten up by Batman.”

Spoiler alert: bats don’t mess around. Especially a few days before Halloween.

What could have stayed a funny night-run anecdote turned into a full night in the ER. Why? Because bats can transmit rabies — and once symptoms appear, it’s 100% fatal. Mandatory protocol: vaccines, immunoglobulins, and eight hours staring at hospital ceiling lights wondering how I got myself into this. At least I hadn’t become a midnight snack for a vampire bat. Then again… the end result might have been the same.

The lesson? Running at night is magical… but it requires gear.

If I had worn a strong headlamp, the bat would probably have avoided me (they hate bright light). If I’d had a cap, its claws would’ve hit fabric instead of skin. Two simple accessories that could have turned this traumatic night into just another training session.

Since then, I never run at night without:

·       A real headlamp (not a $10 gadget — a light that actually illuminates and makes me visible)

·       A cap or a buff (basic but effective protection)

·       A bit of humility toward urban wildlife (yes, even tiny flying mammals can knock you out)

Mount Royal is still my favorite playground, and I haven’t stopped running at night. But now, when I run under the trees in the darkness, I’m visible, protected, and ready to face any masked vigilante who might try to challenge me for territory.

Because honestly, the only thing more ridiculous than getting attacked by a bat a few days before Halloween… is letting it happen twice.

Run safe (and light yourself up),

- Basile “Batman” Salomon