WASHINGTON — August was a scary month for runners and walkers on Loudoun County’s popular Washington and Old Dominion Trail.

One woman reported an attempted sexual assault, and just a week later, another was approached by a man with a box cutter.

These attacks come at a time when more runners are coming out of hot-weather hibernation and are hitting the streets and trails to train for fall marathons and 5Ks.

Lisa Reichmann and Julie Sapper of Run Farther and Faster said predatory dangers aren’t limited to the W&OD trail – they can happen anywhere, at any time. And with darker mornings and shorter days on the horizon, now is an important time to re-evaluate your running safety protocol.

Here are some of Reichmann and Sapper’s best tips to keep you safe during your fall workouts.