Talk about running for your life: two runners in America claim that a knife-wielding clown chased them through the woods on Saturday – and they caught the whole thing on video.
In what is seemingly the next stupid craze taking over the world, people have been dressing up as clowns, yielding weapons such as knives, machetes, chainsaws, and axes and terrifying people in countries spanning from Australia, England, America and New Zealand.
As much as we want to believe this is an elaborate prank orchestrated by Stephen King, the video is enough to scare the living bejeezus out of anyone.
After the two runners confront the clown, who seems to be taking a casual, albeit sinister stroll along a footbridge, they realise he has a knife and frantically flee the scene:
The more frightening news is that this run-in is just one of several recent menacing clown sightings around the world.
Whether you think it’s all in good Halloween fun, or you shudder at the thought of a brightly costumed assailant, it doesn’t hurt to know how to defend yourself if you get attacked.
According to Runner’s World – a brand owned by Men’s Health’s parent company, Rodale – here’s how you can stay safe on your next run:
- If an attacker grabs your arm, pull against the weakest point of his grip. This is typically where his fingers meet his thumb.
- If you don’t have the chance to pull away and force the attacker to let go, use your other arm and hit him on the side of his face into his ear, punch him directly in the nose, or drive your palm up into his nose to inflict pain.
- If an attacker grabs you from behind, use your legs to kick against his knee or lower leg to try and break his grip.
- If the attacker approaches you from the front, reach out your arms before he gets too close. Shove him away or punch him in the chest to create enough space for you to escape.
Hey clown, looks like you just got your ass kicked. Now who’s laughing?
