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(1) WEIGHT! Most flashlights are pretty light. But to really know how much it weighs, you need to add the batteries. Batteries weigh a lot. Bigger batteries weigh more and the more batteries the more weight. Also, if the batteries burn out quickly, you need to carry SPARE batteries. Most of us are now familiar with LED lights. We started using LED lights because they used less power, thus less batteries and smaller batteries. Many people no longer even carry spare batteries. Anyway, it’s all about weight. (2) SPACE! We are talking about storage during the run. The bulk and dimension might make a difference on how you carry it and where you carry it. We are talking about the flashlight itself, the batteries, spare batteries, spare bulbs, and so on. At some point, you won’t need the light but you still want to keep it with you. Is this a problem? You really do need to consider this. You might even want to carry a spare light. (3)BRIGHTNESS! The brightest bulbs used to be Halogen. But the life of the batteries in these lights is typically 3 to 5 hours. The light is great, but the extra batteries may be a problem. Also, changing the batteries in the dark (remember you took the batteries out) may be awkward (during a storm, on a mountain cliff, etc). LED technology now has even brighter LED lights, but better light usually means more power and this means shorter battery life, so beware of the lights that are really bright. The regular LED lights are not as bright, and provide more of a diffused light. Regardless, you need a light that lights your way enough such that you are not stumbling around in the dark. (4) COMFORT! You may have to carry a light for awhile. Is it comfortable in your hand or on your head? Is it too big or too small? Does it squeeze your head and give you a headache? Does it bounce while you run? Can you direct the light easily or is it attached to you so that you can't see the bear charging you from the side? When the sun does finally rise, you may have to carry it for a while further. Can you store it on you or your gear? Is it small enough or too large so that you must continue to carry it in your hand? Comfort might become a big issue if you did not consider it when you buy it. (5) LIFE! Halogen burns the brightest and the fastest. They kill batteries very quick. LED lights last the longest. You need more batteries for a faster burning light. More batteries are more weight. The worst possible situation (I have been there) is to have your brand new pack of batteries ALL be dead on arrival and to learn this when you are in the middle of the woods at night. Your race is over! And maybe worse! Find a light with better than normal burn life and make sure your batteries and bulbs are all good... before you go out with all that wonderful blind faith. (6) WATERPROOF! If you plan to run in the woods at night, odds are it will rain. It might snow! Another possibility is a stream crossing. Have you ever tripped? Imagine tripping in a snow-melt stream at night while it's raining. If you happen to have a waterproof light, not only will it still work, but you might even be able to find it from the light beam under water. True story! I have been there. It made me laugh when I could have been crying. Make certain it is waterproof. (7) COST! Some are expensive and others are cheap. Usually, the more LEDs, the more money, but I have seen exceptions. Do not buy the 42 LED light that is driven by 4 AA cell batteries. I did and it’s only good for 30 minutes. I also have a 14 LED light that is a tad heavy with 3 C cells, but it works great, last a long time, and really lights up my life. My best deal has been the 10 LED lights, handheld and headlights. My Take: I used the Princeton Tek lights for years. They work great, throw a great beam, are comfortable in my hand, lightweight and easy to store. The problem I had was the battery life was too short. I had a few too many bad incidents with batteries and bulbs. I have made the switch to LED lights. The battery life was enough to convince me. An unexpected side effect was that the diffused light is actually easier on my tired eyes. The green LED is even easier and brighter. I no longer carry spare bulbs or batteries, but I still carry a spare light (Another LED) I have one BIG 14-LED light that lights up the night. It is a little heavier with 3 C cells, but my spare is a 7-LED two AA headlamp that comes in handy now and again. Additional info is at Kevin Sayer's Ultraresources