How do you stop a pit bull from attacking or charging?

I was chased this morning by a loose pit bull in the middle of my morning run of 4.2 miles. He appeared out of nowhere from a side street and approached me full speed while barking and growling. This was not a puppy. It was full grown muscular pit bull. In a moment of panic I broke from jogging into a top speed run. Thinking back I know this was wrong but it was either fight or flight so I chose to fly. I crossed a busy two-lane road and continued running. He crossed as well and gave chase for about 60 yards of course closing the gap but not quite catching up with me. Surprisingly no cars passed at this time. To my surprise and good fortune he stopped chasing turned around and went about his merry way. I noticed he had on a collar so he was obviously someones pet and had apparently gotten loose. I've run this route without fail for 3 plus years and have never before encountered any loose dogs. I was terrified for my life and was thinking if this dog had actually gotten to me what the heck would I have done or could I have done? I see on the news all the time where pit bull attacks are often tragic and even fatal. As I ran I scanned the ground for some type of brick, rock, stick, weapon, etc., but found nothing so I just kept running. I had to pass the same area to return home or run an additional 7 miles just to get back. I armed myself with a brick and a stick I found on up the road upon coming back. Fortunately on my return jog home the dog was nowhere to be found. I had to shower and make it to work so I didn't have time to go looking for the dog after wards but I have called the proper authorities (animal control and local police) to let them know. This is a common route that other walkers, runners and kids follow as well. I'm concerned for their safety as well as my own on future runs. Though terrified. I'm not willing to give up my morning run. If found in this position again what's my best move? Thanks in advance for any advice.