Running Safety for Women
A good run is so much fun! It clears your head; helps you feel strong and it’s something you do just for you. Yet, as many women know, that sense of freedom can come with personal safety concerns. And with rising reports of women feeling unsafe during runs, it's important to be informed, prepared, and proactive in our approach to running safety.
A Snapshot of Women's Safety Concerns
A 2020 survey by Runner's World found that:
84% of women have experienced some form of harassment during a run, compared to just 50% of men.
Of the women surveyed, 27% said they've been followed by someone on foot, bicycle, or in a vehicle.
34% of women runners opt to run only during daylight hours to feel safer.
Over 70% of women carry a phone for safety reasons when they run.
But it’s important to understand the facts about running safety and to challenge popularly held beliefs, particularly surrounding the best time of day to run safely. For example, many people believe that their safety is assured if they run at a particular time. Some think that predators only attack at night, so they don’t have to take safety measures during the day. But during her 28 years on the street in law enforcement, Joy found that many predators strike with impunity during daylight hours. Other runners mistakenly believe that the early morning hours before dawn are safe, as though attackers resemble vampires who have found their way home before sunrise. Still others alter their training routine during the fall and winter months when it gets dark earlier. The truth of the matter is that predators can strike at anytime, anywhere. And you need to be prepared.
Personal Safety Tips for Female Runners
Stay Visible: Choose brightly colored clothing, especially during early morning or evening runs. Reflective gear and LED lights can also help increase visibility.
Plan Your Route: Let someone know where you're going and when you plan to return. There are also apps available that can share your real-time location with trusted contacts.
Vary Your Routine: Changing up your routes and run times can make you less predictable to potential harassers or attackers.
Train with a Buddy: There's safety in numbers. Consider joining a local running group or coordinating with a friend.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, pay attention to that feeling. That’s your safety intuition warning you that something is wrong. Don’t dismiss it or minimize it, as many women are socialized to do. What are you feeling? Can you identify what’s causing it? It could even be a medical situation that’s beginning to unfold. Stop and analyze. If needed, change your direction, find a public place, or call someone. Your safety intuition is your body’s natural warning system.
Carry a Personal Defense Tool: Carry a self-defense tool in your hand that you can use to immediately protect yourself, if necessary. Bear spray or dog spray are good options. They contain industrial-strength pepper spray that can go much further than regular pepper spray. If you choose the pepper-spray option, use the kind that straps around your hand for easy access. You don’t want to be fumbling if you need to use it. Remember to aim for the eyes, spray horizontally so that both eyes are affected. A personal alarm is also a good option, but keep in mind that it won’t help you defend yourself.
Empower Yourself with Knowledge
It's not just about physical precautions. Keeping your safety top of mind will keep you from panicking, as you’ll have the tools and plan to know exactly what to do in an emergency. Equipping yourself with knowledge can make a significant difference.
While it's disheartening that we have to think about these things, it's crucial to prioritize your safety. Remember, it's not about living in fear, but about empowering yourself with knowledge and tools to stay safe. Continue to run with strength, passion, and confidence, but always keep your well-being as your top priority.
Run strong and stay safe out there.
