In recent years, the safety of women exercising outdoors, particularly while running, has become a major concern. Tragic incidents have left many women feeling unsafe during their outdoor workouts, especially when running in the evening or during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter.
The unfortunate events surrounding women like Laken Riley, who was murdered while jogging in Georgia, and Alyssa Lokits, who was shot while running in Tennessee, have raised alarm among women runners across the country. These incidents, along with other violent acts, have made it clear that outdoor safety for women is a growing concern.
The Winter Challenge for Women Runners
As the colder months approach and the days get shorter, running outdoors becomes more challenging and potentially dangerous. In a recent survey conducted by Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign, nearly 75% of women reported altering their outdoor exercise routines due to safety concerns during the winter.
With fewer daylight hours, many women find themselves running after dark, which can increase feelings of vulnerability. For women like Lily White, who enjoys running in the evening, the lack of visibility and fewer people around only add to their sense of unease. White shared her experience with Yahoo Life, saying, “The constant need to adapt routes, look over my shoulder, or avoid certain areas took away the freedom and joy that running should bring.”
Fear and Reality: The Numbers Don’t Lie
Safety fears are not just feelings; they are backed by research. A 2023 Adidas survey revealed that 92% of women runners express concerns about their safety while exercising in public.
Half of them admitted that they had been followed during their runs. In addition, a University of Manchester survey found that 68% of female runners have experienced some form of abusive behavior, with verbal abuse being the most common form at 58%. These figures highlight the widespread issue of women’s safety while exercising outdoors.
The Importance of Safety Precautions
In the face of these challenges, women have become proactive in finding ways to feel safer during their runs. Many women are turning to running groups as a means of increasing safety and creating a supportive community.
Mallory Fox, a National Academy of Sports Medicine-accredited personal trainer, emphasized the importance of joining a running club. “Many communities have running clubs that organize group runs, which can be safer and more motivating,” Fox explained. Group running not only provides safety in numbers but also offers motivation, especially when exercising alone can feel daunting.
Other women, like Melissa Hawkes from Lincoln, UK, have shared their experiences of joining running groups to stay safe while running at night. Hawkes told BBC in an interview that after being subjected to verbal harassment, she sought out a running group for added security. Similarly, Jeannine Ursell, another UK runner, shared her decision to engage in more group runs for safety purposes.
In response to the growing safety concerns, White founded the Night Club, a running group for women to come together safely for cardio and camaraderie. White described the goal of the Night Club as creating a safe and supportive environment where women could run together without fear.
“It’s more than just a running group — it’s about spreading awareness of women’s right to safe movement after dark,” White said. The group focuses not just on physical fitness but on building awareness about the importance of feeling safe during outdoor activities.
Similarly, in Nashville, Tennessee, Caroline Holland created an organization called Chicks With Kicks following the tragic death of Laken Riley. The organization pairs runners with partners to ensure safety during their runs. “For me, it was just like, ‘Wow, we really can never be safe,’” Holland explained in an interview with the Nashville Scene. “The only way is to surround yourself with other people and have a buddy system in running groups.”
Staying Safe When Running Alone
While group runs are a great solution for many, there are times when running solo is unavoidable. Experts agree that there are several strategies that women can implement to ensure their safety when running at night.
1. Keep Friends Informed
Kaleigh Ray, an exercise physiologist and marathon runner, emphasizes the importance of keeping loved ones informed when running alone, especially at night. “I always inform my friends or family of my route,” Ray shared.
She recommends using tools like Strava Beacon or Garmin LiveTrack, which allow family and friends to track a runner’s location in real-time. Ray also utilizes the automatic fall detection feature on her Garmin watch, which can send an alert if something goes wrong.
2. Avoid Predictable Patterns
Experts advise runners to vary their routes and avoid establishing predictable running patterns that could make them vulnerable to an attacker. “Consider using safety features to obscure your start time, route, and other information on fitness apps like Strava,” suggests Ray. Changing routes and times can prevent someone from tracking your movements and potential risks.
3. Stay Visible
Fox recommends wearing reflective gear, such as vests or bands when running at night. This not only helps drivers and cyclists see you but also ensures that if you need assistance, others will be able to spot you easily. Adding LED lights to your shoes or gear can further increase your visibility.
4. Avoid Loud Music
While it can be tempting to listen to music while running, it’s crucial to stay aware of your surroundings. Fox advises keeping the music volume low or using only one earbud to maintain awareness of potential threats. This simple adjustment can make a significant difference in staying alert.
5. Carry Safety Equipment
Having the right safety equipment can make a big difference when running alone. Milica McDowell, a doctor of physical therapy, recommends carrying tools like a Birdie alarm, which emits a loud sound and flashes bright lights in case of an emergency.
McDowell also suggests carrying pepper spray, a legal and effective self-defense tool that can incapacitate an attacker by causing intense irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.
The Takeaway: Safety is Key
The reality is that women’s safety while exercising outdoors is a pressing issue, especially during the winter months when running after dark becomes more common. Women are actively seeking ways to feel safer, whether it’s by joining running groups or taking precautions like carrying self-defense tools and using safety tracking features.
The ultimate goal is to ensure that women can enjoy their outdoor activities without fear. Whether it’s through group runs, better safety measures, or more awareness, there is hope for a safer future for women in outdoor exercise.
Conclusion
With increasing safety concerns, women need to take steps to ensure their well-being while running outdoors. From using technology to joining running groups, there are numerous ways women can protect themselves during their runs. It’s time to prioritize safety and empower women to enjoy their workouts with confidence.
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
Leave a Comment