I run nearly every day. It has been my routine for almost ten years. I push through colds. I race in heat, rain, and snow. I ran while pregnant. I hit the pavement exactly six weeks after giving birth. I even run with a baby in a carrier.
Through it all, I run scared.
In a mere two-week span during the summer of 2016, three women in the United States were killed while running alone. That year wasn’t an anomaly. A 2019 Runner’s World survey revealed that 84 percent of women had experienced some form of harassment while running. The incidents ranged from groping and being followed to being flashed. There were also subtler aggressions like catcalls, aggressive honking, and lewd comments.
Women do not get the luxury of running on isolated trails or walking down deserted roads without a constant state of alert. Those who spend solitary time outdoors know what it is like to stay on guard even as adrenaline surges and endorphins create a euphoric high.
The disparity is glaring. It feels irresponsible for a woman to run alone at night, yet a man can happily slip out the door long after sundown. The reality is harsh. Running as a female is unjustly dangerous. The United States Department of Justice does not publish readily available statistics on attacks targeting runners, whether male or female. We are left with news stories about survivors and victims.
“While the best solution would be to stamp out violence against women, we might need to find a quicker bandage.”
So what is the practical answer? We cannot wait for systemic change. We need immediate tools. A growing market of safety apps and physical features now exists to help ensure safer workouts for everyone.
Tracking and Emergency Apps
Technology offers immediate visibility for those working out solo. Glympse allows friends or family to track your GPS location for a set duration. They do not need to download the app to view your progress. This provides a digital tether without requiring constant communication.
BSafe goes a step further with an SOS button. It also includes features for everyday discomfort. You can receive a fake phone call to create an excuse to leave an uncomfortable situation. There is a valid concern about accidentally triggering these panic buttons while logging miles, but the option remains there for true emergencies.
RoadID offers a different approach. Users leave an “ecrumb” for family and friends interested in their whereabouts. It also features a “stationary alert” function. If the system detects that you are not moving for an unexpected period, it pings selected contacts.
Physical Defense Gear
Apps are useful, but physical defense systems remain a staple for many runners. Some sports bras now include small pockets designed specifically to hold a knife or pepper spray. This keeps the item accessible without adding bulk to your gear.
Specialized tools have also entered the market. TigerLady offers a retractable claw-like self-defense tool. It is designed to be carried easily and deployed quickly.
Go Guarded has introduced a serrated-edge ring. This item is designed for ease of use in a high-stress moment. It serves as both jewelry and a potential deterrent.
Low-Tech Solutions
If technology feels like too much friction, traditional methods still hold weight. Running with a friend is the oldest and most effective safety measure.
Running with a large, hulking dog is another viable option. Many dogs appreciate the exercise and provide a visible deterrent to potential threats.
The fear does not disappear. The apps help. The gear helps. But the underlying inequality remains. Can we really expect women to treat the outdoors as a playground when the statistics suggest otherwise?
