Boston Marathon weekend was one we will not forget.
From speaking at the Boston Marathon Expo to meeting runners from all over the country at shakeout runs across the city, the weekend was filled with important conversations around runner safety, community, and confidence.
More than anything, it reminded us how much these conversations are growing.
Women runners are speaking up, supporting one another, and helping create a future where safety becomes part of the running conversation, not an afterthought.
Speaking at the Boston Marathon Expo
One of the biggest highlights of the weekend was speaking on the panel:
How We Can Make America’s Cities Safe2Run for All
Moderated by Jonathan Levitt, the conversation brought together leaders across the running and safety space to talk about the real challenges runners face and what meaningful change could look like moving forward.
Ashley Raymond, Safely Co-Founder, joined Jad Daley, Shannon Connaghan, and Margo Cramer to discuss how policy, community design, education, and personal safety solutions can all play a role in helping runners feel safer.
As running continues to grow, especially among women, it was incredibly powerful to see runner safety being discussed on one of the biggest stages in the sport.
Because every runner deserves to feel safe on their run.
Taking Runner Safety Beyond the Panel
Beyond the expo, the weekend was also about getting out into the community and helping runners build confidence in a hands-on way.
The Safely team joined two shakeout runs leading into Marathon Monday where runners had the opportunity to practice with Safely Practice Spray, our 100% water formula designed to help people safely learn proper pepper spray technique before ever needing it in a real situation.
And of course, Pinky came too.
Pinky, our life-sized pink skeleton, helped runners practice their aim, ask questions, and get more comfortable using their tools in a way that felt approachable and interactive.
One of the biggest things we continue to hear at events is that many women already carry a safety tool but have never actually practiced using it before.
That is exactly why these events matter.
Major Miles x LSKD Boston Shakeout Run
On April 18th, we joined the Major Miles x LSKD Boston Shakeout Run alongside members of the Female Runner Safety Team and the Boston running community.
Hosted by one of our Female Runner Safety Team runners, the event brought together runners looking to connect, move together, and get excited for race weekend.
Throughout the morning, runners stopped by to practice with Pinky, learn how to use practice spray, and talk about the importance of feeling prepared on the run.
It was such a fun reminder of how powerful the running community can be when people come together around a shared mission.
Cooldown x Altra x Marathon Sports Shakeout Run
The following morning, Safely joined Cooldown, Altra, and Marathon Sports for another community shakeout run ahead of Marathon Monday.
The energy throughout the morning was incredible. Runners from all different backgrounds and experience levels showed up to move together, connect, and celebrate one of the biggest weekends in running.
Safely hosted hands-on demonstrations throughout the event, giving runners the opportunity to practice with Safely Practice Spray and learn proper technique with Pinky.
Learning about safety does not have to feel intimidating! Sometimes creating space for people to practice, ask questions, and feel supported can make all the difference.
Why These Conversations Matter
What stood out most throughout the weekend was how many runners wanted to talk about safety.
Not from a place of fear, but from a place of awareness and preparation.
Women deserve to feel confident going for an early morning run, training alone, traveling for races, or simply doing the sport they love.
And seeing these conversations happen at shakeout runs, marathon events, and on expo panels shows just how much momentum this movement continues to build.
A Safer Tomorrow Starts Today
We are so grateful to everyone who stopped by, practiced with Pinky, shared their stories, and helped move this conversation forward throughout Boston Marathon weekend.
Every conversation matters.
And together, we are helping create a safer running community.
