Last week, Safely had the honor of attending The Running Event (TRE) in Austin, Texas—an annual gathering of runners, industry leaders, and brands showcasing the latest innovations in the running world. As part of this year’s programming, Safely participated in the Female Runners' Safety Summit, an event that highlighted one of the most pressing topics in the running industry: female safety.
The summit featured an inspiring panel discussion where leading voices in safety innovation, advocacy, and community-building came together to shed light on the challenges women face while running—and to offer solutions that empower women to take charge of their safety.
About the Female Runners' Safety Summit
The summit wasn’t just a conversation; it was a call to action for businesses and individuals alike.
For brands in the running industry, the message was clear: prioritize female safety by creating tools, resources, and environments that address real concerns. For women, the summit emphasized the importance of preparation and empowerment to feel confident while doing what they love.
Spotlight on the Panelists
The summit brought together an inspiring lineup of panelists:
Safely
Determined to create a safer tomorrow, Safely shared how the company is leading the charge in innovative safety tools, like the Sidekick.
Designed with female runners in mind, this patent-pending device combines multiple features—pepper spray, an alarm, a flashlight, and more—into one lightweight, handheld tool. Safely’s mission is to create a safer tomorrow, and the summit was the perfect stage to share that vision.
Running Mate
After being assaulted twice while running, Dena Lewis, founder of Running Mate, turned her experiences into action. Running Mate provides real-time, on-demand, and verified running “mates” for anyone who wants to run safely.
Described as the "Uber for runners," Running Mate offers a safe, reliable way to enjoy running without fear.
FittSafe
FittSafe is redefining safety for women on the move. Their mission is simple: empower women to reclaim public spaces and feel confident while pursuing fitness.
With leggings and sports bras designed to combine style and cutting-edge safety features, FittSafe ensures women never have to choose between fashion and security. Founder Faith Chima emphasizes the importance of creating a world where fitness and safety go hand in hand, building a community where women can support each other as they chase their goals.
SheFighter
Founded by Lina Khalifeh, SheFighter is the first self-defense studio designed to empower women both mentally and physically through tailored self-defense techniques. With over 17 years of martial arts experience, Lina’s inspiration for SheFighter came from the lack of real solutions for violence against women.
SheFighter empowers women to feel confident, secure, and strong in defending themselves against violent situations
Run for Alyssa
Run for Alyssa was founded by Abby Lokits, in memory of her sister-in-law, Alyssa Lokits, who was tragically murdered while running in Nashville in October 2024. Alyssa was a vibrant, kind-hearted woman who made it her life’s mission to lift others up. Abby believes Alyssa would have wanted women to return to running, stronger and more empowered than ever.
Run for Alyssa is a movement dedicated to safety, strength, and advocacy for women. The initiative seeks to inspire change in the running community, advocate for safer environments, and encourage women to reclaim the joy and freedom of running.
Why Women’s Safety Matters in the Running Industry
Running is a source of freedom, empowerment, and health for millions of women, but safety concerns can often undermine that experience. By bringing this conversation to TRE, the Female Runners' Safety Summit made it clear that addressing these challenges is essential to the future of the sport.
For businesses in the running industry, it’s not just about selling products—it’s about fostering a community where women feel safe and supported. From safety tools and self-defense classes to advocacy and awareness campaigns, there’s so much potential to make a difference.
Looking Ahead
Safely is proud to have been part of this important conversation at TRE. Events like the Female Runners' Safety Summit remind us why we do what we do—to empower women with the confidence and tools they need to stay safe, whether they’re out for a run or simply navigating daily life.
To all the attendees, panelists, and partners: thank you for being part of this inspiring event. Together, we’re running toward a safer future.
