A recent study by Adidas revealed an unsettling truth: 92% of female runners feel concerned for their safety, and over half are afraid of being physically attacked.
Running should be a freeing, empowering experience—not one filled with fear.
At Safely, we understand these concerns firsthand. No runner should ever feel unsafe, and that belief drives everything we do—from hosting safety events to sharing practical tips and providing self-defense tools designed for runners.
The Reality: Women Runners Face Safety Concerns Every Day
Running is more than just exercise—it’s freedom, stress relief, and empowerment. But for too many women, it also comes with the fear of being followed, harassed, or attacked.
A recent Adidas study found that:
- 92% of female runners feel concerned for their safety.
- 69% adjust their route or time of day to feel safer.
- Over half carry a self-defense tool when running alone.
Women are taking extra precautions every time they lace up their running shoes. But this responsibility shouldn’t fall solely on them—real change is needed.
Building Safety Through Community Events
We believe that education and awareness are just as important as self-defense tools. That’s why we host safety events and workshops in partnership with local running stores to help women feel confident and prepared.
Events We’ve Hosted:
- How-to-use safety workshops at Fleet Feet locations
- Speaking at The Running Event (TRE) about female runner safety
- Partnering with running groups to provide self-defense education
At these events, runners get hands-on experience with safety tools, learn situational awareness strategies, and leave feeling empowered, not afraid.
Want to attend a future event? Follow us on Instagram for updates.
Safety Tips for Female Runners
What works for one person may not be the best option for another. That’s why we encourage runners to explore different safety strategies and choose what makes them feel most confident.
The reality is, we shouldn’t have to take extra precautions just to feel safe while running—but right now, we do. When it comes to personal safety, we are our own first responders. Until real change happens, knowing how to protect yourself is key.
Beyond events, we believe in ongoing education. Through our blog, social media, and email newsletters, we regularly share practical safety tips for runners, including:
- Tell Someone Your Route – Let a friend or family member know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
- Run with a Buddy – Running in pairs or a group can be a strong deterrent. Apps like Running Mate connect runners who have passed a background check.
- Vary Your Routine – Avoid running the same route at the same time every day to reduce predictability.
- Choose a Self-Defense Tool That Works for You – Some runners prefer pepper spray, while others feel safer with a personal safety alarm. The Safely Sidekick combines both into one lightweight device—making it the perfect running companion.
- Practice Using Your Safety Tool – Having a self-defense tool is only helpful if you know how to use it. The Safely Practice Spray lets you train with pepper spray safely so you can build confidence before you run.
💡 We created the Safely Sidekick specifically for runners—it’s lightweight, easy to carry, and designed for real-world safety.
Download our Free Safety Guide for even more expert tips.
Why Running Safety Shouldn’t Be Solely on Women
The fact that so many female runners feel unsafe highlights a larger issue.
A recent study found that while 62% of men recognize the problem, only 18% believe they have a role in making women feel safer.
But safety isn’t just a women’s issue—it’s a community issue.
At Safely, we believe that cultural change, allyship, and better safety education are key to making running safer for everyone. That’s why we work with local running stores, advocacy groups, and safety experts to keep these conversations going.
Partnering with Running Stores to Drive Change
Our partnerships with over 100 stores, including Fleet Feet and Gazelle Sports, allow us to:
- Provide safety tools to more runners across the country
- Host workshops & safety events to educate the community
- Raise awareness about female runner safety
Running stores aren’t just retailers—they’re community hubs that play a huge role in shaping running culture. By working together, we’re making safety a standard, not a concern.
📢 Interested in stocking Safely products or hosting an event? Let’s chat! Email team@livesafely.co
Final Thoughts: Running Should Feel Safe for Everyone
We know that addressing runner safety is a marathon, not a sprint. But every event we host, every partnership we form, and every product we create brings us closer to a world where runners—especially women—can feel safe doing what they love.
- Want to learn more safety strategies? Download our Free Safety Guide.
- Want to help drive change? Share this article and join the conversation.
- Stay updated on future events & safety tips—Follow us on Instagram.
Together, we can make running safer.