By Na’Tasha Jones and Ashlee Green, Co-founders, RUNGRL

In January, we re-ignited a conversation around running safety for women here at RUNGRL. We knew, from past research and personal experience, that running alone can be downright terrifying for women.

When we asked the RUNGRL community through our Run Safe 2020 Survey how they felt about running solo, the responses we received made it overwhelmingly clear that this is something that women runners think about All. The. Time.

However, there was still a piece of the equation missing. Statistically, we cannot ignore the fact that the attacks women are facing on the run are overwhelmingly at the hands of men. What, then, do MEN think about women running solo? Do they know just how scared we are? And that our fears are actually justified? Have they considered how they might be able to help?

We decided to get some insights from our male running friends. These experienced runners are also leaders in the running community and take great pride in supporting their fellow runners, which include many women.

We asked each of them to share their thoughts on the state of running safety for women today and exactly what they’re doing, individually and collectively, to help keep women runners safe.

Meet our running friends:

Note: Interviews edited for length and clarity.

RUNGRL: In your role as leader of a run club or fitness community, how often do you think about the safety of your runners/members?

Matt: Runner safety is one of the first things I consider when approaching a run. There are so many things to consider when it comes to keeping runners safe that we as a crew have to continue to adjust on the fly and then implement as a norm.

Charlie: It’s constantly on my mind and an often overlooked part of being a crew leader. The safety of the people who come out to run with Run Dem is of primary importance.

Adam: As a captain, I think about it all the time. You want to be prepared for the worst so that others don’t have to think about it as much. We always try to come up with routes and routines ahead of time, not just on the fly, and also have a bank of routes, examining what has worked in the past, going back to that. Also, every single group has a sweeper, so that no matter what the pace is, they are last to come back, and no one is left behind.

RUNGRL: How does your concern for women runners’ safety differ from your overall running safety concerns?

Matt: It wasn’t until DRC started that I truly got a clear picture of what women go through on the run. As a Black male runner, we can be seen as an intimidating figure [to some], which comes with its own set of issues. But hearing from women and seeing some of the things they experience with my own eyes has made me think of their safety as a priority above all.

Percell: I don’t have any concerns for myself. For women, I’m more aware, more attentive to the environment or potential danger. Whether that be another person, a sidewalk, etc.. When I'm running with a group of women, I'm more attentive in general.

Jason: It’s actually one of my focal points when I run with my crew or other groups. I like to think of myself as almost being their security or bodyguard. Being 6’1, 230 lbs., I know I can be an intimidating figure for some and I use it to my advantage in these cases [to protect them].

Adam: To be honest, men do not have to worry about catcalls, being touched, grabbed or even being attacked. Men are not concerned about those things. It’s not an even playing field and I think that acknowledging that is the first step. Let’s talk about it and how we can help.

RUNGRL: In contrast, how often do you worry about being harassed or attacked personally while running?

Matt: It is one of those things that is in the back of my head, but from a different point of view. I have to go out of my way to make myself seem like less of a threat to people I run by so they don't react in a way that could potentially be harmful to me. Often, when people see a Black man running down the street they don't immediately think he’s just out for a run and their reaction is for someone to put their guard up. It’s a sad truth.

Adam: It’s a luxury, as a man, to feel I can go out for a run at any time of the day or night in different neighborhoods and not have to wonder if my life or my manhood at risk. It’s our responsibility to make sure that others have that luxury as well.

Percell: Almost never. It’s not an issue for me. A privilege that I recognize.

Jason: High level, I normally don’t. I pick my running spaces to be fairly open and visible, but not overcrowded to the point it affects my run and pace. I’m also a city-lifer (grew up in NYC and have been living in DC for 15 years), so my ‘dancer radar’ is pretty tuned in.

RUNGRL: What are some tips that you give to women runner friends and crew members about staying safe when they’re not running with the group?

Matt: Try not to run at night by yourself. Run in areas that are higher traffic. Know where the police stations are in the areas you are running. Always keep your phone on you and let at least one person know that you are going out for a run. Carry some form of protection that you can wear on your person discreetly.

Charlie: The advice I give to all runners is to be careful about sharing your location, where you live and run routes on social media and tacking apps. It’s easy to learn someone’s routine and where they run by following them via an app. Try and tell someone where you are running and your estimated time of return. Always carry some form of I.D. and a contact number for a next of kin, as well.

Adam: Take advantage of technology. Here in New York, we have the Citizen App, which gives you on-the-second notifications on things happening in the neighborhood. When a police dispatcher gets a call, it gets notified in the app. You can review the route you plan to run, and then look at the app to make sure there aren’t incidents along the route, avoid a certain block, etc. See what's been going on in the past week, make a judgment as to whether you should be running in that.

Also, trust your intuition. No race, no training, is worth losing your safety. If you feel off about a run, an area, it’s okay to skip it or cut it short. You can make up the run another time. Additionally, trying a new route when running alone is probably the worst thing you could do. Same for trail running alone, just don’t.

Percell: Run with one earbud out so you can identify or hear problems better. Constantly be aware of your environment. Don’t run late at night, in areas that aren't well lit. (A lot of the danger takes place at this time.) If you’re going to go at night, get a buddy. Keep a knife or weapon on you [but make sure you know how to use it properly].

Jason: When running in rural areas try to stay on the beaten path, one that is visible and familiar. Running with daylight is optimal but, if not an option, headlights and reflective gear are a must. In urban areas, I would apply the same pattern of familiarity and visibility. The ‘one earbud out’ rule is also important. Be aware of your surroundings.

“Being intentional in our responsibility to provide safe places for our women and communities can no longer be an afterthought or something we assume is taken care of. “ - Jason German, running captain, boxing coach and safety ally.

RUNGRL: Do you think that (most) men understand just how unsafe it is for women to run alone?

Matt: I think most men have an idea of how unsafe it is for women to run alone, but it's not our experience, so we can’t naturally relate. But what has helped is hearing women be more vocal about what goes on. I hear about it because of how close I am to the sport, but I think women and men should be more vocal about harassment during the run.

Charlie: I think most runners don’t think about their own safety, let alone that of others. It’s definitely something that should be highlighted.

Adam: I think we know how easy it is for us [as men] to go on a run, and we know that this issue is plaguing women. I don’t think we do enough, but as a man runner, I think we do recognize and make efforts to help.

Percell: No, I don’t, and I know they don’t. I think men operate in a privileged space where we are not viewed as approachable; people don't feel entitled to our space. That trickles into running culture in the same ways. People don't feel comfortable entering our spaces [like they do with women]. Men don't deal with those problems, we’re not expected to be sought after. With women, people are told and encouraged to be antagonists, which is the root of the problem, if you ask me.

Jason: As men, I think we underestimate how many people don’t value women with high regard. Many men see themselves as protectors of women, but as we grow in maturity and experience, we see that that value proposition isn’t one that’s universal. It extends to running and many other aspects of life. Being intentional in our responsibility to provide safe places for our women and communities can no longer be an afterthought or something we assume is taken care of.

RUNGRL: Percell, In the past, you’ve written about guys trying to holler at women at the gym. Do you think there’s some related context there about unwanted attention and approach to women?

Percell: Similar rules apply. When women go to the gym, it’s to reach a goal. I’m not running or in the gym for validation but to reach goals. Don't try to yell out, they’re not running for the sake of your approval. Not running or working out to make you happy. Let women do what they do. ‘Good fences make good neighbors’, and it's important to maintain healthy boundaries. It's perfectly OK to allow women to mind their business. There’s no need to interact and that creates safe spaces for everyone. I personally don't want anyone talking to me, so I can imagine what it’s like for women.

RUNGRL: How do you think male runners (or men in general) can help women stay safe while out running?

Matt: I think men have to do a better job of checking and confronting people that are harassing women when they see them out. It's now our responsibility to hold other men accountable for how they act towards women running.

Adam: If you’re a part of a running group, try checking in to make yourself available if someone needs a running buddy. But also, as a man runner, you also don’t want to be perceived as a threat yourself. Respect the woman runner’s space. You don’t want to approach in that way in a place where she wants to feel safe. In other words, don’t shoot your shot when she’s trying to run from people shooting their shots!

Percell: First, self-awareness. Understanding that you are not entitled to a woman's space. You’re not entitled to her energy whatsoever. When you accept that, you’re less inclined to feel like you have to engage. Less is more. Do less. It creates a safer space for everyone.

Jason: Be aware, be alert, be uplifting and move to the right!

RUNGRL: What else do you think can or should be done to help?

Matt: I think some form of signage along popular running routes that show a “safe running zone” or “no runner harassment” would be a good idea. I think some sort of fine or penalty could be something as well. I’d also love to see more apps or app features that could warn other women (or runners period) about potentially dangerous areas or people to watch out for.

Adam: You can volunteer to be the person that others can check in with when they’re out running alone. They can temporarily share their location for a couple of hours, and you can follow up to make sure they made it back safely. Even in a group chat. In WhatsApp, they have it where you can actually drop the location.

Percell: As a man, if you see a problem, address it. Look out for one another. Check in on your friends when you know they're going out for a run. Talk to more men about these issues: your brothers, uncles, dads, your boys. It’s possible to be supportive of someone by letting them do what they do without creating a harmful environment.

Jason: We need to support each other, accept that we can experience the same things differently and make time for difficult conversations.