Women Deserve to Feel Safe When They Run
No matter the time, place, or whether they’re alone, women shouldn’t fear for their lives as they clock miles.
When Eliza Fletcher, 34-year-old teacher and mom, set out for her run around 4 a.m. on Friday morning, she never returned. While a man, Cleotha Abston, currently faces first-degree murder charges in connection with the abduction, the chorus of comments on stories and posts about the tragedy sing a familiar refrain.
Why didn’t she run with a buddy? Why wasn’t she carrying mace? Why didn’t she wait until the sun came up?
Instead of talking about what the victim should have or shouldn’t have done—because no one deserves violence while running—let’s focus on creating safer streets so runners can feel free to clock miles without fear of losing their lives. Let’s make this about how we can stop the attackers, not those who get attacked, so everyone can run whenever and however they feel best.
In a previous series on Runner’s World, we explored topics around women in running—why all runners deserve to feel safe on the road and how everyone can contribute to that mission. Here, a look at those stories.
Fear Shouldn’t Be the Most Common Emotion for Female Runners
Eighty-four percent of women we surveyed have been harassed while running. It’s time for that to change. Learn more about the stories of women who have faced this harassment on the road and trails and how we can all help to stop it.
Black Women Should Feel Free on the Run
Feeling paralyzed by fear and a sense of trauma, Jalaine Johnson hasn’t felt safe to go on a run. But that shouldn’t be the case. She shares her story and how others can offer support.
Dudes, Here’s How to Make Women More Comfortable While Running
Bad news: Your body language may be threatening. Here’s how to fix it, plus other tips—because keeping women safe on the streets isn’t just a women’s issue. It requires allies.
Toxic Masculinity Is the Real Problem Behind Women’s Harassment
By prioritizing the negative aspects of traditional manliness, our culture allows cruelty to women. Jess Keefe writes about what toxic masculinity really means and how its affecting female runners.
This Super-Powerful Self-Defense Tool Is Already in Your Pocket
Five ways your cell phone can protect you while you’re out for your a run. From tracking your location to sending out an SOS, learn these tricks to using it for safety.
Mallory Creveling, an ACE-certified personal trainer and RRCA-certified run coach, joined the Runner's World and Bicycling team in August 2021. She has more than a decade of experience covering fitness, health, and nutrition. As a freelance writer, her work appeared in Women's Health, Self, Men's Journal, Reader's Digest, and more. She has also held staff editorial positions at Family Circle and Shape magazines, as well as DailyBurn.com. A former New Yorker/Brooklynite, she's now based in Easton, PA.
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