Join us to co-create safer running cities through gender-inclusive design.

We’re teaming up with The Gendered City to launch our Running Safety Audits in Utrecht — designed to make public space safer for running and other forms of outdoor movement.

This kickoff event isn’t simply a run — it’s your chance to shape a first-of-its-kind Running Safety Index and influence the design of future audits in Utrecht and other cities in the Netherlands and beyond.

Are you:

• Curious how gender-inclusive design can make cities work better for everyone?

• Looking to connect with active, like-minded women?

• Ready to co-create safer, more inclusive running environments?

Then join us on 16 September at Milieucentrum Utrecht for our interactive kickoff session. You'll learn about gender-inclusive design, reflect on what makes a running environment feel safe, and take part in a guided 5K route audit along the Utrecht Singel. Your input will directly shape how the rest of the audit series unfolds.

This series is generously supported by Philos Running, which is offering an exclusive discount to all attendees and future audit participants.

Only 15 spots available. 
This is an intimate, hands-on session designed for active participation — sign up now to guarantee your spot.

Agenda

18:30 – Welcome
Get to know the project and each other. Learn what Run Her Way and The Gendered City are working on — and why it matters.

18:40 – Introduction to Gender-Inclusive Design
Led by The Gendered City: how urban design affects women’s safety and access to public space.

19:00 – What Makes a Route Feel Safe?
We’ll share our audit framework and brainstorm key safety factors together — your lived experience is the data.

19:30 – Guided Audit Run (~5km)
We’ll run the Singel loop as a group, stopping at key points to reflect, share, and observe.

20:30 – Reflections & What’s Next
We’ll debrief, capture insights, and share plans for upcoming audits across the city (dates and routes to be announced).

What is a Route Audit?

A route audit is a guided run designed to evaluate how safe and inclusive a route feels — especially from a gender perspective. We assess things like lighting, visibility, terrain, and emotional experience, pausing at checkpoints to reflect and share observations.

What to Expect

Pace: Relaxed and conversational – no one gets left behind.
Role: Reflect on your environment using prompts and short notes, voice memos, or photos.
Duration: ~2 hours total including discussion and the 5K run.
Impact: Your feedback will feed directly into running safety scores, GIS mapping, and advocacy with the city.

FAQs

Do I need to be an experienced runner?
No! The focus is on observation, not speed. All fitness levels welcome.

What if I can’t join in person?
We’ll launch virtual audits you can complete on your own — sign up to be notified.

Will this be the only event?
No — this is the kickoff. We’ll be hosting additional route audits across Utrecht, and then expanding to other cities, in the coming months. Dates and locations are being finalized, and attendees will get first access.

Is this just for women?
This initiative centers women’s safety, but allies of all genders who share our mission are welcome to participate.