Running While Female: Findings from Global Study on Safety and Harassment
Global survey reveals widespread safety concerns among women runners—and sparks campaigns, tools, and allyship efforts in response.
SOUrce: Adidas
In March 2023, adidas released findings from a global survey involving 9,000 runners across nine countries, highlighting that 92% of women feel concerned for their safety when running. The study underscores the prevalence of harassment and its impact on women's participation in running. In response, adidas launched "The Ridiculous Run" campaign and partnered with organizations like White Ribbon to develop playbooks to foster male allyship and create safer spaces for women runners.
What you should know:
The goal of the research was to understand the safety concerns and experiences of women runners globally and to inform initiatives aimed at creating safer running environments.
Since its release, the study has been widely used in public and advocacy discussions around women’s experiences and perceptions of safety while running. Its stark findings—particularly the statistic that 92% of women feel unsafe while running—have resonated globally, contributing to media coverage and broader conversations about women’s safety while running, including app-based safety and location-sharing features.
Key findings:
92% of women reported feeling concerned for their safety while running.
51% of women are afraid of being physically attacked during runs, compared to 28% of men.
38% of women have experienced physical or verbal harassment while running.
Among those harassed, over half received unwanted attention (56%), sexist comments or unwanted sexual attention (55%), were honked at (53%), or followed (50%).
53% of women who experienced harassment reported anxiety, and 46% reported a loss of interest in running.
Learn more:
Access the playbook focuses on action and allyship.
Watch and share "The Ridiculous Run" campaign video.
