Running While Female: Adidas Study on Safety and Harassment (2023)

Global survey reveals widespread safety concerns among women runners—and sparks campaigns, tools, and allyship efforts in response.

‘The Ridiculous Run’ calls attention to the issue and highlights the need for male education and allyship

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 become a widely referenced resource in discussions around gender, safety, and sport. Its stark findings—particularly the statistic that 92% of women feel unsafe while running—have resonated globally, sparking media coverage, academic citations, and a wave of grassroots, institutional and technological responses.

• 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.

Take action / learn more:

• Read the full study summary.

• Access the allyship playbooks developed in collaboration with White Ribbon to understand how to support women's safety in running. The first playbook focuses on learning and self-reflection. The second playbook focuses on action and allyship. 

• Watch and share "The Ridiculous Run" campaign video.

• Sign the pledge via the adidas Running app to commit to standing against violence towards women.

• Use the adidas Running app's safety features, such as live location sharing, to enhance safety during runs.