Preventing Public Sexual Harassment in Running Communities: A Toolkit for Run Clubs

A comprehensive toolkit to help run clubs prevent, manage, and audit public sexual harassment, ensuring safer running environments for women and marginalized genders.

The Public Sexual Harassment Guidance for Run Clubs, created by the advocacy group Our Streets Now, is a research-informed toolkit designed to help running clubs address public sexual harassment (PSH). Developed as part of the organization’s broader work to prevent harassment in public spaces, schools, workplaces, and community settings, the toolkit aims to help clubs establish safer, more inclusive running environments and adopt consistent safeguarding practices.

What you should know:

Organizational context and positioning:
Advocacy, education, policy guidance, and community toolkits developed by Our Streets Now to address public sexual harassment across public and community spaces, including sports and running environments.

Toolkit functionality and application:
By providing actionable guidance on preventing, managing, and auditing harassment incidents, the toolkit helps run clubs establish protocols, improve reporting processes, and foster club cultures that prioritize safety and inclusion.

• What the Toolkit provides:

  • Definitions and context for PSH in running environments.

  • A three-tiered framework: Prevent, Manage, Audit.

  • Tailored advice for different types of run clubs (e.g., regulated, sponsored, community, gym-led, employer-based).

  • Step-by-step incident response protocols for first- and second-person reports.

  • Guidance on creating codes of conduct and reporting mechanisms.

  • Resources for supporting victims, including mental health contacts.

  • Templates and checklists for policy development and incident documentation.

• Key safety tips included:

  • Foster awareness of PSH through ongoing conversations, posters, and digital communication.

  • Establish and publicize a zero-tolerance policy for harassment.

  • Make reporting procedures clear and accessible to all members.

  • Assign a diverse group of safeguarding contacts within the club.

  • Ensure emotional and physical safety of victims and witnesses.

  • Collect and review data on incidents to inform future prevention strategies.

Learn more about the toolkit: Public Sexual Harassment Guidance for Run Clubs

Take action / learn more:

• Share this resource with your running group or club leadership.

• Designate safeguarding contacts and make reporting procedures visible.

• Reach out to Our Streets Now