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.
Barriers, Safety, and Belonging: BIPOC Runners’ Experiences in U.S. Trail and Road Running
A study to understand barriers, safety, and inclusion for BIPOC runners in U.S. trail, road running and racing.
Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation
U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world where women live boldly and fearlessly. The foundation promotes safety awareness and gender equality through education, advocacy, and self-defense training.
Free to Move
U.S.-based nonprofit organization established in memory of Alyssa Lokits, a 34 year old woman tragically killed in October 2024 while running in Nashville, Tennessee.
Running Mate
A U.S.-based mobile application designed to enhance the safety of runners by connecting them with verified companions, known as "Running Mates." Founded by Dena Lewis after her personal experiences with assault while running, the platform aims to reduce violence against runners and foster a community where individuals can pursue their fitness goals with confidence.
Let's Lift the Curfew – This Girl Can
Launched in 2023 by Sport England’s This Girl Can initiative, Let’s Lift the Curfew is a national campaign addressing the safety concerns that prevent women from being active outdoors during the darker months. Through community runs, public awareness, and advocacy, the campaign calls for systemic change to ensure women can move freely and safely year-round.
#LetHerRun Women’s Safety Campaign by Marathon Sports
Launched in October 2020 by Marathon Sports and its affiliated brands, the #LetHerRun campaign aimed to spotlight the pervasive issue of harassment faced by women runners in New England. By collecting personal accounts, organizing virtual events, and partnering with organizations supporting domestic violence survivors, the campaign sought to foster a safer and more respectful environment for female runners.
Adidas Campaign: The Ridiculous Run
The "Ridiculous Run" campaign launched in 2023 in response to a new Adidas study revealing that 92% of women feel unsafe while running. The campaign highlights the often absurd safety measures women take, aiming to spark conversations around male allyship and societal change to combat harassment and violence against female runners.
Safer Evening Running: A Community-Based Approach
Launched in February 2025, the Safer Running initiative by Gwent Police aims to provide advice and reassurance to women and girls who run outdoors during evening hours. In collaboration with Welsh Athletics, the initiative has engaged with over 100 female members of local running clubs to address safety concerns and promote confidence among female runners.
JogOn – Safer Bradford
Launched by the Safer Bradford Community Safety Partnership, the JogOn campaign addresses the harassment faced by female runners and joggers in Bradford. The initiative encourages victims and witnesses to report incidents, aiming to create a safer environment for women engaging in outdoor physical activities.
The Safe Marathon
The Safe Marathon is a global virtual event organized annually by the nonprofit Free to Run. Held each March, it invites participants to run any distance, anywhere, in solidarity with women and girls in conflict zones who face restrictions on their freedom of movement. The initiative raises awareness about gender inequality and supports Free to Run’s programs that empower young women through sports and leadership development.
With Women We Run: An Allyship Toolkit for Running Communities
The Adidas With Women We Run Toolkit is a comprehensive resource developed by Adidas Runners in partnership with gender equality experts and social impact consultants to address harassment and violence against women in running. Its primary goal is to educate, inspire, and mobilize runners—especially men—to become allies, challenge gender norms, and foster safer, more inclusive running environments. The toolkit has sparked global conversations, influenced local safety initiatives, and catalyzed cultural change within the running community, promoting lasting impact for women’s safety and equity.
Supporting Women and Girls in Winter Sport: Research-Informed Guidance
Evidence-based guidance to sustain and grow women’s participation in running and outdoor sport during winter months.
#WEWILL Campaign
A grassroots campaign founded by women runners to raise awareness of the pervasive sexual harassment experienced by women while running and to drive positive, collective action that enables women to run freely and safely.