She Didn’t Come Home: Remembering and Advocating for Women Lost While Walking and Running
A storytelling and advocacy project documenting cases of women who were killed or went missing while walking or running, and calling for systemic reforms in justice and safety.
Gender Differences in Urban Recreational Running
This study by McGill University’s Platial Analysis Lab analyzes over 20,000 Strava running routes in Washington, D.C., and Montréal to understand how gender influences when and where people run in cities.
Exploring Safety Concerns Among Women Runners in the Netherlands
A survey of women runners in the Netherlands to better understand their experiences and safety concerns while running, and to collect feedback on the types of interventions and solutions they valued most.
Women’s Experiences of Safety and Harassment While Running in Australia
A public survey launched by Australian runner and advocate Turia Pitt to better understand how safety concerns shape the running experiences of women. With roughly 2,000 responses, her dataset offers firsthand accounts of the fears, adjustments, and emotional weight that many runners carry.
Running as Spatial Resistance: The Taking Space Initiative
An initiative designed to challenge gendered limitations in public spaces by encouraging women to run together in environments where their presence is unexpected or even discouraged.
Free to Run
A nonprofit organization that uses running and outdoor sports to empower girls and young women in areas of conflict. By providing safe spaces and leadership training, they help participants develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of agency, challenging gender norms and promoting peace.
Urban Lighting and Perceived Safety: Lessons from Melbourne’s Tan
The City of Melbourne (Australia) installed permanent lighting along The Tan running track to extend access and improve safety, particularly for early-morning and evening runners. The City reports increased use and positive feedback, with many runners saying they now feel safer using the space.
Safer Parks Guidance: Improving Access for Women and Girls
The Safer Parks Guidance from the University of Leeds lays out clear, evidence-based steps to make parks feel more welcoming and safe for women and girls.
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.