A 13-country academic study examining how safety concerns and harassment shape women's experiences of running in public spaces across different cultural and political contexts.

In 2025, running specialist PassaRunning released the findings of research among 1,000 men and women in the Netherlands, exploring gendered differences in feelings of safety while running in the dark.

The study investigates the prevalence, nature, and impact of abuse experienced by women runners in Greater Manchester and Merseyside (UK) and fills a critical gap in criminological research about the topic.

The first large-scale, mixed-methods study focused specifically on sexual harassment and assault (SHSA) in the trail and ultrarunning communities.

This study examines how women trail runners in England perceive and respond to male harassment and feelings of vulnerability in rural, off-road running spaces.

Reclaim Your Run, a 2021 collaboration between Runner’s World and Women’s Health, investigates the widespread harassment and safety concerns faced by women runners in the UK.

This report from the Mayor of London’s office shines a spotlight on the experiences of women, girls, and gender diverse people in public spaces across the city. Through a blend of data, personal stories, and policy recommendations, the report aims to make London safer and more welcoming for all.

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.

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.

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. 

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

A study to understand barriers, safety, and inclusion for BIPOC runners in U.S. trail, road running and racing.

A multi-year initiative by the NSW Office of Sport, run in collaboration with Transport for NSW as part of the broader Safer Cities program. Its goal is to increase the participation of women, girls, and gender diverse people in running.

A nationwide campaign in Wales led by Welsh Athletics, the national organization for the sport, to champion women’s running safety. It launched in 2025 in effort to make running safer for women, especially during the darker winter months when many women change or limit their activity due to safety concerns.

Take Back the Track is a Australian grassroots movement dedicated to ending violence and harassment towards women and gender diverse runners.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A French movement to challenge gender-based violence and strengthen women’s freedom to run in public space. Through running events, community activities, research, and public campaigns, it raises awareness of the barriers women face and mobilizes people to help create safer, more equal running environments.

A women's running community in South London, created by the female-founded agency Among Equals to challenge the fear and safety concerns that shape many women's experiences of running, especially after dark.

Founded by Sophie Power, an ultrarunner, trustee of Women in Sport, and mother of three, who believes that a woman's place is on the start line. The organisation works to remove the barriers that keep women underrepresented in racing and to ensure that when women do race, their experience is equal.

A London-based running community and purpose-led company dedicated to making running safer and more inclusive for women. Through events, research, and advocacy, they work to address safety concerns in both street running and run club culture.

A feminist running movement founded by different running crews and communities in Berlin as a response to harassment, exclusion, and discrimination of female, queer & BIPoC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) runners.

A UK-based campaign and advocacy organization focused on transforming parks, play equipment, and public spaces, which are often designed with boys in mind, to be inclusive and appealing for girls and young women. By involving teenage girls in the design process and highlighting the lack of facilities for them, Make Space for Girls is working to ensure that outdoor environments support girls’ physical activity and safety so they can enjoy public spaces freely.

RouteBuddies is a community-driven safety app designed to connect people for group runs, walks, hikes, and bike rides. The platform empowers users to find companions for their activities and leverages technology to create safer experiences.

The VIOLA Walk Home app is a technology solution made in Italy designed to help women feel safer when returning home alone or navigating their environment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A comparative case study of Rotterdam and Helsinki that examines both objective and perceived environmental factors influencing runners’ route preferences and feelings of safety, with particular attention to gendered differences in safety concerns.

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.