Running Should Feel Safe
- Melissa Londry
- Sep 7
- 3 min read
Addressing Sexual Harassment and Assault in Trail and Ultrarunning
Running has always been more than just exercise. For so many of us, it’s where we go to breathe, think, heal, and connect. The trail is supposed to be a refuge. But for too many runners, it has also become a place of fear and harm.
A recent mixed-method study of more than 1,500 trail and ultrarunners revealed sobering truths:
61% of participants reported experiencing sexual harassment or assault (SHSA) while running.
70% of women and 61% of transgender, non-binary, and gender-fluid runners reported incidents.
Only 17% of men reported similar experiences.
These numbers aren’t exaggerations. They reflect real stories from real runners. Behind each statistic is someone whose relationship with running was changed by fear, vigilance, and altered routines.
What SHSA Looks Like on the Trails
The study found that harassment and assault took many forms, including:
Catcalling and unwanted verbal comments
Unwanted touching or spanking
Flashing and forcible kissing
Stalking
Rape or attempted rape
For many, these experiences weren’t one-time events. Some participants reported thousands of incidents, describing what the researchers called “trauma saturation.”
The Impact on Runners
When safety is compromised, the joy of running is also compromised. Survivors in the study reported changing how, when, and where they run:
Avoiding trails alone or after dark
Carrying self-defense tools
Leaving group runs entirely
Keeping loved ones updated on every route and return time
As one runner put it:
“I won’t run certain places when it’s dark. I keep my keys handy to use as a weapon. I change routes if there’s a man coming towards me.”
The Culture of Acceptance Must Change
Perhaps most troubling, many survivors described how harassment has been normalized in the running community. Stories of being dismissed, brushed off, or told to “just call the police” were common. Others shared that “everyone knows” who the repeat offenders are, yet nothing is done.
This culture of silence and acceptance doesn’t just harm individuals. It erodes trust, fractures communities, and allows violence to persist.
Acknowledging Privilege
The study also highlighted the role of privilege in perceived safety. While 92.6% of men reported feeling safe while running, just 55.9% of women and 57.1% of gender-diverse runners felt the same. Some men acknowledged this openly:
“Being a white male has given me the privilege not to have to deal with these situations.”
Recognizing privilege isn’t about guilt. It’s about using awareness to foster empathy and accountability.
Building Safer Running Communities
As both a therapist and a race director, I hold these findings close. My heart aches for the runners who feel unsafe, and my professional responsibility calls me to action.
Here’s what we can do together:
Adopt zero-tolerance codes of conduct for races and clubs.
Provide clear, confidential reporting channels for harassment or assault.
Offer DEI and bystander intervention training for volunteers, crews, and leaders.
Believe survivors when they share their stories.
Look out for one another on the trails and in our communities.
Running is too important to be overshadowed by fear. Every runner, regardless of gender, age, or identity, deserves to feel safe and supported.
My Commitment
To those who have felt objectified, dismissed, or unsafe: I am sorry. Your story matters. Your nervous system matters. Your joy in movement matters.
I commit to directing races and creating spaces that protect and uplift every runner.
Together, we can change the culture of trail and ultrarunning into one that is not only welcoming, but fiercely protective of its people.
If you need support, confidential help is available 24/7 through RAINN (1-800-656-HOPE).
Read the study here: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/12/6/359
Let’s run toward a future where safety, respect, and community care are the foundation of our sport.
❤️ Melissa
Comments