Respect Running Project
Respect Running Project
Too many women, girls and gender-diverse
people change how, when or where they
run because they don’t feel safe.
I’m proud to be working with the NSW Government through Run My Way, a partnership between the Office of Sport and Transport for NSW through the Safer Cities program, to change the conversation about running safety.
A couple of years ago, I surveyed almost 2,000 women about how safe they feel running. The results were confronting.
Women, girls and gender-diverse people carry a disproportionate burden of fear every single time they lace up.
We reroute. We dress differently. We check the time, the lighting, who’s around. Or we don’t go at all.
That is not okay. And the answer is not another “list of tips “ for women and gender diverse runners.
Starting in September 2026, we’ll be speaking with runners and testing campaign ideas rooted in empathy and lived experience, and helping men and boys understand the practical role they can play.
What we learn will help shape recommendations to the NSW Government for a broader Respect Running campaign.
I’m really proud to be part of this work and over the coming weeks, I’ll be inviting you to share your experiences and help us test some of the ideas so stay tuned.
Resources
We shouldn’t have to run scared
Do you feel safe going out for a run? Almost 80% of women I surveyed in 2024 told me they had changed their running routine because of harassment or safety concerns. Does anyone else find this outrageous?
The results of my running safety survey
In 2024, I asked my community a fairly simple question: Did they feel safe going out for a run? Close to 2,000 people responded. More than 99% of those people identified as a woman. And the stats were horrifying.
How safe do women feel out running?
Almost 2,000 women shared with me what it really feels like to run in public. My Running Safety Survey Report highlights the impacts of feeling unsafe while exercising.
Want to be part of this?
I’m looking for runners to share their experiences and help us test some ideas. If that sounds like you, let me know below.
