Safety tips for female runners

Are male runners sometimes called Forrest Gump from some driver racing by? Sure. But gender-based harassment affects 65 percent of women and 25 percent of men, according to the National Street Harassment Report. Most runner harassment — from ugly words to physical attacks — is thrown at female runners. Here are some safety tips.

Run in a populated area or with a running buddy

You can also reach out to your local running club to see if they have weekly group runs.

Make sure you can hear what’s going on around you

If you must listen to music, keep the volume low enough to hear yourself talking over it. Test yourself: Put on your tunes and recite the alphabet. If you can’t hear your own voice, turn the music down.

Wear running lights and/or reflective clothing when running at night.

Change up your route

People targeting runners are often looking for someone who is in the same place at the same time, all the time.

Have identification with you

It should contain your name and the contact information of a local friend or relative who can be called in case of an emergency. You can buy an ID tag that connects to your shoelaces or around your wrist or ankle, carry a laminated piece of paper with you or write it on your shoe or a tag on a handheld water bottle.

If Something Does Happen … You have a few options when it comes to responding to harassment, says Holly Kearl, founder and executive director of Stop Street Harassment.

Ignore it

Run away and/or call for help if you feel that you’re in danger.

Keep going

Show you disapprove of what happened by glaring back at your harasser or shaking your head.

Confront the harasser

Some women feel comfortable confronting their harasser. If you are, Ms. Kearl recommends saying something short and assertive like “No.” “Stop it.” “That’s harassment.”

Report it

What type of harassment is considered a crime depends on your state. Stop Street Harassment has an online guide you can consult.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.