If you’ve ever run through unfamiliar areas, you’ve probably felt unsafe. Even in familiar places, running at odd hours—too early or too late—can trigger that sense of being on alert. And if it’s also a poorly lit area, the perceived risk goes up. The thing is, we run when we can, but not always in the best conditions.
Inspired by Murakami’s title, “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running,” I want to share a few personal experiences that capture that feeling of vulnerability when running alone.
Dehesa de la Villa, Madrid
It was pitch dark. I was running downhill when a dog came toward me barking, while at the same time a man grabbed me to stop the animal from attacking. I was so startled that I elbowed him on instinct. Even today, every time I pass that spot, the scene comes back to me.
Regent’s Park, London
500-metre intervals at a 3:30 pace, in the rain, with muddy feet. I finished the workout and, on my way back, found the park gate closed. I had to go around it at night, wondering whether the police would spot me inside while patrolling, stop me as I tried to jump out, or be waiting on the other side of the fence. It was a mix of tension and nerves I won’t forget.
Marlow, United Kingdom
11 p.m., by the River Thames, a 3×1 km workout. It was my first time there and it was completely dark. The unease of not knowing exactly where I was—or what could happen if something went wrong—stayed with me throughout the session.
My stories are limited to a few isolated scares, but the data shows that feeling unsafe while running is a real, global issue—especially for women. According to an international Adidas study of 9,000 runners:
These figures highlight the need to create safer environments for running, promoting education and a shift in societal attitudes.
At Buddy Pacer, we believe that running with others doesn’t just boost motivation—it also makes you feel safer. Our app connects you with other runners and includes specific measures to protect your privacy:
Women-only option: your activity can be shown only to other women runners.
Manual buddy control: you approve your running buddies after reviewing their profile and comments.
Privacy as a core principle: you only share what you choose.
We want all your energy to focus on what truly matters: enjoying the power of running with others, safely and with confidence.
Join Buddy Pacer and discover the difference it makes to train with others.
References
Adidas Study: “The Ridiculous Run”.
Adidas commissioned international research surveying 9,000 people (4,500 who identify as women and 4,500 who identify as men) across Japan, China, US, UK, Mexico, UAE, France, Germany and South Korea, aged 16-34. Responses were collected between 17 December 2022 – 6 January 2023.
https://news.adidas.com/running/new-adidas-study-finds-92–of-women-are-concerned-for-their-safety-when-they-go-for-a-run/s/c318f69e-7575-4ced-bbf3-9db6d2ab1642
