Last week, Shokz, Let’s Do This and Brooks collaborated to host an inspiring panel of female runners in London. The ambition was simple, celebrate and share the experiences of women who run, whilst reflecting on the challenges they face.
Our fantastic panel included:
● Rehana Mawani – Run club lead at Club 99
● Tasha Thompson – Founder of Black Girls Do Run and mum
● Sophie Power – GB ultra athlete and mum of three
● Emily Shane – Runner and pace-inclusive advocate
Three big things we took away from the evening:
1. Running Can Bring Different Things, Based on Different Chapters in Your Life
While all the panel shared their love of running; from the community it brings, to personal accomplishments and the physical and mental health benefits. They also reflected on how their relationship with running wasn’t always a constant one. Motivations for running evolve with different life stages, from frequent to occasional, but that is also what is great about the sport.
2. Unwanted Attention is Something Most Women Runners have to Face, Especially Women of Colour.
The conversation wasn’t without acknowledgment of the barriers women still face. From pace pressures through race cut off times and social media’s fascination with speedy PBs over experience, to a lack of female-friendly facilities at events and unequal treatment of male and female athletes. The panel also discussed the unwanted attention a lot of women receive when out on a run. Tasha highlighted how this was an especially prominent issue for women of colour and was something that she believed contributed to preventing many from taking up the sport.
3. Tackling Safety Concerns is Everyone’s Responsibility
Notably, safety emerged as a recurring theme that was front of mind for a lot of women, especially in the winter months. While it’s a concern for many women, the panel was clear: running is for everyone, and no one should feel forced to give it up out of fear.
The key takeaway? Conversations matter—especially with male friends, who often aren’t aware of the everyday precautions women take while running, or the fact they can inadvertently be part of the problem. Simple things like making steps to appear less threatening or acknowledging others’ experience of running that are different to your own can go a long way to helping make everyone feel more secure and in control while running. By opening and continuing these dialogues, we can all work toward solutions that help create an environment where everyone feels safe.
Practical Tips for Safer Runs
Here’s advice from the panel to help you feel more confident and secure on your next run:
1. Plan Your Route
Shorter winter days mean more runs in the dark. Stick to well-lit, popular paths and avoid isolated areas. Tools like Strava’s heatmaps can help you find the safest routes.
2. Buddy Up or Share Your Location
Running with a friend or club is a great safety boost. If you’re going solo, let someone know your route and estimated return time. Apps like Find My Friends allow you to share your location for peace of mind.
3. Stay Aware with Shokz Headphones
Music and podcasts keep motivation high, but awareness is key. Shokz bone conduction headphones, like the OpenRun Pro 2s, let you enjoy your soundtrack while staying tuned into your surroundings.
4. Educate Your Male Counterparts
Talking to male friends about how it feels to run as a woman can lead to positive change. Small gestures, like crossing the street to avoid startling someone or giving space when passing, make a big difference.
5. Bring Your Phone
While unplugging can be tempting, your phone is an essential safety tool. Keep it with you for emergencies, navigation, or letting others track your location if needed.
Let us know your thoughts
Is there anything else you believe is important to share to help make running more accessible and safe, or perhaps other helpful tips we can include? We’d love to hear from you - please comment on our In Her Stride posts on Instagram to continue the conversation.
