The Unspoken Hurdles: Safety Concerns for Women in Running

Lucy Lavington’s Unsettling Experience

Lucy Lavington, an 18-year-old runner from Abergavenny in Monmouthshire, recently shared a disturbing incident that has shone a light on an unspoken issue. While out for a run in the darker winter months, a car pulled up alongside her, and the driver began catcalling. This incident is not unique and has brought to the fore safety concerns for women in sports, particularly those who enjoy running.

The Strava Reports

International sports company Strava’s annual report echoes such concerns. The report shows that women are 9% more likely than men to cite safety concerns as an obstacle to running. In the UK, this concern is even more prominent, with women being 160% more likely than men to cite safety as an issue.

The Strava report also highlighted other external factors affecting people’s exercise habits, such as climate change. Extreme heat was shown to affect 75% of users’ exercise plans, while poor air quality interfered for 27% of users.

The Rise in ACL Tears among Female Athletes

While safety concerns are a significant issue, they are not the only hurdle that female athletes face. Medical research has shown a rising trend in ACL tears among female athletes, with elite female athletes being 8 times more likely to experience this injury than their male counterparts. This underscores the need for proper conditioning and training for female athletes to help prevent such injuries.

The Culture of Hypervigilance

Many women adopt a state of hypervigilance when running alone out of fear of potential attacks. A recent disappearance of a woman in the UK has only further amplified these fears. Despite such concerns, running continues to be a popular activity, with many users reporting that running, even when done alone, helps fight feelings of loneliness.

Challenges Faced By Afghan Female Athletes

Internationally, women in sports face unique challenges. For example, in Afghanistan, the future of women’s sports under the Taliban’s rule is uncertain. Despite the athletes’ commitment to following hijab norms and fully covering their bodies, their right to participate in sports is being questioned. Many professional Afghan athletes have left the country since the Taliban’s takeover, raising concerns over the future of women’s rights and freedoms in Afghanistan.

The Way Forward

While the issues faced by women in sports are multifaceted, they are not insurmountable. Greater awareness, education, and active steps towards ensuring safety and respect for women in sports are necessary. Men can contribute to creating a safer space by crossing the street if walking behind a woman at night, speaking up against inappropriate comments, and fostering a culture of respect and equality.

It’s important to remember that exercise should be a safe and enjoyable activity for everyone. The research and personal experiences shared here are reminders of the work still to be done to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all women in sports.