Stay safe when out running
Running is a fun activity that gives many health benefits, but it is essential you stay safe whilst out running.
Wearing the correct clothing, that is reflective if running when it's dark, and staying hydrated are simple ways of staying safe whilst our running.
Learn more about pre-planning your run, what to do if you experience negative behaviours, what to do in an emergency and how you can help make running safer and more enjoyable.
- Run in daylight, but if that’s not possible then stay on well-lit routes or even use a head torch
- Let someone know where you are likely to be running and a likely time to return. If possible, share your intended route with them
- Make sure you know your route, if something happens and you are unfamiliar with the area it can be harder to find help
- Download the What3Words app, especially if running in rural areas. The app allows emergency services to locate your exact position within a 3-metre square
- Take a phone if possible but keep it hidden. If an item of yours becomes a motive for an attack, do not protect it at risk to yourself. A phone can always be replaced
- Where possible, run on the side of the road facing the oncoming traffic
- Try not to keep the exact same routine, e.g. always running a certain route at the same time
- Headphones – consider whether wearing headphones on your chosen route compromises your running safety. If you use headphones, consider bone conduction headphones that allow you to still hear what and who is around you
- Enjoy running in company - run with a local group!
If you experience negative behaviours:
- Do not react or retaliate as it can make the situation worse
- Seek help as soon as possible if someone continues to hassle or threaten. Find another member of the public and explain what is happening
- Try to keep moving and remain calm, it is the quickest way to get you to a safer point
- If there is no one around, approach and knock the door of a house. Or find somewhere safe where you can call 999
- Change direction, especially if followed by a car, bike, or motorcycle. Also, change direction if there is a risk of obstruction ahead
Report any incidents that do happen:
- Make sure you tell someone what has happened. This can help you and inform others where problems may be. It may also help avoid repeat issues to ensure others can run safely
- If you are still in immediate danger, call 999. If there is no immediate danger or risk, contact the police on 101 or via their local website where many forces have a web chat facility
- If the harassment takes place on a privately owned site/commercial business, report it to the owner
- Sharing the information with your local running group or relevant running leader can ensure that others do not face a similar incident
If you are involved in an emergency or concerning situation whist out running this is what you must do:
In an emergency always call 999
This includes:
- If there is an immediate danger to life
- Someone is using violence or is threatening to be violent
- A road traffic collision where life is at risk, or the road is blocked
- Inclusivity support for those with a hearing or speech impairment through emergencySMS service
- If in danger but not able to talk because of circumstances – call 999 and press 55 or tap when prompted and the call will be transferred to the police. The police will usually be able to find the location from this
For non-emergency reporting – any of the following options can be used.
The most important point is that the concern is reported.
This can include reporting harassment, off-road bikes, concerns of drug usage including dealing and concern for welfare for individuals:
- Greater Manchester Police Live Chat – available 24/7 to report a crime and get advice/ information Home | Greater Manchester Police (bottom right of screen)
- Online reporting –
- Call 101
- Textphone 18001 101
- Anonymously via Crimestoppers
- Online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
- By phone: 0800 555 111
- Includes Fearless: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/fearless/give-information-anonymously
If you're not a runner, or someone that does run but isn't out running, here are several ways you can help make running safer for the runner.
- Say nothing: Please don’t speak or shout out at a runner in public. What may sound like encouragement or a joke can sound hurtful and intimidating. It can also cause unnecessary distraction
- Share public space: Most runners won’t take up much room and will be past you in a few seconds. If in a group or the path is narrow, let them get past without having to step into or across the road
- Don’t touch: Allow runners their personal space. You should not make any contact with another person without their consent for any reason. Doing so can leave them feeling violated and scared. Trying to barge or impinge on their space could impact their running safety
- Don’t join in: If you are not already running, please don’t start when a runner passes by. It’s not funny, and can come across as intimidating behaviour
- Control your dog: Dogs can react in several ways and are often startled by runners. Keep them on a lead if they don’t respond to recall. Even if the dog is friendly, a dog that is jumping up and wants to ‘make friends can injure a runner by tripping them up