As a recent graduate I have become bored of running the same route over and over. I live in a place where there are a fair few quiet routes, through woodland and old train lines. The problem is, I am really worried about being attacked. I have read stories now and again about these things happening and wondered if anybody knows the actual stats on safety of running in secluded areas.
Anybody have any tips for finding new routes or staying safe? Thanks in advance!
Of course no one wants to be attacked, if you look at the statistics of your local area regarding people who are attacked they are probably very low, not advisable to run in the dark at any time where the route has no lights, especially in the evening, where there are lights less lightly to be attacked in the early morning, say between 6 and 7.30.
I just hope that you can find a running route that you feel safe and there have been no reports of any one being attacked.
Have you thought about joining a running club so that you can run with others safely? Usually there are groups of every level and they are so inclusive it’s worth having a look 😊
This is really hard to answer Sooty because if you’re worried about an attack, nothing we could say is likely to alter that. BUT, though sadly it’s true people do get attacked, this is rare and the vast majority of people go about their business perfectly safely. My guess is that if you find the new routes you mention, you’ll find that they’re far from quiet . You’ll be avoiding dog walkers, runners, walkers, cyclist, mums with toddlers - all of them looking for somewhere quiet! Do you have someone you could run with or who could meet you along the way or in the car park at the end (coffee!)? Or maybe, as Walswife suggested, perhaps take a look at joining a running club where you’ll find support and runners at the same level as you. I can’t help with any stats for you but I really think if you’re out and about in daylight, you’re going to be fine. I hope you soon find somewhere to run that suits you - enjoy it! And let us know how you get on!
Without knowing the area, it’s difficult to advise. In general areas are safer during daylight hours, and probably the morning is safer than the evening, even when the evening has daylight. You might be able to find crime data for the area - google “crime in my area” and you should be able to access police data (and other sources). You will almost certainly find the areas you are thinking of are used by other runners, dog walkers, cyclists etc. MapMyRun will show running routes people have logged, giving you an idea of what works as a route and what is popular. Can you go with a buddy, even if you don’t run together? Just meeting someone at the end, for instance? Also make sure someone knows where you are going and the time you expect to be back. Whilst I don’t recommend open sharing of your whereabouts, there can be benefit in allowing a loved one to be able to see your location on e.g Apple’s “find my” or Android’s equivalent.
My gut feeling is that mornings are a little bit safer than evenings. If you can, find people you trust to run with. Look for open areas, well lit areas, areas with enough of the public around.
Do let others know when you're going out, where you plan to go, and when you expect to be back. The Google Maps app (on Apple and Android) has the ability to share your location with others in nearly real time.
I don't know if personal attack alarms are still something that's recommended, or whether they have any effect.
First of all, I realise that you're genuinely concerned and I hope that this post doesn't come over as critical of you, as it's really not meant that way.
Because of where I live, almost all my running since I started C25K just under four months ago has been done in secluded areas: little country roads, tracks and paths through fields and forests. Yesterday, for example, my route included around 4k along a forest track where I didn't see a soul. It didn't actually occur to me that I might be attacked, I was more concerned that I might trip and injure myself, or burn out while I was still several km from home!
Let's be clear, I think that the advice given about running with someone else, avoiding the dark, and telling people where you're going is eminently sensible. It's sensible for anyone, because anyone can get injured or lost.
I'd add that varying your route, rather than always being in the same place at the same time, could potentially minimise the risk of your being spotted and tracked by someone with malevolent intentions.
Being aware of your surroundings, and those around you, also helps you react to unexpected situations - and that doesn't just mean being attacked, it can also mean things like helping someone else who's fallen ill or had an accident.
Having said all that, I think Oldgirlruns makes some excellent points - what statistics would it take for you to feel safe? There are no 100% guarantees. And in the highly unlikely event that you were to be attacked, please remember that it would NOT be your fault. It's the fault of the attacker, not the victim.
I hope you find a solution that suits you, and that you continue to run safely and happily.
The thing is, I almost feel like I am welcoming being attacked by running somewhere quiet, even if I do run there in the morning when it’s early and I’ve told somebody where I’m going. Maybe it’s my mindset than the actual risk. A small risk would be something less than 5 per cent, to me!
Me again!
You know what makes me really sad, frustrated and angry about this thread? It's the fact that, 40 years after I was a student at the time the Yorkshire Ripper was committing his crimes, the prevailing media messages still seem to be "Women, be scared, don't go out, you might get attacked!" rather than "Men, don't go out and attack women!"
I'm not for a moment suggesting that all men are attackers, and that no women are, nor that only women are victims of aggression. I recognise that's absolutely not the case.
But really, why ever would you, or anybody, be "welcoming being attacked by running somewhere quiet"? If someone goes somewhere quiet - or indeed anywhere - with the intention of attacking someone, then they are the one in the wrong.
You aren't asking for it, please don't ever think that.
Again, I really hope you find a way to keep on running that makes you feel safe and happy.
I agree entirely with your sentiment Cmoi. There is a completely wrong focus on women who should try to avoid being attacked and not enough to socialise boys to grow up to respect women.
I am a teacher and saw a poster in a classroom the other day, on a PHSE display that seemed to suggest that if a woman - or girl considering the context - drank alcohol that they were inviting the violence upon themselves. Made me so angry. What’s worse is it was a poster produced by the police.
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