I know many blogs have been written already about running safely as a woman. Reason being that unfortunately, sexist and inappropriate remarks, annoying guys and sexual harassment do happen in every country. I also faced problematic behaviours and remarks when running in France: the catcalls in Paris’ streets, the bad jokes in Grenoble, and I even freaked out in my parents’ village when I just started running.
However, I still believe that we are (even) more vulnerable in a country and culture we don’t know, when we are clearly identified as a foreigner, and when we are far from relatives and potential support.
Experience of a mzungu female runner
Everyday life can already be tiring enough as a woman in a few countries I lived in. Being followed by guys is a common thing in Casablanca, in Kampala I couldn’t walk a 100 meters without a guy trying to talk to me (telling me “helloooo” as if I were 5 years old), in Dakar one taxi driver out of two is asking me if I’m married and trying to get my number.
But when running, you attract even more attention since (1) there are very few women running in these countries in general and (2) well, as a (female) muzungu/toubab you always attract attention anyway.
It goes from being whistled at (the classic thing) to guys asking me “can I join you?”, to old men watching me when I’m passing the cafés terraces, to young boys blocking my way for a joke (haha how funny), to a guy following me and grabbing me by the arm to get my number… Not mentioning the “it’s great for a woman” comment I got after a race, or the guys not accepting that I pass them in the swimming lane…
Most of these behaviours are not (fortunately) threatening, and I rarely feel unsafe. But they are annoying, make me feel uncomfortable and, most importantly, they would not happen if I were a man. They are here to remind you that the street, the public space and outdoor in general are primarily made for men. And in fact, it’s striking to count the number of men vs women, and even more boys vs girls in the street in Dakar.
Anyway, after this long introduction, here is my short survival guide for running abroad as a woman. They can of course apply for everyone, and I already developed most of them more in details in a previous post.
Running abroad as a woman: personnal tips and reflections
Pick your route carefully
First, ask locals and/or other expats to know which areas are safe and which ones you should avoid. Be careful, the expat neighbourhoods are not always the safest, as they are very quiet and often targeted by the thieves.
Second, try not to repeat the same route, especially if you’re always running around the same time. If you are the only (white) girl running around, people will easily identify you and understand your routine. So try to introduce some variations (go reverse on your loop, take a different street), it will also help you not getting bored with your routine.
Stay alert of what’s going on around you and try to spot unusual behaviours. I would rather avoid listening to music not to be cut off from the environment (also to hear the cars and motorbikes, it’s a matter of direct survival in African cities). Talking of motorbikes, those are the main threat for mugging and snatching stuff.
Finally, be careful of sports social media like Strava where you share you routes publicly. At least, blur your starting and finish point.
Beware of the time
Although some cities can be safe (like Hanoi), in general, avoid running late at night as much as possible.
Running early morning can be a good option though, as most of the time there is already activity in the streets (and sometimes it’s the only moment you can go to avoid the daily heat).
Be identifiable
Whether you injure yourself or have any safety issue, you need to be identifiable to get assistance. I strongly advise against taking your passport or official document with you.
Here are the alternatives that I can recommend:
- Take a hard copy of you passport (or resident card, etc) that has been certified (“legalised”) by the country’s local authorities (the police or local administration)
- Make a small identification card with basic information: your name, date of birth, nationality, phone numbers to contact in case of emergency (local police, emergency services, your Consulate, your relatives…), blood type and any other important health information
- Make a customisable wristband with all the information above. That’s personnally what I chose to do, and I’ve been wearing the same one for years. It takes virtually no space and it just becomes a habit to take it every time I go out for a run. You have the choice between different brands to create your own (data-vitae, safe sport ID in France, road ID, Gone For a Run…).
What about my outfit?
Vietnam, Uganda, Morocco, Senegal… Several countries where I lived and where wearing short clothes for women is not that easy and sometimes not appropriate.
Although I have always been respectful in my daily life (I never wore shorts in Africa, I’m covering myself in temples and mosques), running is another story. I just CANNOT run with a legging when it’s 30°C (actually when it’s above 10°C).
On the one hand, running in shorts (especially as a white woman) can be uncomfortable and attract attention. But on the other hand, being a white woman, people will tend to be more lenient with you because you come from another culture. That’s why I really admire all the local women who still go running with long sleeves and with a hijab, as they have to endure much more social pressure than me.
Besides, I also consider that people should be understanding and make a difference between wearing shorts for sports and wearing shorts for other occasions. Maybe I’m wrong and some people still find it offensive anyway. Or maybe I would get as many remarks as I get even if I were wearing long sleeves. I’m also running to feel strong and free, and I still prefer getting a few guys staring at my butt that sacrificing that freedom. Anyway, don’t forget that men are wearing shorts both for sports and for their everyday life, and they are not even wondering if they are allowed to.
However, I never tried to run only with a bra (and God knows how I would like to when it’s 35°C), but I have already seen women doing so (even here in Dakar), so it’s not impossible either. To be sure, ask locals what they think and if it would be acceptable.
Run with a group
I’m mostly a lonely runner. I can count the times when I’m running with someone on the fingers of one hand (basically when I visit my friends back to France and a two or three times in Kampala and Casa). But I’m treating myself and considering joining a local running group in Dakar. Not only it’s safer to run in a group, but it’s also a good way to meet new people as an expat. You can try to explore Facebook groups, ask around or see if there’s a local Hash House Harriers club in your city (they are pretty much everywhere).
Take equipment?
I have to recognise that I virtually never take my phone with me, because (1) it’s inconvenient as I don’t have anywhere to put it, (2) I feel like it could attract attention and I could be more likely to get robbed and (3) unless I’m trying a new route and looking for my way, I don’t need it 95% of the time. But part of me feels guilty since in case anything happens, I can’t contact the police/the emergency services/anyone. I guess the best option is to take an old basic phone with a few useful numbers saved, or take your smartphone but with a flipbelt or something to hide it discreetly.
However, I considered several times taking a small tear gas can (and not only for running 😅). But again, never did because I wouldn’t know where to put it.
Conclusion
Unless there is a direct permanent threat, don’t give up on going running wherever you are. You will always find somewhere or techniques to reduce risks and annoying situations.
Most importantly, the few situations I faced do not erase nor overweight the thousand of good experiences I had when running in my host cities and countries, including running with local friends, and people cheering me and complimenting me on the way (“Bsaha!”).
Stay strong, keep running!
And you, what’s your exprience and what are your tips when it comes to running abroad as a woman?