That’s the serious post klaxon
Hydrate. Stretch. This one’s for the oxygen thieves.
Firstly, it’s so disappointing that this even needs to be a thing, but here we are.
A national survey by Runner’s World found that nearly two-thirds of female runners have experienced harassment, most commonly from men in cars/vans.
Let that sink in.
Two-thirds.
And in 2024, Sport England’s This Girl Can survey found that 72% of women change their behaviour during darker winter nights. Different routes. Different times. Extra precautions. All because some men can’t manage basic decency.
That’s not “oversensitive.”
That’s reality.
So West Mercia Police, in conjunction with the local government, have launched the “Jog On” campaign.
As part of it, female officers will head out dressed as runners, identifying cases of assault, catcalling and sexually suggestive comments, then calling in nearby support crews to deal with offenders.
And while The Haphazard Athlete is 100% behind initiatives like this, he is equally 100% against the dickheads that make them necessary.
If you think leaning out of your badly modified Corsa and shouting at women mid-run makes you big or clever, you couldn’t be further from the truth.
That’s not alpha.
That’s not banter.
That’s GCSE-level emotional development with car finance.
The last thing anyone needs is a grown man using a car window as a stage for his emotional immaturity.:
Here’s a wild concept:
If you see someone running
Let them run.
Mind your business.
Drive your car.
Grow up.
FFS, women shouldn’t need police operations just to go for a run.
Sport should be accessible to everyone.
Public spaces belong to everyone.
Running shouldn’t require bravery, just trainers.
Running builds confidence.
Strength.
Headspace.
Community.
Don’t be the reason someone feels unsafe chasing that.
And if that feels like a high bar?
Do better.
Or, put very simply
As I belive Bowling for Soup said Don’t be a dick.
The inevitable accompanying TikTok post
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