Women’s running safety tips – inspired by the spirit of Kielder

With eight weeks to go until this year’s Kielder Marathon weekend, runners across the North East and beyond are deep into training mode, preparing for everything from the 10K to the full marathon. Among them are thousands of women logging miles, building confidence and dreaming of race day beside the stunning waters of Kielder.

But while training brings energy, purpose and routine, many women face another very real concern: safety. For too many, choosing when and where to run comes with additional considerations. And that’s something we at Events of the North, alongside our new title sponsor Altra, are working to change.

At this year’s Kielder Marathon, we want to create an environment where every runner feels safe and supported, both on race day and on the journey that leads to it. As part of this, we’re spotlighting simple, practical women’s running safety tips, with a focus on running in North East England.

Why women’s running safety matters

Running is one of the most accessible, empowering sports out there, but it doesn’t always feel that way. Surveys show that a majority of women runners have experienced harassment or unwanted attention while out on a run, and many say they regularly adapt their training plans to feel safer.

It’s about freedom, and creating the conditions for every runner – especially women – to feel in control, confident and able to enjoy their sport without compromise.

That’s one of the driving forces behind Altra’s partnership with the Kielder Marathon in 2025. As a running brand known for its inclusive values and athlete-first approach, Altra is using its platform to support safer, more supportive running spaces for women. Their “She Runs Free” campaign ties directly into this mission, and the Kielder Marathon offers the perfect setting to bring it to life.

10 women’s running safety tips for runners in the North East

Whether you’re running through the streets of Sunderland, looping Saltwell Park in Gateshead or training on the trails near Kielder Forest, here are 10 practical tips to help women runners stay safe and confident.

1. Plan your route ahead of time

Before heading out, decide on your route and check for lighting, foot traffic and terrain. Whether you’re running through Jesmond Dene, along the Ouseburn or out in the countryside, mapping your route helps reduce uncertainty. Let someone know your plan and when you expect to be back – particularly useful for early morning or rural runs.

2. Prioritise daylight and visibility

Stick to daylight hours when possible, especially on quieter or wooded routes. Long summer evenings in the North East provide brilliant opportunities for safe, scenic runs – from the Durham riverside to the paths along South Shields’ coast.

3. Stay aware of your surroundings

Avoid wearing noise-cancelling headphones. Opt instead for open-ear or bone-conduction styles that allow you to enjoy music or podcasts while staying alert to your environment. Hearing what’s happening around you is key — especially in areas like Kielder where you might not see many people for miles.

4. Trust your gut

If a route or area doesn’t feel right, don’t run it. Whether it’s a quiet alley or an unlit lane, it’s always better to adjust your plan. Your intuition is one of your best safety tools.

5. Vary your routes and routines

Changing up your running routes and times can reduce predictability and also add some excitement to your training. Alternate between parks, riverside paths and well-used urban trails. Try mixing in places like Herrington Country Park, Blyth Beach or the Leas at South Shields for variety.

6. Carry identification and emergency info

Take a phone, wear a wristband with your name and emergency contact or use a shoe tag with key medical information. In more remote areas like Kielder, consider adding a whistle or small torch to your kit – just in case.

7. Run with others when you can

Running with friends, local clubs or organised groups is a great way to stay safe. There are brilliant women’s running groups across the North East, offering both social and training support. If you’re new to the area or visiting for the Kielder event, it’s worth linking up with a local club for pre-race runs.

8. Take a self-defence workshop

Many local leisure centres and community groups in cities like Newcastle and Middlesbrough offer short self-defence classes. You may never need the skills, but learning them can increase confidence and situational awareness.

9. Use live tracking tools

Apps like Strava Beacon, Garmin LiveTrack or even sharing your live location through WhatsApp can allow someone to follow your progress in real time. It’s a simple, effective way to stay connected – especially helpful on long solo runs or early starts.

10. Choose the right gear for you

Good running kit does more than keep you comfortable, it supports you mentally too. Altra’s running shoes, for example, are designed with a women-specific fit and focus on balance and freedom of movement. Comfortable, well-fitting shoes help you feel ready for anything, whether it’s a threshold run around Rising Sun Country Park or 26.2 miles through the Kielder trails.

How Altra is supporting women in running

This year’s title partnership between Altra and the Kielder Marathon is more than just branding. Altra is actively working to support women in running through their “Stay Out There: She Runs Free” initiative, which focuses on visibility, safety and support.

As part of this campaign, they’ve launched a partnership with Boldli to select 10 women to support through to take part in the Kielder Marathon highlighting real stories from female runners across the UK. Their presence at Kielder will include on-the-ground activity aimed at building a more inclusive, empowering event experience for all.

The partnership with Kielder is a natural fit, combining Altra’s mission-driven ethos with an event known for its breath-taking setting, welcoming atmosphere and strong female turnout.

Whether you’re racing the 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon or Run Bike Run this October, take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come, and how far you’ll go when you feel free to run your own way.