This episode discusses sexual violence, which may be triggering or distressing for some listeners.

In this episode, New York Road Runners leaders Christine Burke and Erica Edwards-O’Neal explore runner safety—particularly for women—through global and local lenses. Reflecting on a recent trip to Kenya, they share their experience meeting with Tirop’s Angels, an organization that combats gender-based violence. Christine and Erica then interview Jean Knaack, CEO of the Road Runners Club of America, who discusses the need for a systemic approach to safety in running clubs, emphasizing proactive leadership, clear codes of conduct, and shared responsibility—particularly encouraging men to understand the distinct safety concerns women face. A second conversation spotlights Ashley Raymond and Meagan Doyle, co-founders of Safely, a company that makes safety products including the Sidekick, a compact, five-in-one self-defense tool designed with runners in mind. While acknowledging women shouldn’t bear the burden of protection, they advocate preparedness, education, and practical tools to help women feel confident and secure.

 


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DISCLAIMER

This episode discusses sexual violence, which may be triggering or distressing for some listeners.
In this episode, New York Road Runners leaders Christine Burke and Erica Edwards-O&rsquo;Neal explore runner safety&mdash;particularly for women&mdash;through global and local lenses. Reflecting on a recent trip to Kenya, they share their experience meeting with Tirop&rsquo;s Angels, an organization that combats gender-based violence. Christine and Erica then interview Jean Knaack, CEO of the Road Runners Club of America, who discusses the need for a systemic approach to safety in running clubs, emphasizing proactive leadership, clear codes of conduct, and shared responsibility&mdash;particularly encouraging men to understand the distinct safety concerns women face. A second conversation spotlights Ashley Raymond and Meagan Doyle, co-founders of Safely, a company that makes safety products including the Sidekick, a compact, five-in-one self-defense tool designed with runners in mind. While acknowledging women shouldn&rsquo;t bear the burden of protection, they advocate preparedness, education, and practical tools to help women feel confident and secure.
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NYRR Set the Pace Presented by Peloton is the official podcast of New York Road Runners. Join hosts Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, and Becs Gentry, Peloton Instuctor, every Thursday in conversation with inspiring athletes, from everyday enthusiasts to elite marathoners, to hear stories of perseverance, drive, and dedication. Each episode also includes an NYRR Member Moment spotlight and pro tip from 2009 New York City Marathon champ and Olympic medalist Meb Keflezighi.

Set the Pace

NYRR Set the Pace Presented by Peloton is the official podcast of New York Road Runners. Join hosts Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, and Becs Gentry, Peloton Instructor, every Thursday in conversation with inspiring athletes, from everyday enthusiasts to elite marathoners, to hear stories of perseverance, drive, and dedication. Each episode also includes an NYRR Member Moment spotlight and pro tip from 2009 New York City Marathon champ and Olympic medalist Meb Keflezighi.

NYRR Set the Pace Presented by Peloton is the official podcast of New York Road Runners. Join hosts Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, and Becs Gentry, Peloton Instructor, every Thursday in conversation with inspiring athletes, from everyday enthusiasts to elite marathoners, to hear stories of perseverance, drive, and dedication. Each episode also includes an NYRR Member Moment spotlight and pro tip from 2009 New York City Marathon champ and Olympic medalist Meb Keflezighi.

The Vital Importance of Safety for Women Runners

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/dc1b3f8c-8a2d-4298-8405-b17000ea5872/clips/1902fd62-cd0a-4d53-86fc-b3fd002fb2e5/transcript