Women trail runners’ encounters with vulnerability to male harassment in rural off-road spaces

The #metoo movement and high-profile coverage of murders of women in public spaces have reignited investigation of public harassment and women’s actions as they make decisions where and how to engage in outdoor physical activity. This paper draws from the ideas of Lefebvre (1991) and Massey (1994) to understand women trail runners’ spatial experiences in England. Sixteen women who trail run by themselves participated in go-along interviews in their usual running trails. This method allowed participants to recall moments in specific spaces or address spaces that generate particular feelings, and encouraged the researcher to gain a sensory understanding of the spaces which were important to participants. We analyse the production of the trail through runners’ interactions with people and environment inside and outside the trail, and discuss enjoyment as well as perceptions of vulnerability to male harassment and ‘risky’ moments. Ultimately, despite runners regularly feeling vulnerable when running, they refused to stop. At a time when physical activity and natural environments are being promoted as key contributors to personal wellbeing and public health, this research provides evidence of how the production of spaces and safety negotiations affect women’s running experiences.