Women Runners Wary for Safety After Recent Jogger Deaths

By DAYNA DRUM | Reporter

While going for a jog might seem like a relaxing activity to some, it is the source of anxiety for others.

Even far removed from the high crime rates around Los Angeles, many Palisadian women don’t feel safe enough to venture out into the Palisades’ abundant natural lands on their own.

Two female jogger deaths on the East Coast in the last month are the embodiment of the fear that many women face. The deaths of Vanessa Marcotte in Princeton, Massachusetts, and Karina Vetrano in New York City are a reminder to many women that an afternoon jog—even in broad daylight—can end in tragedy.

In interviews around the Palisades recently, many women told the Palisadian-Post that they never go for a jog or a hike alone due to safety reasons. Palisadian Alegrine Correia said she never goes into the mountains alone and avoids walking at night or in the early morning.

Women on social media echoed the same sentiments, saying they don’t feel safe going out for those activities alone. Sandy Garner wrote that she would only go out alone if she had a large dog with her—which was a consistent theme among all the women asked.

This leads many to jog or hike in groups. The Los Angeles Running Club said they have seen a recent influx in women joining their weekend groups in the Palisades area, often for safety reasons.

The Road Runners Club of America advises runners not to wear headphones while running,
to stay alert, to avoid deserted areas and to let others know the intended route.