EP 229. LIVE from TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon: Creating a Culture of Safety for Runners

·41 min·4 clips

Sarah reveals she was assaulted while running, sparking a raw discussion on physical safety.

This episode features a panel discussion on runner safety recorded live at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Host Kirsten Parker introduces three run club leaders: Sarah Rose Black from Chicks Run the 6, Aaron Doucette from Toronto Trail Runners and the Trail Collective, and Alejandro de la Cruz from Running Waters. The panelists explore the multifaceted nature of safety within running communities. Sarah Rose Black shares her personal experience of being physically assaulted while running in July, which required significant medical and dental procedures. She defines safety as encompassing physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions, noting that comments blaming her for running alone compromised her emotional safety. Aaron Doucette details specific safety measures for trail runs, like carrying extra headlamps and spikes, modifying routes for weather or poison ivy, and knowing exit paths. Alejandro de la Cruz emphasizes providing clear route information upfront so runners can make informed decisions about participation. A key insight is that psychological safety is tied to inclusion, ensuring no one feels dropped or excluded in a group setting. Aaron explains the Trail Collective was founded to create a launching pad for new trail runners, actively working to break down financial, gear, and community barriers. Alejandro discusses the importance of learning runners' needs through conversation and prioritizing people over personal workouts. Sarah highlights the unspoken safety calculations many make, like choosing routes along subway lines or adjusting running attire based on perception. The conversation acknowledges that safety needs differ based on identity, with Sarah sharing her specific considerations as a woman. Aaron provides an example of maintaining a safe space by gently calling in chat members celebrating a race with a racist history. Practical safety tips include sharing your route, using location-sharing apps, and carrying a sticker with emergency contact info instead of a physical ID. The panelists agree that fostering open communication and checking in on fellow runners builds community trust and solidarity. The tone is conversational, educational, and deeply personal, blending storytelling with practical advice. The style is a supportive panel discussion focused on community care and shared responsibility. This episode is ideal for runners, especially those in leadership roles, who want to foster safer and more inclusive group environments. Listeners seeking purely training tips or race recaps might find other episodes more aligned with their interests.

As heard by us

A grounded conversation on safety, belonging, and making running feel open to more people.

Run Canada Podcast uses a Toronto Waterfront Marathon speaker-stage panel to talk through safety, access, belonging, and the barriers that can keep people out of running. It is not built for pure race-day hype, and that is part of what gives it weight.

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Why you'd press play

You want a thoughtful take on safety, belonging, and inclusion in running.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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