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Running Mate Collective: A New Era in Women's Safety for Runners

In an inspiring leap towards enhancing the safety of women runners, Running Mate has unveiled the Running Mate Collective. This innovative initiative is not merely a community; it is a movement aimed at empowering women through safety education, resources, and a pioneering Runner Safety Certification course. Founded by Dena Lewis, who herself overcame two painful assaults, Running Mate emphasizes that safety and the freedom to run should not be mutually exclusive.

A Revolutionary Concept

Running Mate is a unique run-share app that connects women with verified companions for a safer running experience. The concept originated from Dena's personal struggles, where she realized that many women often faced the terrifying dilemma of choosing between their right to run freely and their need for safety. The app allows users to find compensated running partners, ensuring they never have to run alone again. Since its inception, this grassroots solution has blossomed into a nationwide campaign, tackling the pervasive issues of harassment and assault faced by female runners.

The Collective's Offerings

The Running Mate Collective represents the next logical step in the organization’s mission. It goes beyond basic offerings by providing a wealth of resources, including:

• - Monthly Expert-Led Workshops: Covering crucial topics such as self-defense tactics, injury prevention strategies, and nutritional guidance.
• - Runner Safety Certification Course: A groundbreaking program developed in partnership with Paratus, equipping women with essential knowledge and skills to enhance their safety while running.
• - Community Engagement Events: Both virtual and in-person gatherings designed to foster strong local running communities that uplift and support one another.
• - Exclusive Offers: Members will enjoy special discounts, exciting giveaways, and opportunities for complimentary monthly runs through the app.

Dena Lewis passionately states, "Safety shouldn't be a privilege. With our app, we provided a tool for women; with the Collective, we are creating a movement. A community that emphasizes togetherness and solidarity in the face of adversity."

The Collective collaborates with various partners across industries focused on safety, wellness, and running culture, including notable organizations such as Safely, Hettas, Brooksee, NightCap, and Invisawear. This diverse coalition targets not only the prevention of violence but also seeks to arm women with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to pursue running with confidence and determination.

A Shared Mission

At the heart of the Running Mate and the Running Mate Collective lies a powerful mission: to create a safer world for women runners, one step at a time. With these collective efforts, women will no longer feel isolated or afraid, but empowered and supported.

Join the Movement

For those eager to be a part of this groundbreaking initiative, more information is available at www.getrunningmate.com or by following them on Instagram at @getrunningmate. The time to act is now—together, let’s redefine what it means to run safely and confidently. Join the movement, and let’s make running a truly inclusive experience for all women.

In a world that often challenges women’s rights to freedom of movement, Running Mate Collective stands as a beacon of hope, showing that change is indeed possible, and safety can be a collective responsibility.