A Mission to Make Running Feel Safer

Running and travel are an important part of life for 28 year-old Emily Griffin and, as a freelance marketer, her career has given her the opportunity to work in various locations in recent years. But finding routes that are safe to run as a lone female has always been a challenge whenever she reaches a new destination.

Emily, who is taking part in the half marathon at this year’s AJ Bell Great Bristol Run, decided to help others facing the same dilemma by launching Legs on Tour, a website sharing the running routes she’s found in the locations she’s visited – with the aim of making running more accessible to women and other potentially vulnerable runners, particularly after dark.

“As a female runner, I notice how difficult it can be to find running routes that feel safe at night,” she explains.

“Having to think about safety often prevents people from going out for a run and I wanted to build a platform where people had access to routes in cities that feel safe for them, so they can feel more confident about getting out there.”

Legs on Tour allows runners to download routes to their smartwatch or via Google Maps. Information includes how well lit the route is, whether there are likely to be other runners around, plus recommended times of day to follow the route. Emily also shares short 20-second recap videos of the runs on the Legs on Tour Instagram feed, for anyone who would like a quick visual feel for the routes.

“I was Bristol-based for around three years before I started travelling around and I had my favourite running routes in the city,” adds Emily. “Once I decided to work remotely in different locations, I could no longer rely on familiar routes and found it hard to find new options that felt safe.

“Running clubs are great, but they’re always on scheduled days and times, which doesn’t always work for everyone, so while I’m keen to include recommendations for running groups on Legs on Tour, having those individual routes for people to follow is so important.”

Her latest move abroad was to Barcelona in November last year and Legs on Tour now includes details of her favourite route around the city. Now back in Bristol, Emily will soon be working in India, where she hopes to be adding more routes to the site.

“I don’t want women or other vulnerable runners to feel they have to seek out a treadmill just to be able to run safely wherever they go,” she says. “Nothing beats getting out in the fresh air, especially when exploring a new place.”

While back in Bristol, Emily will be taking the opportunity to run the half marathon at the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run, together with her sisters. This year marks the third time she will be taking part in the event, which she looks forward to for its inclusive, welcoming atmosphere.

“There’s always good vibes at the Great Bristol Run and it’s the main running event I keep coming back to. There’s such a community feel, with so many running clubs taking part and the volunteers are always so welcoming, happy and encouraging. The crowds cheering you on really gives you that push and the amount of female runners taking part is great to see.

“While my platform mainly focuses on female runners, I understand there are other minority groups that may not feel safe running and everyone comes to together to run this event, which is why I love it so much.”

Emily first got into running 15 years ago, when her father encouraged her to join him on his runs.

“I used to hate being dragged out for a run, but now I love it, especially because I feel so much better afterwards. As I work from home, being able to have the routine of going for a run is helpful and I always take any opportunity to run with friends.”

Legs on Tour was launched in December and Emily has already received a lot of positive feedback.

“So many people have contacted me to say how useful they’ve found it and to thank me for sharing these routes. I’m reaching people who are engaged and looking for this kind of information – and some have even asked to come on runs with me, which is really encouraging.”

Visit the Legs on Tour website here.

Find out more about this year’s AJ Bell Great Bristol Run and sign up for priority access for 2027 here – to secure your place at next year’s event at the lowest price before entries open to the general public.