1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Running & Jogging

How to Handle Hecklers on the Run

By , About.com Guide

Updated June 19, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Running outside can be pure bliss – until some idiotic creep comes along and yells out an obnoxious "woo-hoo" or "hey baby!" as you run past him (or her). Dealing with the occasional obnoxious heckler is inevitable when you run outside, especially for female runners. Here's what to do if someone starts verbally harassing you on the run:

Keep running.

Don't stop and start screaming back at the heckler or flip him off. Although it may be tough to ignore him, it's better to keep your distance and continue moving.

Don't appear vulnerable.

When someone starts hurling derogatory comments at you, hold your head high and stay strong. If your harasser tries to stop you, be forceful. Tell him to back off and keep moving.

Run with a cell phone.

It's always smart to carry a phone with you, especially when running alone. If someone is verbally harassing you and you feel threatened, call the police. Give them a description of the harasser and where and when it happened.

Keep your run safe.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but don't run in isolated areas, deserted streets, or overgrown trails. Never run by yourself at night.

More: Safety Tips for Running

Don't wear headphones.

Although you should ignore heckler's comments, you need to hear them to know if you're in danger. If you absolutely must use your iPod on the run, just use one earbud or keep the volume low so you can still hear what's going on around you. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you'll be.

More: Can I Listen to Music on the Run?

Explore Running & Jogging
About.com Special Features

8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs

Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Running & Jogging
  4. Safety/Weather
  5. Safety Issues and Tips
  6. Runnning and Safety - How to Handle Hecklers on the Run>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.