Do’s & Don’ts for Male Runners(Training & Running with Female Runners in India)

Runners Club-Code of Conduct

Our Principle

At Runners Club, everyone deserves a safe, respectful, and supportive environment to train and improve—regardless of gender, pace, or experience.

✅ DOs

🤝 Treat all members as athletes

• Treat female runners as equals and teammates, not as guests or exceptions.

• Focus conversations on running, training, recovery, races, or club activities.

• Respect that many female runners are experienced, competitive, and knowledgeable.

👂 Respect boundaries and consent

• Ask before joining someone’s run or matching their pace.

• If a female runner prefers to run solo or with another group, respect it without questions.

• Accept “no” politely—no explanations are owed.

🏃‍♀️ Be pace- and workout-aware

• Confirm the intended pace and workout type before starting.

• Avoid pushing speed or distance beyond what was agreed.

• Remember: easy runs are meant to be easy—for everyone.

🛡️ Support safety—without control

• In early morning or late evening runs, offer support only if welcomed.

• Stay alert on Indian roads: traffic, dogs, uneven pavements, poor lighting.

• If you notice harassment, unsafe behavior, or someone following a runner, intervene responsibly or inform club leaders.

🗣️ Communicate respectfully

• Ask before offering coaching tips or corrections.

• Use neutral, encouraging language.

• Keep jokes and banter inclusive and respectful.

🧠 Be culturally and socially aware

• Understand that female runners in India often face:

  • Public staring or comments

  • Safety concerns

  • Family or societal pressure

• Be an ally—your behavior reflects on the entire club.

❌ DON’Ts

🚫 No flirting or personal advances

• Don’t flirt, tease, or comment on appearance, clothing, or body.

• Don’t use running as an excuse for personal or romantic pursuit.

• Friendly ≠ interested.

🚫 No invasion of space or privacy

• Don’t run uncomfortably close, stare, or shadow someone.

• Don’t insist on walking or running someone home unless asked.

• Don’t ask intrusive personal questions (family, relationships, where they live).

🚫 No unsolicited coaching or comparisons

• Don’t “correct” form or pace without being asked.

• Don’t compare female runners to male runners or say things like:

  • “You’re fast for a woman”

  • “Women usually can’t do this”

• These are not compliments.

🚫 No pressure—ever

• Don’t push someone to:

  • Run faster

  • Extend distance

  • Change routes

  • Stay longer than planned

• Respect comfort with routes, timing, and group size—especially in low-traffic or dark areas.

🚫 No ignoring discomfort

• If someone becomes quiet, slows down intentionally, or creates distance, take the hint and back off.

• If told something is uncomfortable, stop immediately—no debate.

🏃‍♂️ Runners Club Expectations

• All members are ambassadors of club culture.

• Any behavior that makes members feel unsafe or disrespected is taken seriously.

• Respect, inclusion, and safety are more important than pace or performance.

🌟 Our Goal

To build a club where:

• Women feel safe to run at any pace and time

• Men feel proud of the culture they help create

• Running remains joyful, disciplined, and inclusive

Happy Running...