The Ascend Diaries: Turia Pitt on Confronting the Safety Crisis in Women's Running

September 17, 2026

Welcome to The Ascend Diaries. This series is all about highlighting the women's running community in the build up to the Nike After Dark Syd race in September.

While this series follows the journey to the Nike After Dark Tour, it's about so much more than one race. Whether you're lining up on the start line in September or simply love running, you'll find stories, lessons, and conversations that will inspire every part of your own running journey.

In this episode of The Ascend Diaries, Lyds sits down with Turia Pitt to explore the women’s safety crisis hiding within running. Turia Pitt is an athlete, author, coach and passionate advocate for women’s safety, and joins us to chat about what needs to change so every woman can experience the freedom of running without fear.

Throughout the episode we discuss the powerful role running can play in building confidence, self-esteem and independence for women, while confronting the societal stereotypes and systemic barriers that continue to shape women’s experiences in sport and public spaces.

Turia shares her perspective on how harassment affects where, when and whether women feel able to run, and why responsibility for safety cannot continue to sit with women alone. The conversation explores practical ways to create safer public spaces, the importance of strong communities and male allies, and the collective action needed to drive meaningful change.

Disclaimer: This podcast is independently produced by Femmi and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or produced in partnership with Nike. Any views, opinions, and recommendations shared by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Nike or any other organisation mentioned.

The Ascend Diaries: Turia Pitt on Confronting the Safety Crisis in Women's Running

Contact