I recently returned from a 2.5 week trip to India and one of my goals for the trip was to find a way to fit my running into my touring schedule.  However as a foreign woman who would be running alone I was a little concerned about my safety.  I think I had read a few too many scary stories about Delhi before leaving because I ran throughout my whole trip with no major incidents (barring a terrifying encounter with some stray dogs).

I’m a bit of a planner so I scoured the internet trying to learn information about the running community in India (if it exists).  I found the Mumbai Runners Instagram and a few other Indian runners in Bengalaru, but relatively little information pertinent to my concerns and interests.

So here are my tips:

1. Research running routes before you go!  Strava has a super nifty tool that allows you to search for running segments.  I plugged in my hotel address for each place I was going and then started perusing the map for frequently run segments.  I knew ahead of time that I was not going to be able to find somewhere to run outside in some places b/c of the inaccessibility of public parks (Jaipur, Ranthambore).  But other places I knew I was going to be able to have a great run.  Sunrise at Fatesh Sager in Udaipur was absolute magic.  My long run along Marine Drive in Mumbai is one of my favorite memories of my trip.  Planning ahead you can find some really special places to run.  I felt safe knowing that hundreds of other Strava runners had used the same routes I was taking. 
   

   I was so pumped to run in Udaipur

   

   Fatesh Sager at Sunrise

   
2. Dress conservatively.  India is a very conservative country, particularly in the north.  The general rule of thumb is that you should have your shoulders and knees covered when walking around.  For the most part I stuck to this when running, opting for leggings and short-sleeved shirts.  You can get away with more in Mumbai than Delhi, and in Goa pretty much anything goes (I ran in a sports bra and felt perfectly comfortable). 
   

   Shorts are fine in Mumbai

   

   I saw thousands of people but no runners lol
3. People are going to stare at you.  This is true of your entire time in India, not just the time you spend running.  As a foreigner you stand out; it’s very common to be asked for a photo with you.  My friends were once handed babies so the parents could take photos of a western woman holding their children.  Outside of major cities running is uncommon so you will stand out even more.  Smile and try not to mind people taking photos of you on their cellphones.  You are a spectacle.  Embrace it. 
   

   Lex holding someone’s baby

   

   Even in touristy places we kinda stood out
4. Beware of dogs.  This was a big one for me.  I was so worried about any potential human danger I completely forgot to consider the many stray dogs in India.  I was chased by 3 stray dogs in Delhi and stood very very still in the middle of the street while I waited for them to get tired of barking at me and leave me alone.  It was terrifying.  I’ve read online that some people run with sticks to fend off strays?  After my incident I had success with just walking slowly past any dogs I encountered so as to not excite them.
5. Always always tell someone where you’re going, and when to expect you back. This is advice I follow even when home in The States and I’m going running in the dark; it’s especially important in a foreign country. 
   

   

   

   

   

   I love that I ran through my trip.  I saw cotton fields and ran next to goats.  I watched the sunrise, and spent time outside exploring a beautiful and diverse country doing something I love.  My favorite way to explore is on foot and I love that running gave me a chance to see India in a different way.  If you’re thinking about running through your travels, go for it.  Just be safe and mindful of your surroundings.