How To Handle Hecklers on the Run

Runners put up with a number of obstacles and challenges when pursuing their favorite daily exercise; these can range from rainy weather and slippery wet leaves on the sidewalk to sizzling temperatures and loose barking dogs who decide to become running buddies.

But how should you handle hecklers on the run, those individuals with nothing better to do with their time than send verbal catcalls and inappropriate comments your way on everything from your running form to your anatomy or running outfit?

Your best line of defense against hecklers on your run is a process that security expert Gavin DeBecker calls "Disengagement".  This means you don't pay attention to them in the slightest: don't shout back at them, don't engage in conversation with them in any fashion - just ignore every attempt they make to get your attention. Keep running away from them and maintain your speed and direction.  Hecklers want to catch your attention, but when you disengage from their prime directive by completely ignoring their comments no matter how loud they get or how many times they repeat their heckling, they will ultimately lose interest. It's like you become temporarily deaf and refuse to engage in their juvenile behavior.

If a heckler attempts to physically confront you, keep your head held high and in a loud strong voice, tell him to get away from you.  Continue running.  If a heckler makes a move to physically touch you, you are within your rights to protect yourself. Ram the heel of your hand into his nose with full force, or kick his shin with your leg.  Do anything necessary to disable the heckler and give you time to run away.  If you have a cell phone on your person, don't hesitate to dial 9-1-1 if you feel threatened and report your location to the authorities. You can also yell something like "Fire" to draw people's attention.  Shout this rather than "Help", as research has proven that more people are motivated to get involved when the word "Fire" is shouted.

If at all possible, try to run with a friend rather than running alone.  Hecklers often target lone female runners and you may feel more vulnerable running alone. If someone calls out to you while on a run under the guise of asking a question and they make you feel uncomfortable, you should do your best to protect yourself by ignoring him and continuing to run. Most hecklers are morons who just want to annoy you, but if someone wants to escalate heckling into harming you, ignore him as you run in the opposite direction as fast as you can.  Contact the police as soon as possible to report the incident.