A woman running on a trail.
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After surviving two assaults while running, triathlete Dena Lewis created Running Mate, an “Uber for runners” app that pairs women with verified running partners. Now, she’s launching a safety-focused community and certification program to empower others

Running Mate, a runshare app built to make running safer for women, is expanding its mission with the launch of the Running Mate Collective — a new initiative that combines education, community and a first-of-its-kind Runner Safety Certification course with partners with Safely, Hettas, Brooksee, NightCap and Invisawear.

Founded by Dena Lewis after surviving two assaults, the platform connects users with verified and paid running partners, eliminating the need for women to run alone. 

The move comes at a time when running is seeing increased participation, with even Peloton launching a free run club.

credit: Running Mate

The new Collective offers monthly expert-led workshops on self-defense, injury prevention and nutrition, as well as access to a certification course developed in partnership with safety training company Paratus. Members also gain entry to virtual and in-person events, local running meetups and exclusive app perks like discounts, giveaways and free monthly runs.

“Safety shouldn’t be a privilege,” Lewis said. “With the app, we gave women a tool. With the Collective, we’re giving them a movement — a community that says: we’re in this together.”

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