AU runners share tips on staying safe
Runners should take precautions when out on runs, especially in secluded or wooded areas. (photo courtesy of Alabama Sports Commission)
By Cynthia Baruch-Rosas and Addison Colvin | Staff writers
Augusta University faced a collective moment of grief as the death of Laken Riley sent shockwaves throughout campus.
Riley, an AU nursing student, was killed while jogging in Athens on Thursday, Feb. 22. The tragic and sudden loss of Riley has brought up safety concerns among young adult college students who run as a form of exercise or as a sport.
“Give someone a generalized time, tell them where you plan to go and when you should be back,” suggested Patrick Motes, a junior and member of the university track and field team.
There are precautions students can take to stay safe. Staying in groups or pairs is a simple way to stay safe while out on runs. Runners should stay alert and aware of their surroundings by keeping their music at low volume levels and running in well-lit and highly frequented areas.
Payton Johnson, a student at the University of Georgia, described the trail.
“The trees are spread out far enough that you can see when other people are on the trail close by, but there are other parts that are very secluded with taller trees,” she said.
When running in pairs isn’t possible, there are other safety precautions that can be taken.
“If they ever run alone, a lot of them carry handheld mace that they can carry at the palm of their hand,” said Coach Jacob Burgamy, the head track and field coach for the men’s cross-country team.
Coach Burgamy said women on the track team can carry mace or other weapons in the palm of their hands if they must ever run alone.
“In case they were to be attacked they can defend themselves,” he said. “It’s an unfortunate reality,” said Cameron Watson, a senior and member of the track and field team, “but is the one that we live in.”
Contact Cynthia Baruch-Rosas at cbaruchrosas@augusta.edu and Addison Colvin at adcolvin@augusta.edu.
This story is published in the Monday, March 11, 2024 print edition of The Bell Ringer on page 3.
