West Hartford Store to Host Self Defense Class for Runners

In the wake of the recent sexual assault in the Hartford community, on a popular running trail, Fleet Feet Sports – West Hartford, a locally-owned and operated retail store that specializes in building and supporting the Hartford running community, will host two-time Olympic distance runner and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Back, Todd Williams, for a free running safety self-defense workshop on Wednesday, Aug. 12 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Todd Williams created RunSafer powered by ASICS with the goal of equipping runners and walkers with practical safety techniques, tips and advice to increase personal safety awareness and offer potentially life-saving information.

“Because an assault occurs every two minutes, I created the RunSafer one hour sessions to teach safety techniques that will help you protect yourself in a dangerous situation. Whether you’re a runner, avid athlete or just enjoy a walk in the park, you’ll benefit from the safety tips we present through RunSafer,” Williams said in a press release. “We’re not here to turn you into a pro fighter, but to give you the self-defense tools that might save your life,” Williams added.

Read more from the press release below:

“As stewards of our local running and walking community, it is important for us to take the initiative to educate runners on how to protect themselves in a dangerous situation, especially in light of the recent assault on a runner in broad daylight on a public running path. We are proud to partner with Asics to bring Todd Williams to Connecticut for this free clinic,” said Stephanie Blozy, owner of Fleet Feet Sports.

In addition, Wearsafe (www.wearsafe.com), a Hartford-based technology startup developing advanced wearable personal safety products will feature its soon-to-be released Wearsafe Tag, a small, wearable Bluetooth low-energy device that pairs seamlessly with a smartphone to instantly connect a person with their network of family and friends. The device, which can clip onto almost anything, uses one discreet touch of a button with a range of up to 200 feet. When activated, a selected network instantly receives an alert through email, text and their Wearsafe app, a group chat is started and the network can see where someone is with the GPS information provided as well as hear audio from the location. Users can also receive tactile confirmation to let them know their alert has been received. If additional assistance is needed, contacts can dial 911 directly from the Wearsafe app and share critical information.

About Fleet Feet Sports – West Hartford
Fleet Feet Sports is a family-owned running specialty store located in West Hartford Center. Founded in 1997, the store has become a focal point of the local running community who rely on their exemplary customer service, organized training programs, group runs and a variety of events that are free, fun and informative. For more information, visit www.fleetfeethartford.com.

About RunSafer
RunSafer, powered and sponsored by ASICS® was founded in January 2013 by two-time Olympic distance runner, Todd Williams. RunSafer was created to help all individuals become safer if they ever find themselves in an environment that may warrant self-defense training. To learn more about RunSafer, please visit runsafer.com. Todd is active on social media as well at @RunsaferTodd.

About Wearsafe
As pioneers in creating personal safety products and communication services that leverage mobile technology, Wearsafe’s vision is to change the perception of safety and security products, from solely protecting locations and property, to protecting individuals, wherever they may be.