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An American runner has sparked debate over women’s safety after revealing she “always” carries a handgun while jogging alone.
Texas-based content creator Peyton Knight went viral on social media after sharing a video showing how she prepares for a solo jog.
In the clip, which has racked up more than 8 million views and over 2000 comments, the Austin local responds to a common remark directed at female athletes.
“‘I can’t believe you run alone as a woman.’ I can,” the on-screen text reads.
Dressed in a light blue activewear set, Knight stands in her kitchen as she straps a black MFT (Mission First Tactical) belly-band holster around her waist.
She then tucks a compact black Ruger pistol securely into the pouch before covering it up, showing how she conceals the weapon while exercising.
The video quickly divided viewers, especially among different genders and international borders.
Many viewers outside the US were shocked that a woman would need to be armed just to go for a jog.
“As an Aussie, this seems wild,” one local commented.
“American culture is so fascinating,” another wrote, while a third added: “Imagine running in a country so free that you need a gun to feel safe.”
Another viewer urged the creator to relocate altogether, asking: “Holy moly, please just move, surely you can’t be happy there, are you? I’m not being funny here, just a genuine question.”
Meanwhile, a commenter from the UK complained about their own country’s strict self-defence laws, claiming they would be arrested just for carrying pepper spray.
Despite the shock from international users, the overwhelming majority of commenters rallied behind Knight’s decision to protect herself.
“As a girl who hates guns, I don’t blame you one bit,” one woman admitted.
“Imagine demonising a woman being capable of defending herself,” another wrote.
Several users pointed out a perceived double standard when it comes to women carrying firearms.
“It’s kind of funny that if a man carries practically anywhere for ‘no reason,’ a woman is made fun of for carrying for an actual reason,” one person observed.
A few commenters were even more blunt about critics, with one suggesting “if you find this being an issue, you may be the problem” and another claiming any offended man is “probably a perpetrator”.
However, several men also voiced their support.
“Ain’t nothing wrong with women protecting themselves,” one man wrote, while another added: “As a man, I think this is so sick, and if it makes you feel more safe than I support it.”
Knight is far from the only American runner taking these kinds of precautions, with the trend gaining traction on TikTok following recent high-profile tragedies.
The conversation surged in 2024 after the murder of 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley, who was attacked and killed while jogging at the University of Georgia.
A 20-year-old student, Mollie Tibbetts, was also killed in 2018, and a 30-year-old, Karina Vetrano, was killed in New York City. Both were murdered while out on solo runs.
In 2025, South Carolina mother of one Mikaela Dieppa also went viral with more than 4.2 million views after showing off her running outfit paired with an open-carry holster.
“It’s not that I’m scared or paranoid; it’s a fact that women get assaulted in broad daylight all the time, even when taking precautions,” Dieppa told The Post at the time.
“I’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.”
Research conducted by Adidas into women’s running safety highlights why so many female athletes feel the need to take extra precautions.
It showed that 92 per cent of female runners feel concerned for their safety while exercising, compared to just 28 per cent of men, while 51 per cent fear being physically attacked.
Up to 70 per cent of women have experienced an intimidating incident on a run, and 38 per cent report suffering physical or verbal harassment.
Among those harassed, 56 per cent received unwanted attention, 55 per cent faced sexist or sexual comments, 53 per cent were honked at, and 50 per cent were followed.
The psychological toll is also significant, with 53 per cent of harassed runners experiencing anxiety and 46 per cent losing interest in running altogether.
Former police officer and competitive shooter Dianna Muller previously praised women choosing to carry firearms while exercising, saying that education is key to violence prevention.
“I was a police officer for 22 years in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and I know exactly how long it took me to get to you if you were in need,” Muller said.
“The Second Amendment and the firearm is the great equaliser, especially for women, and level the playing field.”
