CHARLOTTE, NC-- A business selling running apparel hosted its first self-defense class for runners after two runners in our area reported being attacked in separate cases.

Charlotte Running Company Assistant Manager Polly Ketcham organized the event on Wednesday, bringing in King Tiger Tae Kwon Do Owner and Chief Instructor Terrance Evins.

The self-defense class at Charlotte Running Co. in Dilworth, which happened, before the end of daylight saving time on Sunday, aimed to prepare runners to run during the winter months, when sunrise and sunset will be earlier.

"We obviously hope no one ever gets into a situation they are in danger. Taking classes like this and being aware of your surroundings helps you be more prepared if the unfortunate circumstances do happen to you,” Ketcham said.

Beth McMillan who is training for a marathon this month attended the event, hoping to learn ways to stay safe.

"I want to know the precautions to take because it’s going to be getting dark out soon, especially in the morning, It’s best to know what to do in a fight situation,” McMillan said.

Charlotte Running Co. Assistant Manager Polly Ketcham said the hosted the event in part because of the attack on a jogger on a Charlotte greenway in September.

In addition, she said she has felt uneasy running at night before.  

“You will see an individual that will either start following you or catcalling you and you feel like you are in a precarious situation. I have experienced that a lot and a lot of my friends have,” Ketcham said.

During the self-defense session, Evins talked about the importance of detecting and diffusing a situation and defending yourself.

"What I want these guys to take from this, is to always be cautious when running,” Evins said.

He said if a runner encounters a dangerous situation, that person can take action to prevent it from escalating.

“When an attacker or someone sees you and you are speaking loud like 'leave me alone and your hands go up in the air,’” Evins said. “It becomes a situation they don't want to engage because you are not an easy target."

Those attending the event also learned self-defense moves.

"We are going to look at areas like the eyes, the throat, the growing, just areas that we can attack and continue to attack in order to get out of certain situations,” Evins said.

McMillan is feeling safer after attending the event.

“Having that confidence will make me more of a fighter if the situation were happening,” McMillan said.

Evins recommends runners to carry a water bottle with them to spray or strike an attacker.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department advice people to run in groups and carry pepper spray.