Own the Night . . . Welsh Runners Aim to Make Our Streets Safe

The “Own the Night” campaign comes at a time when 93 per cent of female runners say they have been subjected to public sexual harassment whilst running.

Further research reveals almost three-quarters of women in the UK change their exercise habits during the winter months.
As the long, dark evening approach, the campaign aims to:

Raise awareness of women’s safety concerns when running at night or early mornings

Empower women to continue running through the winter months with confidence

Educate running communities and the wider public on allyship and practical ways to support women.

‘Reclaim the streets’ – encourage groups and clubs across Wales to host a group run on Sunday 26 October, the day the clocks go back

The campaign launch at the Senedd in Cardiff, attended by running club members, politicians and police force representatives, featured accounts from women who have suffered harassment.

Attendees also listed the kind of precautions they are forced to take every time they lace up their trainers and leave the house at night.

Hannah Baulch, head of participation at Welsh Athletics, said: “Running in Wales is experiencing fantastic growth at the moment, with 293,000 adults participating regularly through organised and informal activity.

“We’re delighted that since 2020, female runners have contributed to more than half of our membership figures, a stat that’s difficult to replicate in other sports.

“However, we are acutely aware female runners face numerous challenges during the winter months. It’s not just about cold weather or slippery roads, it’s about safety.

“Research by This Girl Can shows that almost three-quarters (72%) of women in the UK change their outdoor activity routines during winter, and a recent Our Streets Now survey revealed that 93% of women have experienced public sexual harassment whilst running. 

“This simply isn’t acceptable, and we want your help to make a societal change.”

“We’ve asked Welsh Government for their commitment to make our streets safer, but we also want communities across Wales to support by being the light for other runners by offering them respect, and by calling out bad behaviour. 

“Together, we can make a real difference."

Detective Superintendent Tracey Rankine, force lead for violence against women and girls at South Wales Police, said: “It is completely unacceptable that women are changing their running route, avoiding certain locations or not running in the evenings due to the behaviour of others.

“Everyone deserves to be and feel safe and enjoy our public spaces, fear free.

“We will be attending parkruns and running groups to speak with runners and would like to reassure people that we will listen to your concerns.

“I urge anyone who experiences harassment or intimidation to report any concerns to the police so we can put an end to this behaviour.”

The launch event was sponsored by Senedd Member John Griffiths, himself a keen runner. Other politicians lending their support to the campaign on the night were fellow Senedd members Heledd Fychan and Jane Hutt, the cabinet secretary for social justice.

There were also contributions from members of local running clubs Including Jen Stone from Albany Road Run Club.

"One of the scariest moments I’ve had was a few years ago now,” she said. “I was running along Cyncoed Road around 6.30pm in winter, it was already dark. I heard loud shouting over my headphones from a car full of young men laughing as it passed by.

“I was really startled and anxious, and I honestly thought the same car was following me. I shortened my route and ran home as quickly as I could.

“I rarely run on my own now, especially in the dark. That’s why I joined my run club, it feels so much safer.”

I fully support the Own The Night campaign because everyone deserves to feel safe when running."

Over the coming months, Welsh Athletics has arranged a number of other events and set up resources in conjunction with other partners, including safer running webinars and surveys where runners can share their experiences.

The Own The Night Group Run events will take place on October 26 – the night the clocks go back. 

More details on the above events and resources can be found on the Welsh Athletics website.