Walsall running club: women 'should not feel intimidated' by darker nights
Fordy Runs is helping women feel safe when running
A Walsall running club says women 'should not feel intimidated' out of the sport, because of the nights getting darker.
Fordy Runs is encouraging people to run in a group as the nights draw in.
Abuse towards female runners...
Research from the University of Manchester reveals more than two-thirds of women have been abused in some way whilst running.
The most common types of abuse experienced by respondents to the study was verbal abuse.
The survey also revealed that being flashed at, physical and sexual assaults, and having objects thrown at them, were some of the other threats female runners experience.
'Wear bright coloured clothing'
Fordy Runs is the largest running club in the UK, with a team based in Walsall.
Group leader Mick Brain told us joining a running club is the best way to feel comfortable out running, with the nights drawing in:
"Look for a running partner or a club so you have someone with you at all times. Plan your route so that is well lit and wear bright coloured clothing and head torches," he said.
'She does not go out on her own at all'
Mick told us his partner had been approached whilst running: "She called me to say that she was stopped by a gentleman who told her he had been following her and watching her running.
"It scared her for a while. She does not go out on her own at all anymore," he said.
Chloe Cordell goes to Fordy Runs, she says she avoids running in the dark: "I try and do my solo runs before sunset, else it does get a bit scary.
'Be seen and be safe'
"I always send my location to my partner too. You have to be seen and be safe," she said.
Chloe had this message for other female runners: "You can do hard things, do not let it stop you from going out.
"Buddy up and make sure that cars and other people know you are there," she said.