Welsh Athletics launches campaign to make running safer for women
Welsh Athletics is calling for safer public spaces and more support for women running outdoors, particularly during the darker winter months.
Welsh Athletics has called for safer public spaces as part of a campaign aimed at helping women feel more confident running outdoors.
The organisation’s Own the Night campaign seeks to raise awareness of the challenges women can face when exercising, particularly during darker months.
Hannah Baulch, head of participation at Welsh Athletics, said women often consider factors such as lighting, routes, clothing and whether they have a phone before going for a run.
“Whereas for men, it's probably not as complicated as that,” she said.
She said the campaign aimed to help women feel they could “still go running whatever time of year it is”.
The campaign is also calling for men to become allies by challenging inappropriate behaviour and discussing safety with their peers.
“We need more than ever now, we need these male allies to support us and to shout out bad behaviour and to have these open, honest conversations with their peers,” Ms Baulch said.
Welsh Athletics is urging the Welsh Government and local councils to consider improvements to street lighting and public spaces.
“We're really calling on Welsh Government and local councils, those that can make decisions, to really think about their local infrastructure,” she said.
Some facilities, including stadiums, are also being opened at times when it is dark to provide alternative places for people to exercise.
A national Own the Night run will take place on 25 October in Cardiff, Swansea and Colwyn Bay, with running clubs across Wales encouraged to organise their own events.
Last year, about 77 runs were held across Wales. Organisers hope to increase that number to 100 this year.
Ms Baulch said: “We just need more of it across the country.”