Women fear for safety running after dark

Female runners across the South West and Channel Islands said being in a group made them feel safer

Female runners across the South West and the Channel Islands have been speaking about issues they've experienced while running in the dark and how they keep safe.

Women said campaigns such as This Girl Can's Let's Lift the Curfew events was helping to raise awareness about women's safety and their concerns around getting active outdoors in the darker months.

In 2023, research by This Girl Can found that almost three-quarters (72%) of women in the UK change their outdoor activity routines during winter.

Runners we spoke to said incidents such as "catcalling", being harassed or intimidated are still happening.

Female runners across the South West and Channel Islands said being in a group made them feel safer

Devon and Cornwall Police's Det Supt Nicky Seager said it was "unacceptable" for any woman to feel she must compromise her freedom or alter her activities due to safety concerns.

She said: "Individuals should be able to enjoy their right to physical freedom without fear of harm and we remain fully committed to tackling violence against women and girls."

Faye Hussey said her female runners were exposed to comments

Chairman of Newton-Abbot based group Fit2Run Faye Hussey, 67, said the woman only group experience people "leaning out" of their car windows, groups of people making comments on the street, and sometimes even trying to run with them.

"Fortunately, they can't keep up," she said.

"I think it's something women are exposed to a lot and there has recently been a lot of publicity about lifting the curfew and making it possible for women to go out and run.

"We're lucky we run in a group but it shouldn't be something women feel unsafe to do really."

Ms Hussey encouraged aspiring runners to join a local running group, wear bright clothing, reflective gear and let someone know where you are going and to take your phone.

Nina Mattison said she felt safe running at night in Guernsey

Nina Mattison, 49, runs a local running group Thirty Thursday on Guernsey and said she felt safe running in the dark.

"We are quite privileged in Guernsey because I've run in other places at night where i haven't felt comfortable," said Ms Mattison.

"In Guernsey there's quite a big running community and you seem to recognise people along the way who you can wave and speak to.

"If you find yourself in a very dark lane, it can get a bit spooky but majority of the routes in Guernsey are well-lit."

Ms Mattison said one of her favourite routes included along the coastline as it has a pathway and is well-lit.

"Preparation is key", she said and advised telling someone your route before setting off, wear something with hi-vis properties and to attach lights to garments, a head torch or bracelets or even shoe laces that glow in the dark.

'Take a stand'

Det Supt Seager said it was vital women felt safe to pursue their fitness routines without the fear of violence disrupting their training and altering their lifestyle choices.

She said: "As daylight hours diminish many runners tend to adjust their routes, opt for reflective clothing, or prefer to run in groups for both their physical and personal safety.

"While these are sensible precautions, we believe that the responsibility should not rest solely on women to modify their behaviours.

"Instead, it is important that society as a whole takes a stand to eliminate male violence against women and girls."

Research from This Girl Can in 2023 found nearly half (48%) of women preferred not to be active outside after dark and that six in 10 (60%) worry about the risk of sexual harassment or intimidation when exercising as the evenings draw in.

Millie Owen said she has to drive to a well-lit area to run at night

Millie Owen, 26, has been running with the Simple Life Run Club in Newquay, Cornwall since March and said due to working long hours, most of her runs were in the dark.

"It's not nice and I don't like it. I now drive to where there's lights so i can stay in lighter areas."

She said alone or with the group they often got "catcalled" or "shouted at".

Ms Owen said: "Sometimes they might have good intentions but when it's dark you can't really see people it doesn't come across in the right way.

"I've never been attacked but it's just more feeling uncomfortable."

"There's a stigma with running and being on your own."

To stay visible, Ms Owen wears hi-vis clothing, lights and glow in the dark hair scrunchies.

Jen Gray encouraged women running in the dark to 'buddy up'

Jen Gray, a run leader at group Jersey Girls Run, said events such as the national Let's Lift the Curfew campaign in Jersey was helping to tackle the stigma.

Ms Gray, who has been running for six years, described it as a "form of therapy".

"Personally don't go out on my own in the dark which a lot of women don't enjoy doing on their own.

"With Jersey Girls we do weekly runs that's an opportunity for women to all meet up and feel comfortable doing that.

"It means everyone's safe. It's just a wonderful way to go out when it's dark and reap those benefits."

She described Jersey as a "very safe place" but highlighted it was the unknown people were afraid of because there were a lot of dark lanes and feels there was not enough well-lit areas.

"It's just an unfortunate kind of reality we live in," said Ms Gray.

"Being in a big group running is fine... My biggest tip is to try and buddy up and make sure you can be seen."

Jen Gray said she had not experienced any incidents

Ms Gray said she "fortunately" had not experienced any incidents whilst running alone or in the group but has heard about other people's experiences.

"It always alarms me when i hear about someone that's either been hollered at or has felt intimidated in some way by the actions of a complete stranger.

She said the campaigns were helping people understand the anxieties female runners experience.

Ms Gray said: "I think men don't understand or they've never really been in this situation. They don't know how we feel as women going out on our own.

She added if men see a woman running alone in the dark there were "small things" they could do to help them feel "less vulnerable" such as crossing to the other side of the road.

Det Supt Seager said the force had several campaigns running which offered a wealth of guidance and information to assist It Does Matter and its Project Nighteye campaigns which specifically refer to women's safety in the evening and economy.

She added: "We encourage anyone who has experienced intimidation, harassment or physical violence while out exercising to report this to us, either via our website or by calling 101.

"In an emergency, always dial 999."