Runners 'race the dark' to highlight safety risks

The marathon is taking the pair of runners from Leeds to Saltaire and back

A “race the dark” marathon took place on Saturday to raise awareness of the measures women take to keep themselves safe while exercising over winter.

Anthea Sully, chief executive of the White Ribbon campaign group, is running from Leeds to Saltaire and back alongside Leeds City Council safeguarding manager Jude Roberts.

The pair planned to set off at dawn on Friday and return before dusk as part of the challenge.

Ms Sully said: “It should not be for women to carry the burden of keeping themselves safe.”

White Ribbon is an international campaign calling for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

The council is an accredited White Ribbon organisation, meaning it demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the campaign.

The route starts at Pippa Hale's recently unveiled Ribbons sculpture in Leeds city centre

The charity organises White Ribbon Day, taking place on Monday, which is followed by "16 days of activism".

The race starts at the Ribbons sculpture near Quarry Hill – which features the names of hundreds of Leeds women - and aims to finish before dusk at Laynes cafe near Leeds train station.

On Saturday, the campaign will be promoted during the Woodhouse Moor parkrun event.

"White Ribbon calls for men to show allyship to women, to think through how their behaviour and actions can make a positive difference to the issues women face," Ms Sully said.

Councillor Mary Harland, of Leeds City Council, said: “We need to be absolutely clear that any form of violence is not accepted in Leeds.

“It's a great opportunity for people to get involved and show their support for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.”

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