Night-time running club launches for winter months

The club will be held every Wednesday

A free night-time walking and running club has been launched as part of a wider campaign to help women stay active and feel safe while exercising in the winter months.

The new club is at Lilleshall National Sports centre, Shropshire, every Wednesday from 17:30 to 18:30 GMT.

It is supporting Sport England's This Girl Can (TGC) campaign Let's Lift the Curfew. Shrewsbury's Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre announced its own club to support the campaign earlier this month.

"Each session will be guided by one of our fitness team, with high-vis clothing provided to ensure you're safe and supported during the session," said Stacey Caswell, from the centre.

"While the sessions are designed especially to encourage more women to stay active after dark, everyone is welcome to join us and make their wellbeing a priority."

"It's vital that everyone has the opportunity to look after their health and wellbeing all year round."

She added that people taking part did not have to be a member of Lilleshall.

In a recent study in Worcester, 60% women said they had been victims of physical or verbal abuse while out running.

West Mercia Police has said it plans to use undercover officers to identify harassment of female runners.

Research by TGC in 2024 found that 72% of women changed their outdoor activity routines during the winter months.

It also found that about one in four (24%) chose well-lit routes, with a similar number avoiding certain areas altogether.