England Athletics and ThisGirlCan are aiming to help women feel comfortable running in the dark now the clocks have gone back.
The movement is winter-long, and looking to bring runners together to create a safer, more enjoyable environment for all who want to remain active even with the lack of visibility.
The widespread belief that lower visibility equals higher risk is intrinsic to human nature, but ThisGirlCan aims to work through and allow runners to exercise without fear.
A 2023 study by Adidas found that 92% of women are concerned for their safety when they go for a run, 51% afraid of being physically attacked in comparison to 28% of male runners.
The majority of flagship runs for the movement took place on October 27th, but the message is prevalent throughout the season and England Athletics have organised for some Greene King pubs to be used as meeting points to ensure people’s safety.
Data commissioned by ThisGirlCan reveals that almost three-quarters (72%) of women change their routines regarding outdoor exercise during winter.
Other damning statistics from their study include 48% of women preferring not to be active outside after dark and 60% worrying about sexual harassment or intimidation.
Lift the Curfew has been a yearly movement since October 2023, beginning as the clocks go back.
To encourage safety, the organisation encourages the use of Strava for people to track runs, engaging with the wider running community in your area, using local events to highlight the movement and using England Athletics’ guide to running in the dark.
Merseyside saw running clubs including Southport Waterloo AC, Southport Coasters, Marshline Runners, Kirby Millers AC and Formby Stormers come together for a run in early November in solidarity with the movement amidst a nationwide outpour of support.
Matt Jeziorski, Sutton Manor Parkrun run director, said: “Any initiative that can challenge this outrageous situation whereby women can’t feel safe running in winter is welcome. I fully support it and will take whatever steps I can to improve the situation.”
“Just yesterday when going for a run with my partner she chose the route because it will be spring before she can do it on her own again.
“I find it dispiriting that places are off limits to her in the darker months.
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“For one winter I refused to run anywhere she wouldn’t feel safe after dark – it is incredibly restrictive and, frankly, makes running boring.”
The organisation encourages people cross the winter to tag them at #LetsLifttheCurfew.
