PCC backs new campaign for women’s running safety

Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd has backed a new campaign by Welsh Athletics aimed at addressing growing concerns among women runners.

The ‘Own the Night’ campaign was inspired by the collaborative work between Welsh Athletics and Gwent Police, which provides advice and guidance to women and girls on how to stay safe while running.

It aims to:

• Raise awareness of women’s safety concerns when running at night or early mornings.
• Empower women to continue running through the winter months with confidence.
• Educate running communities and the wider public on allyship and practical ways to support women.
• ‘Reclaim the streets’ – encourage groups and clubs across Wales to host a group run on Sunday 26 October, the day the clocks go back.

More information is available at: www.welshathletics.org/en/page/own-the-night

Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd said: “I’ve visited groups and spoken to runners from across Gwent, listening to their frustrations and concerns.

“It is unacceptable that so many women and girls are put off running or walking in their communities because they feel unsafe. The freedom to run without fear of sexually charged comments, verbal abuse, or threats of violence is a right we should all expect.

“Gwent Police is doing excellent work to promote safety within the running community, and it’s fantastic to see that this has inspired Welsh Athletics’ new campaign.

“Ultimately, though, the challenges faced by female runners reflect wider societal issues that we must all work together to address. I hope this campaign sparks the conversations and action needed to make a real difference in our communities.”

Issues can be reported to Gwent Police via 101, by messaging Gwent Police directly on Facebook, or by reporting online. Always dial 999 in an emergency.