28
Oct
Local running clubs back women's safety campaign
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Local running clubs are backing a campaign to improve women’s safety during winter.
The Let’s Lift the Curfew was created by Sport England’s This Girl Can Campaign in October 2023.
It aims to increase awareness of the dangers associated with outdoor exercise for women in the darker months.
Each year, the initiative calls on clubs and organisations to help make outdoor activities safer and more accessible for the many women who may not have the confidence to do so otherwise.
The Early Bird Run Crew and Ripon Runners are backing the campaign by providing safe sessions specifically for women.
Early Bird Run Crew
The Early Bird Run Crew will be hosting weekday morning run sessions as part of the campaign.
Starting this Friday (October 31), the informal running club will meet at 6am and 6.30am every weekday morning.
Running groups will depart from the war memorial in Harrogate and the market square in Knaresborough and follow “familiar, well-lit 5km routes”.
The group is free to join, non-competitive and welcomes women of all fitness levels. There is no need to book ahead.
Sam Holbrook of Early Bird Run Crew said:
This event is an excellent opportunity for women living locally to experience a safe, welcoming, and social way to exercise and to help raise awareness that feeling safe and comfortable outdoors is key to staying active year-round.
Ripon Runners
Ripon Runners
Ripon Runners has organised a run at 6.30pm tomorrow (October 28), starting at Ripon Rugby Club.
People of all ages and abilities are welcome, as the club hosts runs at various paces for different ability levels.
Qualified female run leaders will be present to provide safe routes and coaching, so that female runners feel supported and safe.
A spokesperson for Ripon Runners said:
At Ripon Runners, we're fortunate to have around 45% of our runners being female. We prioritise being an inclusive group and have various running ability levels.
In terms of encouraging female runners, we believe that supporting the #LiftTheCurfew event is a big part of raising awareness for female runners that there are safe ways to exercise as the weather draws in.
If you are interested in joining the event, email membership secretary Sarah Jones at membership@riponrunners.org.uk.
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