With the rise in women joining running clubs, how are these groups creating a safer and more supportive environment for their members?
It was a brisk morning in Bute Park, surrounded by the vast greenery the cool breeze guided Sian Regan through her solo run. As she continued through the park a man caught her eye, to her surprise he had flashed himself at her.
What should have been a peaceful start to Sian’s day left her feeling violated which ended up making her feel uncomfortable when running alone.
Sian Regan, a member of She Runs Cardiff, explains that this incident upset her, “I felt really intimidated by it but also really sad because although I ended up okay there are women a lot younger than me that could have been really affected by it, says Sian. “You also never know what could have happened.”
This is the harsh reality of women who often face harassment when going out for a run. Women are advised to run in the daytime, or in populated areas and wear loose clothing all whilst making sure to keep their phones on them and staying alert.
Over 50% of women are afraid of being physically attacked and 92% of women are concerned for their welfare when out on a run, according to an Adidas study.
Cornelle Wisdom, a member of The Running Social explains that women should not have to worry about their safety, “Some of these stories didn’t happen in the dark, they have happened in broad daylight. Women shouldn’t have to fear running and shouldn’t have to alter their schedule for their own safety but sadly this is the case.”
There is an 89% increase in women joining running clubs in comparison to the previous year, according to Strava, an exercise tracking app.
Running in a group can help women feel more comfortable running, especially at night or early in the morning. But these groups are also a source of support and friendship which improves mental wellbeing.
The Cardiff based run club, She Runs was set up in 2019 as a women only group. Anna-Jane, one of 30 founders explains that allowing men to join would disrupt the dynamics. “When you introduce men into a running group it becomes more competitive and that’s not what we want,” says Anna-Jane. “This is just a safe space for women to run.”
Sarah Thomas, a running buddy at She Runs Cardiff explains how running with the group has helped her improve her mental wellbeing. “I’ve suffered with my mental health since I was very young, and running just helps so much,” says Sarah. “But it’s not just the running, it’s the social side as well. I’ve met so many amazing people, some inspirational women.”
Sunny Knight, a member of She Runs Cardiff, joined the group a few weeks ago. She attended an International Women’s Day run but felt awkward as she didn’t know many people there. As she started running Sunny noticed everyone running in pairs whilst she was running alone. Another member came up to Sunny and ran and talked with her the whole way.
“She said ‘we’ll never leave anyone alone’ which was really nice, she really included me into the group,” says Sunny.
Anna-Jane explains that having a welcoming atmosphere is at the heart of the club’s philosophy. “We have a hashtag ‘party in the back’ which is where even the slowest people don’t get left behind. We wanted to make it about actually going out and socialising, rather than it being about your times and speeds,” says Anna-Jane.
Anna-Jane says, “I can have a really bad day but if I know I’m going for a run with the group, it turns it around. It’s all so very supportive and it’s always such a nice way to end a day.”
Running clubs are also a great way to stay motivated. Having people to keep you accountable and having a place to go to exercise can create a sense of belonging.
Wendy Ismail, a member of She Runs Cardiff, explains how running with her friend made it easier for her to return to running. “She said come with me and we’ll do it together, I’m amazed by how it helped, it was such a lovely way to get back into it,” said Wendy.
Despite running clubs offering a safe and supportive way for women to exercise, they still face comments and harassment whilst running as a group.
“When we are out in groups you still get it, men shouting comments at you. I don’t know whether they think they are being encouraging but they are still harassing you and there’s no need for it,” says Sarah.
Sarah recalls attending a Sarah Everard run, where the names of those who lost their lives were read out, to pay tribute to women who have been killed whilst out for a run. “So many of them were running in daylight and they followed all the guidance that the police gave,” says Sarah. “But if somebody wants to cause you harm they’ll do it.”
“We are not at fault, it’s men,” says Sarah.
Anna-Jane explains that guidance in this area is misdirected, “We have had people setting up apps who approach us saying it is all about women’s safety and we feel they are aiming it at the wrong people, there should be education for the people who are dangerous if you know what I mean.”
Anna- Jane explains that these threats will not stop her and her group from running. “We don’t feel it should be us that should be changing what we do as women,” says Anna-Jane. “We are going to keep doing it.”
“We are not going to shy away because of this, we take sensible precautions but we will carry on the way that we normally do.”