A Bury St Edmunds running group has thrown its support behind an initiative to show solidarity and highlight the barriers many women face when exercising outside after dark.
Saint Edmund Pacers is backing Let’s Lift the Curfew — a national movement from This Girl Can calling attention to the unwanted curfew many women feel during the darker months, when safety concerns limit their freedom to be active outdoors.
It hosted a 5K community run on Tuesday at 6.30pm, from Angel Hill, in Bury St Edmunds.
Saint Edmund Pacers is backing Let’s Lift the Curfew after hosting a 5K community run on Tuesday, October 28 at 6.30pm in Bury St Edmunds. Picture: Submitted
The group hopes the event will spark conversations and inspire practical steps to make shared spaces safer, more welcoming, and truly open to everyone.
Lara Pocock, vice chair of Saint Edmund Pacers, said: “We are extremely lucky at Saint Edmund Pacers to have two evenings a week where members can attend a coached session on the athletics track.
“This is particularly beneficial in the winter as it offers a safe, well-lit and welcoming environment for people to run in.
“Forty one per cent of our members are women so we understand how the dark nights can hinder social and sporting commitments, that’s why we are taking part in Let’s Lift the Curfew because we want running to be safe and inclusive for all.”
Let’s Lift the Curfew launched in 2023 and has evolved into a national movement with an annual campaign moment when the clocks go back.
Now in its third year, the campaign seeks to amplify women’s stories, promote allyship and encourage wider cultural awareness of the issues that prevent many from being active outdoors during the autumn and winter — from poor lighting to fear of harassment.
The movement urges communities, organisations and local authorities to contribute to lasting change – from fostering greater education and cultural awareness around women’s safety and allyship, to ensuring public spaces and outdoor areas are designed with women’s needs in mind.