Research has shown nearly three-quarters of women in the UK feel they have to change their exercise routine outdoors when it gets dark because of the risks.
“I think it’s just a general feeling of being threatened, really,” said Hannah Clegg, a member of the Slinn Allstars running club.
“I think the majority of women feel slightly unsafe if they are out on their own, and maybe see a group of males walking towards them.
“Some people get beeped at by cars when they’re out running, which obviously isn’t very nice.”
The Swindon club, a mixed running group that meets twice a week, joined Sport England’s campaign, This Girl Can, in taking part in the ‘Let’s Lift The Curfew’ movement.
The movement aimed to tackle the challenges that women face when exercising outdoors in the dark, through a series of organised runs across the country.
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The Adver spoke to Becky McVittie, who has been a member of Slinn Allstars for 18 months.
“I wouldn’t ever go out in the dark on my own, especially at this time of year.
“I think it’s good that we run together in a little group, and we all message each other to see if we are coming each time,” said Becky.
Kyra Jenkins has been running in the club for almost three years, having started on their beginner’s course.
“There’s a sense of a community, there’s a lot of us here. I don’t feel safe running on my own, so when we come together, I’ve got people around me. It’s really safe, and everyone’s lovely,” said Kyra.
Another member of the club, Amelia Gates, told the BBC earlier this month about her experience of running alone.
“This guy approached me on a bike, and ten minutes later I saw him again, speaking to me, and asking if I had a boyfriend. It’s just not very nice.
“To be honest, you kind of expect it. It’s just what it’s like to be a woman,” Amelia said.
As well as taking part in the campaign, Slinn Allstars have their own measures in place to ensure the club is safe for all.
“We have back markers for each group. So, the back markers run behind the slowest person to make sure the whole group gets back together in one piece – no one is left behind,” said Hannah.
“We do a planned route, so everyone has a set route, and it’s only shared within our private group – no one else is aware of the route we’re running.
“It’s important to raise awareness, and to show that, as a club, we all support each other.”
The club also places an emergency phone in their meeting place, so a member of the committee can be contacted if any accidents happen.
As well as the running club, Slinn Allstars runs ‘Running Safely’, a course designed to promote awareness and avoidance of risks when running, as well as teaching simple self-defence techniques.
The marketing director for Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign, Kate Dale, told the BBC that it is important for men to step up on this issue.
“If you find yourself behind a woman who’s walking or running, cross the road. Make it clear that you’re not a threat, that you’re not following her.
“We know it’s very few men who make us feel unsafe, but we don’t know which ones they are.
“Talk to your partners, your daughters, your sisters, your mothers, your female friends and listen to their stories,” said Kate.
To find out more about Slinn Allstars, visit their website or their Facebook and Instagram pages.