A campaign aimed at making running safer for women by raising awareness and empowering communities to support female runners has been launched.

Launched by Welsh Athletics, Own the Night is a national campaign, that confronts the truth head-on.

Running should feel free, safe, and equal but for many women, the reality is very different. Every autumn, as the clocks go back and nights draw in, women across Wales face growing concerns about safety when running in the dark.

The campaign 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.

Through bold storytelling, practical education, and community activation, Own The Night seeks to unite runners, clubs, and the public in creating a safer, more inclusive environment for women who run.

Hannah Baulch, Head of Participation at Welsh Athletics shared: "Running in Wales is experiencing fantastic growth at the moment, with 293,000 adults participating regularly through organised and informal activity.

"We’re delighted that since 2020, female runners have contributed to more than half of our membership figures, a stat that’s difficult to replicate in other sports.

“However, we are acutely aware female runners face numerous challenges during the winter months. It’s not just about cold weather or slippery roads, it’s about safety.

“Research by This Girl Can shows that almost three-quarters (72%) of women in the UK change their outdoor activity routines during winter, and a recent Our Streets Now survey revealed that 93% of women have experienced public sexual harassment whilst running. This simply isn’t acceptable, and we want your help to make a societal change.

“Following our recent launch at the Senedd, we have the support of the Welsh Government for their commitment to make our streets safer, but we also want communities across Wales to support by being the light for other runners by offering them respect, and by calling out bad behaviour. Together, we can make a real difference."

Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said: “As both a runner and a police officer, I know how important it is to feel safe whilst out on a run. No one should have to plan their route based on fear. This campaign is about making sure women can focus on their run – not their safety – and about building a community where everyone looks out for one another.

“North Wales Police is committed to ensuring that everyone feels safe whilst exercising in public spaces.

“Behaviours such as catcalling and public intimidation can escalate into more serious offences. Unfortunately, we know that some people - usually women, can feel uncomfortable, intimidated or scared to go out for a run, especially in the winter when the nights are longer and there is less opportunity to be outside during daylight. We also know that harassment of female runners and joggers is significantly under reported so I would urge anyone who experiences harassment or intimidation to report any concerns to the police so we can put an end to this behaviour.”

Gwen Owen, founder of the MônGirlsRun running club on Anglesey said: “Running is my time to clear my head and feel strong – but there have been moments where I’ve felt the need to change my route or run in daylight just to feel safe. At times my dad has even followed me on his pushbike just so that I feel safer.

“Unfortunately, as a club, we have experienced incidents of being shouted at, being cat called and felt immediately scared. It makes you feel uncomfortable and anxious. During one incident a car was passing, and it slowed down so that it was side by side to us and a man inside started shouting and swearing at us. Some girls I know have felt being put off running alone, that’s why our club is so important and why we run together.

“I fully support this new campaign because everyone deserves to feel safe when running and I’m grateful that we have strong, empowering and supportive women around us.”

As the clocks go back, Own the Night will bring runners together across Wales to stand for one shared belief: that running should feel safe for everyone, no matter the time of day. Officers and staff from North Wales Police will be supporting many of these events over the next few months.

To find out more about the campaign please visit the Welsh Athletics website via: https://www.welshathletics.org/en/page/own-the-night