WELSH ATHLETICS LAUNCHES ‘OWN THE NIGHT / EIN NOS NI’ CAMPAIGN TO MAKE RUNNING SAFER FOR WOMEN THIS WINTER
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.
That’s why Run 4 Wales is supporting Welsh Athletics’ Own The Night / Ein Nos Ni campaign to confront that truth head-on.
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.
Last night in the Senedd, we asked 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.”
Detective Superintendent Tracey Rankine, force lead for Violence Against Women and Girls at South Wales Police, said:
“It is completely unacceptable that women are changing their running route, avoiding certain locations or not running in the evenings due to the behaviour of others. Everyone deserves to be and feel safe and enjoy our public spaces, fear free.
We will be attending parkruns and running groups to speak with runners and would like to reassure people that we will listen to your concerns.
I urge anyone who experiences harassment or intimidation to report any concerns to the police so we can put an end to this behaviour.”
For Jen Stone, a runner from Albany Road Run Club, these challenges are all too familiar.
“One of the scariest moments I’ve had was a few years ago now. I was running along Cyncoed Road around 6.30pm in winter, it was already dark. I heard loud shouting over my headphones from a car full of young men laughing as it passed by. I was really startled and anxious, and I honestly thought the same car was following me. I shortened my route and ran home as quickly as I could.
I rarely run on my own now, especially in the dark. That’s why I joined my run club, it feels so much safer.
I fully support the Own The Night campaign because everyone deserves to feel safe when running.”
As the clocks go back this October, Own The Night / Ein Nos Ni 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.
Back to news