Running clubs support the 'Own the Night' campaign to make running for women safer this winter.

Local Running Clubs come together to supports Welsh Athletics' Own the Night campaign to make running safer for women this winter...SPECIAL FEATURE.

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Unique report by Aaron Haggas - the run leader from Black Cloak Runners.

A campaign aimed at making running safer for women by raising awareness and empowering communities to support female runners was launched this past Sunday with the Black Cloak Taproom hosting the North Wales Launch 

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' – encouraged groups and clubs across Wales to host group runs like they did last Sunday (26 October) the day the clocks went back.

  

Runners from the Blackcloak Runners and the Porth Eirias Runners worked together to host and support the event, with members volunteering in a number of roles from marshalling, tail walking to hosting a raffle in aid of Welsh Women’s Aid. 

A 3k and 5k run was enjoyed by 85 runners along the promenade of Colwyn Bay with the only challenge being the rain and wind which could not spoil the event. 

Afterwards runners and volunteers came together to enjoy some refreshment which included an assortment of home bakes donated by both teams whilst discussing women’s safety, how to make our streets safer and all other things about running and people simply coming together for a good cause. The raffle with a variety of prizes donated by the two teams raised a fantastic £208.47 for Welsh Women’s Aid.

 

Run Leader of The Blackcloak Runners Aaron Haggas commented: “It was an absolute pleasure to host this event to empower women running during the darker months. Everyone worked hard to make the event as accommodating, inclusive and welcoming as possible. 

"As a man it was a personal privilege as men have a part in the movement of empowering women and to challenge the negative attitudes, actions and opinions of other men. It was also fantastic linking up with another local group, The Porth Eirias Runners who were just simply epic in their support and hard work.”

 

Run Leader of Porth Eirias Runners Catrin Williams said of the event: “It was fantastic to see so many Porth Eirias Runners members at the Own the Night run, where over 15 of our members participated and volunteered. 

"The event was a resounding success despite the weather. Everyone had a wonderful time, and the atmosphere along the prom was filled with laughter, chatter, and glowing lights. 

"It was heartening to see such a strong turnout promoting running safety in our community, especially during darker days. It was great to be involved”.

"It is also hoped that as well as empowering women runners and making our streets safer, the campaign will prompt men to show their support by challenging negative attitudes towards women, helping to re-educate those with negative gender based opinions as running should feel safe and open to all.'