Dark nights prompt safety concerns for female runners across North Yorkshire

A survey has found 90% will change their running habits

Author: Kathy GreenPublished 30th Oct 2023

Now the clocks have gone back, we're hearing how some North Yorkshire women no longer feel safe running outside.

Molly Slater-Davison set up the "These girls run" club in York two year ago so women can exercise together.

She says the darker nights can make going running even more frightening: "90% of our members change their habit during the Winter and that can look like, running at a different time of day, changing your route when your running, to completely stopping running, which is a real shame because getting outside and getting fresh air is such a benefit."

"Even when we run as a group sometimes we get it as well, which really surprises me because the reason why we run together because is that kind of safety in numbers mentality and the sisterhood that we've created."

"Because it happens to women on such a frequent basis you just think oh it's just part and parcel of being a women, but it's not and it shouldn't be."

"In the Winter when you have such limited daylight hours, to stop running altogether is not only sad from a physical point of view but mentally as well."

You can find out more about the These Girls Run club here

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