Liv Clark meets the UK women who refuse to stop running – even after dark.
When Abbie Durham, first noticed a cyclist behind her on a run, she could not understand why – there was an empty road and pavement beside them.
Yet he kept close behind her.
After being cat called countless times, Abbie, 22 from Nottingham, stopped using the canal route.
She knows these are the risks faced by women who run alone, but she is determined not to lose her right to the streets in winter.
The bigger picture
A 2025 survey by Safe Kab found that 75% of women feel unsafe walking alone at night, and 27% feel unsafe during daylight hours.
For women who run, these fears often intensify. Running means moving through quieter streets, parks, and routes where visibility is limited.
Abbie said: “Women’s safety has not improved in my lifetime despite heavy discourse surrounding the issues, particularly after femicide cases have been shown in the news.
“I feel that policing and the legal system is insufficient at both preventing and providing justice for crimes affecting women’s safety.”
This is why initiatives like Nottinghamshire Police’s ‘Walk in My Shoes’ campaign – launched in March this year – are crucial. The campaign aims to tackle problem areas where women and girls feel unsafe.
Superintendent Heather Maelor said: “We receive calls from women and girls who are subjected to unwanted behaviour and abuse from men every day.
“We want to know the areas they feel the most unsafe so we can come up with solutions collectively with our partners to make a real change.”
Surveys conducted as part of the campaign found that almost 90 percent of women and girls felt the most unsafe in Nottingham during the evening and at night.
More than 2,300 respondents had experienced unwanted behaviour from men in a public space in the last year.
Abbie added: “As a woman I feel more vulnerable and more of a target as I don’t feel I could protect myself from a man who, majority of the time, is stronger than me.”
Community solutions
While police campaigns aim to tackle unsafe areas, grassroot groups are creating practical solutions on the ground.
Paul Hopkins, 48, from Nottingham, founded Runspire Nottingham to foster a welcoming and safe running environment. Paul said: “It all started about 10 years ago. I was overweight, I was over 20 stone, and I thought it’s about time to change.
“I set up a little running group in Bulwell. I didn’t think anyone would come.”
Since then, the group has expanded from six members at the first run, to over 75 current members across Paul’s running and walking sessions.
Today, women make up around 80 percent of Runspire’s members – a reflection of its mission to create a safe, supportive space for female runners.
Paul said: “With our groups, we empower women to go out, even if it’s with a friend.
“And then, if they have done the routes with us, they might actually feel like ‘oh, I feel safe and know where we’re going, so I can do that route myself.’”
Paul highlighted how running groups can actively support safety, especially in challenging environments. He added: “We always make sure people are buddied up and that no one gets left behind, especially in winter months.
“We recently raised money for new flashing lights as a gift to all our members to help keep them visible and safe.”
Attendance drops in winter, but Paul keeps spirits high with creative events. He said: “We try and do some fun events like a Christmas tree run where we run in the shape of a Christmas tree.
“Last night we did a reindeer run, and we do bingo runs to try and get people to come out because it’s hard to get out the front door in this weather.”
Runspire’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed – the group was named the most empowering fitness and wellbeing support non-profit in the East Midlands this year, and Paul received the BBC Make a Difference Award in 2023.
Nearly four years on, Runspire has helped many women rebuild their confidence. Paul said: “We had one lady who wouldn’t go out at all after COVID, and now she’s started meeting up with people from the groups.
“Another member had a heart transplant; she started with couch to 5k and went on to win two medals at the transplant games.”
Runspire isn’t alone in this mission. Other run clubs across the UK share the same commitment.
The Gentle Babes run club in Norwich offers women a space to run, connect and build confidence – even during darker winter months.
Club member Rebecca Lorima said: “During the darker months, we place a strong emphasis on community to ensure everyone feels safe and supported.
“We use reflective gear and headlights for visibility, making sure everyone can see and be seen.
“Our runs are carefully planned with well-lit routes, keeping safety a top priority.”
Their club fosters an inclusive environment in which members feel encouraged and safe.
One member reflected on how the group has helped them. Offering guidance to others who feel worried about running alone after dark, she said: “If you’re hesitant about running outside in the evenings, especially on your own, I’d recommend taking a few safety precautions for peace of mind.
“Wear high-visibility clothes, choose a well-lit route, let someone know where you’re running, and make sure your phone is charged.
“Or start running with a group of supportive women – you’ll feel much safer and the motivation to keep going becomes contagious.”
