New research has revealed a startling reality for female runners in New South Wales (NSW), with a significant 50 per cent reporting experiences of harassment. This figure underscores a pervasive concern for safety, which overwhelmingly dictates where and when women choose to engage in recreational running.
The findings emerge from a comprehensive survey involving over 5,000 women, conducted as part of the NSW government’s “Run My Way” initiative. This program, aimed at fostering a safer environment for women in running, has recently received a substantial $500,000 funding injection. This boost will facilitate a series of women-only track nights designed to address safety concerns while simultaneously enhancing running technique and building participants’ confidence.
Anecdotal evidence gathered through interviews featured on the Run My Way website paints a vivid picture of the constant vigilance many women feel compelled to maintain. Comments frequently highlighted a state of being “hyper-aware” of their surroundings, with the prospect of running after dark eliciting particular anxiety. Common refrains included a commitment to “only running during the day” and the necessity of “always carrying a phone,” alongside a raw expression of fear: “Really scared of being a woman in the dark.”
NSW Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison, emphasised the fundamental right of women to feel secure in their communities. “Whether they’re living their day-to-day lives, whether they’re going to work, whether they’re exercising, the NSW government is working really hard to provide an increased feeling of, and actual, safety for women and girls across New South Wales,” she stated.
The inaugural women-only track night under the Run My Way banner took place recently at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre. This event provided a supportive atmosphere, with a dedicated coach offering training advice and guiding participants through various drills. The program is set to continue with three more planned sessions at Sydney Olympic Park and the ES Marks Athletics Track in Randwick, further extending opportunities for women to run safely and confidently.
Minister Harrison elaborated on the program’s direct impact: “Half of women that experience harassment while running, and 95 per cent say their sense of safety influences where and when they run. So, the Run My Way program is way providing a couple of coaches during track nights … and it’s really aimed at improving feelings of safety and participation for women.”
NSW Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, stressed the importance of implementing practical solutions to dismantle barriers to participation. “This investment is about removing barriers so more women, girls and gender diverse people can get active, build confidence and enjoy sport and recreation,” he commented.
The commitment to the Run My Way initiative extends beyond this recent funding. Government figures indicate that over $1 million, including this latest allocation, will be invested in the program across three years, from 2025 to 2027. This sustained investment signals a strong dedication to creating a more inclusive and secure sporting landscape for women and girls in NSW.
Key Concerns for Female Runners
The research and program feedback highlight several critical issues faced by women who run:
- Prevalence of Harassment: A staggering 50% of female runners in NSW have experienced harassment.
- Safety Dictates Behaviour: An overwhelming 95% of women report that their sense of safety directly influences their decisions about when and where they run.
- Fear of Running After Dark: This is a significant concern, leading to limitations on running times and a constant sense of vulnerability.
- Hyper-Awareness: Many women feel a persistent need to be constantly vigilant about their surroundings while running.
- Coping Mechanisms: Common strategies include limiting runs to daylight hours and always carrying a mobile phone for emergencies.
The Run My Way Initiative: A Solution-Oriented Approach
The Run My Way program is designed to directly address these challenges through targeted interventions:
- Women-Only Track Nights: These events create a dedicated and secure space for women to run.
- Expert Coaching: Coaches are present to provide support, offer technical advice, and lead training drills.
- Building Confidence: The program aims to empower women, enhancing their self-assurance both on and off the track.
- Improving Technique: Beyond safety, the initiative focuses on developing participants’ running skills.
- Government Investment: Significant funding has been allocated to ensure the program’s sustainability and reach.
The initiative represents a tangible effort by the NSW government to foster a safer and more accessible environment for women in sport and recreation, acknowledging that feeling safe is a prerequisite for participation and enjoyment.
