Sixty-five women took to the streets of Stroud for a neon-lit fun run organised by Stroud Athletic Club to raise awareness of the fears women face when running after dark. The club’s event, called ‘Lift the Curfew’, combined glow sticks, neon clothing, music and community spirit during an evening designed to help women feel safer when running together.
Women of all ages and running abilities joined the event, including many people who were not members of Stroud AC. Organisers aimed to create a welcoming and supportive environment where participants could run alongside others and highlight the importance of feeling safe after dark.
The source does not give the specific date of the run, or identify the particular streets, ward or venue involved. It describes the route only as taking place on the streets of Stroud.
Run leaders supported every pace
The event was led by Stroud AC run club leaders Natalie Hombrado and Rose Case. They were supported by club member Thea Sharpe, who originally brought the idea to the club committee.
Stroud Athletic Club said it was delighted to support the initiative and raise awareness of women’s safety concerns when running after dark. The run catered for all paces, with nobody left behind. Some women arrived alone without knowing anyone else, but were able to take part in the group event.
The organisers also welcomed people with no previous running experience. One participant who had never run before completed her first 5K by alternating between running and walking, showing that the event was not limited to experienced athletes or regular club members.
Ruby, the youngest runner, was 10 years old. She said: “I loved running with all the running girls and it was easier than I thought. All the glow sticks lighting up and the music made it much more fun. HOPE TO DO IT AGAIN NEXT YEAR!!!”
Message of confidence and support
Bethany Mills, who is not a member of Stroud AC, said the event helped women come together and stay motivated through the darker months.
“It was lovely to be part of so many women coming together to run at night and keep motivated through the darker months. Stroud Athletic Club were so welcoming, and it was great to see everyone supporting each other!”
The club hopes the event encouraged more women to feel confident about running with others. It also wanted to demonstrate that people do not need to be experienced runners, or belong to Stroud AC, to get involved.
Stroud AC thanked everyone who attended and helped make the evening a success. The club described the sight of 65 women lighting up Stroud’s streets as a demonstration of community spirit and support for the Lift the Curfew message.