In 2015, the Run Wales Social Running Programme was launched by Welsh Athletics – one of main objectives was to support growth in female running across Wales.
Since this time, we have seen huge growth in the number of females who use running as a method of improving their physical and mental wellbeing. We now have more female members of Welsh Athletics than male, and more female running leaders than male.
More importantly, we have also seen a huge growth in female role models, with groups like She Runs Cardiff, Badass Mothers, Sole Sisters and Dolly Mixtures to name just a few. These groups have created huge networks for runners of all abilities and backgrounds to start running and inspiring others.
We are all incredibly saddened to hear the many, many stories of female runners being heckled, harassed and in some cases assaulted whilst exercising.
This is simply not acceptable, we stand ready to support our community to raise awareness of this issue and to champion the female runner and leader. No one, irrespective of gender, race or orientation should be put off exercising.
We’d like to express our solidarity with all those supporting our collective rights to exercise safely and would urge Welsh Government to work cross departments to ensure that this matter is given due attention.
#reclaimthesestreets
James Williams
CEO
Welsh Athletics