Senedd support Welsh Athletics campaign to make running safer for women this winter

Senedd support Welsh Athletics campaign to make running safer for women this winter

Cross Party consensus as John Griffths MS (Labour) and Heledd Fychan MS (Plaid Cymru) have tabled a Statement of Opinion for the Senedd record supporting Welsh Athletics Own the Night campaign.

Welsh Athletics recently launched a national campaign at the Senedd to raise awareness of the safety concerns women face when running at night or in the early mornings. As part of the Own The Night campaign, the organisation called on the Welsh Government to take bold action to make our communities safer and more active by requesting the following:

• Safer, Well-Lit Routes for Runners – Prioritise running and walking routes in the Active Travel Plan — routes that are safe, accessible, and well-lit.
• Mandate Safe Exercise Spaces in New Housing Developments – Require all developers to include safe, accessible areas for physical activity in residential planning.
• Embed Sport and Physical Activity in the VAWDASV Strategy – Ensure sport and physical activity are core components of the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) strategy.

In response, the two Senedd Members have tabled a Statement of Opinion stating:

This Senedd:

1. Supports Welsh Athletics’ Own the Night campaign and commends their work to empower women runners.
2. Calls on the Welsh Government to make efforts to ensure that running is safe and inclusive for all, and ensure sport and physical activity are components of their violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence strategy.
3. Recognises that safety concerns, particularly during darker months, lead many women to adapt or limit their physical activity.
4. Welcomes the campaign’s focus on fostering safer running environments.
5. Encourages women to remain active throughout the year by promoting confidence and raising awareness around personal safety.

To date, 13 Senedd members have subscribed – sharing their support for the Campaign.

James Williams, CEO at Welsh Athletics, shared his reaction:

“Our thanks to the Senedd Members that are supporting this campaign – we are passionate about ensuring that everyone has a safe space to enjoy running, no one should have to worry about their safety while undertaking physical activity, yet this is the reality that nearly all women face on a daily basis. We hope that this campaign can be the catalyst for positive change and for this to happen it requires all parties to stand together and help shape a more inclusive and respectful society.”

As part of a month-long campaign this October, Welsh Athletics is leading a nationwide initiative to promote safer running environments for all. The organisation is hosting educational webinars, distributing safety guidance, and culminating the campaign with a series of community running events across Wales on the evening of Sunday 26 October. These events aim to bring runners together in solidarity, united by one core belief: that running should feel safe for everyone, regardless of the time of day.

Own The Night Campaign Aims:

• Raise awareness of women’s safety concerns when running at night or early mornings.
• Empower women to continue running through the winter months with confidence.
• Educate running communities and the wider public on allyship and practical ways to support women.
• ‘Reclaim the streets’ – encourage groups and clubs across Wales to host a Own The Night Run on Sunday 26 October, the day the clocks go back.

To find out more about the campaign and how to take part, click here.

Find a Senedd Statement of Opinion here.

And don’t forget to watch and share the campaign video in English and in Welsh!