The Winter Solstice - Changing the Story for Women Runners
Anthea Sully, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK, writes about women’s experience of running and how men can show allyship as women’s safety becomes highlighted by the long dark night of the Winter Solstice.
The Winter Solstice in Hebden Bridge, where White Ribbon UK is based, takes place at 3.27 am on Friday 22 December 2023. The longest dark night of the year. Many women dread the winter and darker nights, often curtailing activities or changing plans to avoid being out in the dark. For women who enjoy running outdoors the fear of running in the dark can make them move indoors to a gym or stop running altogether during winter months. The London Marathon moving back to its usual time in April, from its Covid autumn scheduling, was met with dismay by many women as it meant training throughout the winter.
The fear of violence is harmful, preventing women from living the lives they want to lead. So, at this solstice, I am going to introduce how men can show allyship to women runners. And it’s not only running in the dark where the fear of violence is present. Women’s everyday experience of running will often include incidents of harassment. An international survey conducted by adidas, and reported in Runners World in March 2023 ‘showed 92% of women are fearful when they run. 38% of women have experienced physical or verbal harassment while running, and over half of these women have received unwanted attention, sexist comments or unwanted sexual attention, been honked at or followed.’ A majority of women spoke about taking measures to keep safe, such as running with another person.
I started running in my 40s on the encouragement of a work colleague. I quickly found that this was not only good for my fitness but also my mental health and managing stress and I really enjoyed participating in events and becoming part of the running community. What I did not anticipate was, that I, like many women, would experience sexist remarks, misogyny and men’s behaviour that would make me fearful. I have had men call out asking where my husband is, men saying ‘come on, you'll be able to do the housework faster if you pick up the pace’, vans and cars slowing down to my pace and trailing me and schoolboys jeering and standing in front of me blocking my way.
These are obvious examples of sexism at play, I think one of the scary things about women's experience running is that the behaviours that cause so much harm are generally invisible to others. For example, the time when I'd been out running with a male friend. When we got back, I thought, ‘that's great, for once I've not experienced any cat calling, there's been no cars beeping or trailing me’, and then I realised it was because I was with a man. He has never experienced abuse whilst running and is still incredulous that it should happen.
We reached out to men and women runners and asked them about running – this is what they said:
From women
I only ever run in the gym on a treadmill, instead of outside, as it removes any of the harassment I would experience whilst running through streets.
After an intimidating incident where I didn’t feel safe at all I don’t run anymore.
I always try and run with a friend. If not I run in a familiar area during the day.
I’m constantly aware of my surroundings when I run meaning I can’t get lost in the music or focus solely on me. If I see another person I turn the music off so I can hear what’s happening and ring someone if I feel uncomfortable.
I risk assess any man that is coming towards me when I run, planning if I have an escape route, should I cross the road.
A long time ago I was attacked in the street – I wasn’t running then but affects the choices I make when to run and I never go out when its dark. I can have flashbacks, if I man comes up behind me as the attacker did it is really scary.
I have men call out from cars on a regular basis when I am running, about my appearance, what they would like to do to me. Other times cars slow down, or drivers beep their horns.
From men
I always try and show I’m not a threat. I look down if I’m behind a woman and try and cross the road as soon as I am able.
In terms of my approach as a runner, I just try to be sensitive and empathic. For instance, if I’m running behind a solitary woman, especially in a lonely place or in poor light, I will either hang back (if she’s doing a similar pace to me) or accelerate past her, the point of both of these being to keep sufficient distance so as not to risk her feeling intimidated by my presence.
As a man, a runner and a member of a running club, I recognise that before I go for a run I don’t need to think about what I wear, what time I run, where I run and whether I run with other people.
I would encourage all men to be active bystanders and challenge negative behaviours towards women and girls so that running can be an enjoyable experience.
I believe that men need to be aware of when someone’s behaviour is inappropriate or threatening and can choose to challenge it.
I try and focus on myself and the workout because then everyone gets the vibe you’re there for you.
I wasn’t aware until recently of the ‘checklist’ most women have when running like having a phone, sharing a location and the fastest way home.
Men in the running community have a great opportunity to pave the way for change by learning how to show allyship to women runners.
Here are some things that all men can do to show allyship to women running, and when you are out running:
• Ask your women friends and relatives about their experiences – listen to what they have to say.
• Give space – and if you are running make sure you give space to all people – the sound of someone running up behind you is scary.
• Don’t make eye contact – look away.
• Don’t make remarks – even if you think they sound ‘friendly’.
• Follow women runners and celebrate their achievements – talk about this with your friends.
• If you see misogynist abuse to women athletes on social media – consider posting ‘I’m not OK with this’ and report.
On 25th November, White Ribbon Day, many people dedicated their parkrun White Ribbon. I joined the Woodhouse Moor Parkrun in Leeds. Several White Ribbon Ambassadors came to lend their support, including one who had brought along friends from his running club. The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Al Garthwaite, a founder of the first ‘Reclaim the Night’ in the UK, was one of the tail walkers. I like Parkrun – it takes place on a Saturday morning in daylight, there are plenty of volunteers, it feels safe.
As we move through the Winter Solstice, let’s change the story for women runners. I am calling on all men, and especially those who enjoy running, to show allyship with women. We can make it safer for women to live the lives they want to lead and enjoy running wherever and whenever they want to run.