Women's running group set up after harassment

Two women who set up a female-only running group because they did not feel safe exercising after dark said membership has doubled since the start of the year.

Jade Pollitt and Sian Swift welcomed 22 people to the first monthly session of the Night Run in Doncaster, and expect around 50 at the next meet-up.

The group meets at the Keepmoat Stadium at 18:00 GMT tonight (28 February) for a non-competitive 5km run.

Ms Swift said members had told them they "just wanted to feel safe" and they were "creating a community of women in the same position".

The club is sponsored by local sportswear brand Werkhaus.

Ms Pollitt said that she had faced harassment whilst running, including an incident when a man stopped his car to ask where she was going and for her phone number.

"Stuff like that really puts you off from going outside and running on your own. We spoke to the other women that have joined the group to ask why, and it's always in a similar vein," she said.

Ms Swift said she also felt anxious during runs, so took her dog with her and avoided darker streets.

Ms Pollitt added that some men would be "surprised" by how many women felt unsafe.

"Speak to your mum, your sister, cousins, women you work with - you'd be shocked by the response you'd get."

She explained she understood "not all men" were a threat, but the majority of the group had said a man had harassed them at some point.

The pair hoped the group, which is free and open to all abilities, would continue to grow and give more women confidence whilst exercising.

Ms Swift said they were planning to host a group 5km on the last Friday of every month, but members were using a WhatsApp group to organise extra informal sessions.

"We want the momentum of that to keep building," she said.

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