New initiative to improve confidence of female runners

Gwent Police is spearheading the Safer Running initiative and has spoken to more than 100 female members of three clubs.

A new initiative, led by Gwent Police, is providing advice and reassurance to women and girls who run outdoors in the evenings.

Working alongside Welsh Athletics, Gwent Police has spoken first-hand to more than 100 female members of running clubs and groups.

As part of the new Safer Running initiative, we want to improve the confidence of females who run outdoors during the winter months.

We’re also encouraging women to contact us by phone, online or via our social media channels, should they experience any harassment or threatening behaviour while on their runs.

Deputy Chief Constable Nicky Brain gave her support to the scheme during a visit to the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales to meet Lliswerry Runners on Wednesday 29 January.

“It’s important to stress that while we are not seeing reported issues across Gwent, women and girls should be able to run outdoors in the evenings without any concerns for their wellbeing,” said DCC Brain.

“We want to help remove barriers by offering our advice and support and providing them with tools to ensure their safety is key.

“We’ve talked about the use of apps on mobile phones and watches to help make people feel safer.”

In addition to speaking to Lliswerry Runners, Gwent Police has also visited RUNNewport and Islwyn Running Club in Blackwood, giving advice to around 110 women so far.

Men have also come along to these engaging and interactive sessions, offering support to their female club members.

DCC Brain said: “Some runners may be reluctant to report incidents to us over fears they could be wasting our time.

“But I want to reassure people that we will listen to your concerns, so please report them to us and we will deal with them sensitively and professionally.

“We encourage all women to take practical steps, such as staying in well-lit spaces and sharing plans with trusted people.

“We’ll continue to work with our communities and partners to improve safety measures and raise awareness, ensuring everyone can go about their activities safely.”

You can contact us by calling 101, message us directly on our Facebook or X social media channels, or report online via: https://www.gwent.police.uk/ro/report/.

Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Deputy Chief Constable Nicky Brain with members of Lliswerry Runners