BREAKING: The NSW government has just announced a significant investment of $800,000 to enhance safety measures for women runners, addressing growing concerns over personal safety during evening and early-morning runs. This urgent initiative comes just days before the highly anticipated Sydney Marathon, where thousands will hit the streets, highlighting the pressing issue of women’s safety in sports.
Aussie marathon runner and influencer Georgia Hillis voices a common fear among female athletes: the anxiety of running alone in the dark. “It is so upsetting and frustrating that we are robbed of being able to enjoy our favourite thing like running just because it is dark outside,” she expressed in an interview with NewsWire. Many women, like Hillis, have resorted to carrying self-defense tools, reflecting a broader trend of fear that hampers their ability to train freely.
The urgency of this announcement is underscored by a recent survey, which revealed that approximately 94 percent of women reported safety concerns deeply affecting their participation in sports. John Graham, NSW Minister for Transport, condemned the situation as a “travesty,” emphasizing that everyone deserves to feel safe at all times, day or night. The new funding aims to investigate critical safety improvements, including better lighting in popular running areas, to empower women and girls to pursue their passion without fear.
The announcement is particularly relevant as Hillis prepares to run her third consecutive Sydney Marathon, aiming to beat her previous time by less than a minute. Despite her enthusiasm, the thought of potential dangers looms large. “The anxiety of ‘what if’ plays on my mind the entire run, so it isn’t worth it in my opinion,” she said.
Fellow influencer Julie Song-Tedjakusuma also acknowledges the serious implications of safety while running. Juggling her corporate job with training, she often finds herself running in the dark, prioritizing visibility and staying in populated areas to mitigate risks. “A lot of women don’t feel safe when they’re out running,” she noted, highlighting the need for systemic changes.
The upcoming research funded by the NSW government will focus on understanding women’s specific safety needs and informing future infrastructure plans. Graham stated, “Whether it’s heading out for a run or trying to get home after dark, everyone has the right to feel safe.” This initiative is a vital step toward addressing the long-standing issue of safety for female runners.
Hillis applauded the funding, asserting, “I want to be able to enjoy my run instead of feeling like I might have to run for my life.” She recalled her experience at Nike’s After Dark half-marathon, where improved safety measures allowed her to run confidently at night. “This was empowering, not only for me but for the entire running community,” she added.
As the Sydney Marathon approaches, both Hillis and Song-Tedjakusuma encourage women to embrace running despite their safety concerns. Hillis passionately declared, “You are so capable of doing things that scare you and you think are hard. No matter how fast you are when you first start out, you are still running.”
The emotional connection to running goes beyond just fitness; it fosters community and support among participants. Song-Tedjakusuma emphasized the rewarding feeling that follows a run, stating, “The feeling you get after running is pretty amazing.”
With the NSW government’s new funding, there is hope for a future where women can run freely, without fear of becoming a statistic. As the Sydney Marathon draws near, both influencers and thousands of passionate runners are ready to take to the streets, united in their pursuit of safety and empowerment through sport.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops.
