UPDATE: The New South Wales (NSW) government has just announced a groundbreaking investment of $800,000 aimed at improving safety for women runners. This announcement comes just days before the highly anticipated Sydney Marathon scheduled for September 17, 2023, reflecting growing concerns about women’s safety in public spaces.
Marathon runner and influencer Georgia Hillis has voiced the urgent fears shared by many female athletes. “It is so upsetting… we are robbed of being able to enjoy our favourite thing like running just because it is dark outside,” Hillis told NewsWire. Many women, including Hillis, have resorted to carrying weapons or alarms during their runs to mitigate the risks of violence.
The alarming statistic reveals that approximately 94% of women reported that safety concerns directly affect their ability to participate in sports and exercise, according to a survey following the Nike After Dark Tour in April. This urgent issue has sparked a call to action from NSW Minister for Transport John Graham, who described the barriers women face as a “travesty”.
“The funding will focus on understanding what is needed to improve safety, including better lighting in popular running areas,” Graham stated. This initiative aims to create a safer environment for women and girls, allowing them to enjoy running without fear.
Hillis, who is preparing to run the marathon for the third consecutive year, emphasized the importance of safety in her training routines. “The anxiety of ‘what if’ plays on my mind the entire run,” she explained, highlighting how safety concerns overshadow the joy of running.
Fellow runner and influencer Julie Song-Tedjakusuma echoed similar sentiments. She often finds herself restricted to running only in well-lit, populated areas due to safety fears. “A lot of women don’t feel safe when they’re out running,” she noted, stressing the need for initiatives like this to raise awareness and improve conditions.
As the marathon approaches, the funding will also focus on future infrastructure plans that could transform the running experience for women. Hillis welcomed the announcement, expressing hope for increased safety measures. “I want to be able to enjoy my run instead of feeling like I might have to run for my life,” she said.
Both athletes encourage others to participate in running, despite safety fears. “You are so capable of doing things that scare you,” Hillis said, urging new runners to embrace the sport. Song-Tedjakusuma added, “The feeling you get after running is pretty amazing,” highlighting the community aspect that running brings.
As thousands of eager participants prepare for the Sydney Marathon this weekend, the focus remains on creating a safer environment for all runners. The NSW government’s funding marks a significant step towards addressing these critical safety concerns, allowing women to reclaim their right to run freely and confidently.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and join the conversation about women’s safety in sports and exercise.
