6th November 2023
Listen
Listen
No one should feel unsafe pursuing a hobby they love.
As students, we can be easily drawn to the countless benefits runnings instils and holds; dopamine rushes, relaxation improved sleep. Yet these should not be countered by the harming incidents which women experience daily.
Last February, the BBC published data conveyed by the University of Manchester featuring regular runners both in Merseyside and Greater Manchester; displaying shocking results that 68% of female runners have experienced a form of harassment whilst running.
I have been lucky enough to meet one of my closest friends through running at university. Anna and I bumped into eachother outside Black Sheep Coffee in Liverpool One last March after both going on solo runs that morning. We decided to sit together after securing our £2 Monday drinks; soon to have a long conversation regarding our interests and passions. Despite distantly knowing one another through mutual friends, we were both met with the thought to start running together. After numerous consecutive weeks of enjoying each others company with a side of coffee, I knew I had made a friend for life. Following this, however, our runs’ high spirits began to increasingly dim once countless of unwanted and disturbing comments started to be made about us; a gentlemen even physically intervened once. Still left in shock, we recently both discussed this hideosity with other friends who also take pleasure in the physical activity.
After acknowledging nearly all of my friends had experienced some form of harassment whilst running, my worries deepened and catalysed my drive to speak out about my personal experience and raise increased awareness of offered support.
Through publishing this article, I fondly hope to foster recognition and advocate assisting resources for women who tragically face these behaviours. Even if my article gives rise to support for one individual, I will harbour great contentment.
Please know there is support out there and people that will listen:
https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/studentsupport/mental-wellbeing
https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/stalking-harassment-beta/v1/report-stalking-harassment
No one should feel unsafe pursuing a hobby they love.
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