Platt Fields Park welcomed hundreds of runners last weekend( 31 January) for a special community running event Moonlit Miles - to raise awareness about women's running safety.
Manchester Parks collaborated with the Slow Run Club to facilitate the meet- up event to create a safe and welcoming environment for runners of all abilities and ages regardless of experience.
200 runners were given a free headtorch to keep for future runs, walks or cycle rides and many ran the 3k route around Platt Fields Park. Some runners ran one lap while other ran every lap which meant they ran up to 21.1 K - a half marathon. 52 volunteers helped to scan runners in, keep them safe, set up the route and pace the runs.
Eleven run clubs were represented including Levenshulme Run Club, Ancoats Run Club, Manchester Road Runners, Just a run club, Not a run club, Slow Run Club, Run the streets, Runners and Stunners and Run Wild.
The Slow Run Club gained six new members.
Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods said: "It was a fantastic event and really well attended. It is part of our ongoing commitment to creating safer, more welcoming parks for women and girls in Manchester, this event was about reclaiming the dark nights. Winter is a time when many women don’t feel safe to go out and run alone -and this event was about fostering a sense of community as well as celebrating running as a healthy, fun supportive and safe way to exercise in a group. By bringing people together and connecting running clubs with individuals in this fun and supportive environment we hope we can dispel any nerves that people have about joining a club."
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council said: “This is about more than just running it is about bringing communities together, promoting safety and encouraging conversations. It is also a chance to highlight what men, and male runners can do to help make Manchester safer for women and girls who want to run in winter when safety and motivation is a challenge.”
Holly Spiers from the Slow Run Club, a club which focuses on creating a welcoming space for beginners and slower runners said: “The club was formed out of my love for running and community. I'd attended so many clubs and events but always felt left behind or completely out of breath. I noticed a gap for runners who were just starting out or needed a space to run slower than what was currently on offer at other clubs. Today we run across 3 different locations in Manchester, offering a 3km and 6km option with rest stops along the route so everyone can make it round comfortably. We're not about pace or competition, just moving your body and being social.
“Our collaboration with Manchester Parks is focused on helping women feel safer when they are out running. Providing a space for runners to connect with each other and clubs, so they don't have to run solo, which can be a key factor into why so many women feel unsafe when running.”