A women-only running group is launching next month, providing a safe and inclusive space for women to socialise and connect with others.
The Melksham Night Safe Run, launching on 5th January, is led by four local women – Tracy Steel, Carlie Bourne, Sherelyn Cowles and Laura Vidler – who want to share the benefits of running with other women to boost wellbeing and mental health.
The group will meet outside the town hall in Melksham Market Place every Monday and is open to all abilities, with runs of 5km only.
“As soon as the dark nights start, I always feel a bit wary, and I thought many other women must feel the same,” said Tracy. “I am confident, but many women feel uncomfortable. It’s better when there are lots of you running together.
“Running alone as a woman in the dark can make you feel vulnerable. I think that is enough to stop most people from going out and experiencing the benefits of running.
“For some people, some may walk and run parts of it. Our runs are led by the four of us, and we use a buddy system, so no one is ever alone. We also stick to mapped, lit routes.
“We spread ourselves throughout the group at the front, middle and back and run together, waiting for each other to ensure no one is left behind.”
The group was set up to support people and empower women to continue running during the darker evenings.
The group is about being united, supporting each other, and building confidence through running. “You make friends in the workplace, but as you get older, over 30, it is harder to make friends and connections outside of work. Even if you go into a commercial gym, it can still be intimidating,” said Tracy.
“Friendships and connections are formed through groups like this because you are going through the same experiences together. You get to know people on a different level. It’s nice to provide something free where people don’t have an added expense.”
The four women leading the group met when Tracy was exercising outside her house during lockdown in the Covid pandemic.
“One of the other members saw me exercising and eventually built up the courage to ask to join in. She did, and before I knew it, all four of us were out there.
“We then started running together and have worked up to completing ultra-marathons. Laura and I ran 100km last year.
“I had never done anything like that before, and I don’t think the others had. We are all mature women, and two of us are in full-blown menopause. We understand the struggles of navigating through that experience as well.
“The group is open to all women of all ages, and all that matters is crossing the finish line together as a group, whether some have run before or not.”
Women wanting to attend must register for a free ticket each week by sending Tracy a text message. They will then be added to a WhatsApp group.
Tracy said, “This is to ensure we know who is coming each week and we can check in about any health concerns beforehand.”
To join the group, contact Tracy on 07834 659368.
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