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Hosting a Let's Lift the Curfew Run

Creating welcoming and supportive experiences for women

Women running over glow-in-the-dark footprints in a city at night

Thank you for being part of Let's Lift the Curfew.

Let's Lift the Curfew exists because too many women experience barriers to being active outdoors, particularly after dark. Concerns about safety, harassment and personal security can influence when, where and how women choose to be active.

Let's Lift the Curfew runs provide an opportunity for women to continue being active, connect with others, and feel more confident exercising after dark. 

For some participants, these sessions may offer a way to keep doing an activity they already love. For others, it may be their first experience of running with a group, or their first time returning to running after a break.

As a result, you may be welcoming people who are unfamiliar with your club, group or community, who are attending alone, or who feel nervous about taking part. The experience they have when they arrive and throughout the session can play a significant role in whether they feel comfortable returning.

As a run leader, you play an important role in shaping participants' experiences. The guidance below outlines the approach and principles we'd encourage all Let's Lift the Curfew runs to reflect.

A runner writes on a glow-in-the-dark footprint sticker on the ground

What should a Let's Lift the Curfew run feel like?

Every Let's Lift the Curfew run should feel welcoming, inclusive and supportive. Participants should feel comfortable taking part, whether they're coming with friends or on their own, and feel included regardless of their experience, pace or background. 

Run leaders should create an environment where women feel safe, supported and able to participate with confidence. 

Maintaining this atmosphere throughout the session should be a consistent priority, and any concerns raised should be taken seriously and responded to appropriately.

Before your run

Plan with participants' experiences in mind

Consider how your route, meeting point and session format may be experienced by someone attending for the first time.

Where possible:

  • choose well-used, well-lit meeting locations
  • clearly communicate where participants should meet and who they should look for on arrival
  • share key details in advance, including start time, finish time and route information where appropriate
  • make sure participants know how to contact organisers if they need support before the session.

Think about creating a welcoming arrival experience

Many participants may be attending alone or trying a group for the first time.

Consider:

  • introducing yourself and other run leaders
  • welcoming new participants individually
  • helping people connect with others before the run begins
  • clearly explaining how the session will work.

Small actions can make a significant difference to how comfortable someone feels when joining a group.

During your run

Set the tone

Run leaders help establish what behaviour is expected during the session.

We encourage leaders to:

  • be visible and approachable throughout the activity
  • foster a culture of respect and inclusion
  • challenge behaviour that makes others uncomfortable
  • ensure everyone feels able to participate and contribute
  • encourage participants to speak to a run leader if they have any concerns.

Make sure nobody feels left behind

Participants should feel supported regardless of pace or experience level.

Consider:

  • planning regroup points where appropriate
  • making sure participants understand the route
  • checking in with individuals who may appear isolated or uncertain
  • having a clear plan if someone needs to leave the session early.

After your run

Take time to reflect on the experience participants had.

Consider:

  • what worked well?
  • was there anything that could have helped participants feel more welcome or supported?
  • did any concerns arise that require follow-up?
  • are there lessons that could improve future sessions?

Feedback from participants can be an important source of learning and help ensure Let's Lift the Curfew continues to provide positive experiences for women.

Mixed-gender participation

Some Let's Lift the Curfew runs may include both men and women.

Men can play an important role in creating environments where women feel comfortable being active after dark.

Where sessions are mixed-gender, consider:

  • how you can ensure women's experiences and needs remain central to the session
  • setting clear expectations around respectful behaviour
  • being mindful of group dynamics and participation
  • creating opportunities for everyone to feel included and heard
  • responding quickly if any behaviour impacts another participant's experience.

The aim is not to exclude anyone, but to create an environment where women feel confident, welcome and supported.

If someone raises a concern

Run leaders should feel confident:

  • addressing inappropriate behaviour when they become aware of it
  • taking concerns raised by participants seriously
  • following organisational procedures when incidents occur
  • seeking support where necessary.

Creating safer environments is an ongoing commitment and everyone's responsibility.

Participants may choose to share concerns or experiences with a run leader before, during or after a session.

If this happens:

1
Listen
• Give the participant your full attention.

• Allow them to explain what has happened in their own words.

• Avoid making assumptions or asking unnecessary questions.
2
Reassure
• Thank them for speaking up.

• Acknowledge their experience.

• Take what they tell you seriously.
3
Support
• Ask whether there is anything they need in the immediate situation.

• Consider whether any practical action is required to help them feel safe.
4
Follow your organisation's procedures
Run leaders should not be expected to investigate incidents themselves.

Instead:

• follow your organisation's safeguarding, welfare or incident reporting procedures

• record and escalate concerns appropriately

• seek support from the relevant contact within your organisation where needed.

Before hosting a Let's Lift the Curfew run, make sure you understand your organisation's policies and reporting processes.

Thank you

By hosting a Let's Lift the Curfew run, you're raising awareness to ensure no woman has to change where, when or how she gets active because of safety concerns, and helping more women feel able to be active outdoors after dark.

The steps outlined above are intended to support you in creating welcoming, inclusive and safe experiences that reflect the purpose and ambitions of the campaign.