Free running club launched to help women stay active after dark
A Shropshire leisure centre is offering free weekly running sessions to encourage women to exercise with confidence during the darker winter months
The Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre is supporting the This Girl Can campaign's Let's Lift the Curfew initiative by running a free evening running club every Thursday.
The sessions take place from 7pm to 8pm and are open to everyone, not just members of the centre.
The initiative aims to help women feel more confident exercising outdoors during winter, when concerns about safety after dark can lead some to change their usual fitness routines.
Research by This Girl Can shows that many women adapt their exercise habits during the darker months, choosing well-lit routes, avoiding certain areas or changing when and where they work out.
The weekly runs will be led by members of the centre's fitness team, providing a supportive group environment for people to stay active and meet others.
Sarah Berne, National Active Wellbeing Manager for Shropshire Community Leisure Trust (SCLT), which operates the centre in partnership with Serco Leisure, said: "As the evenings become darker, we know that some women can feel less confident exercising outdoors.
"By launching our free running club, we're providing a welcoming, supportive environment where people can stay active, connect with others and prioritise their wellbeing throughout the winter."
Cllr Sarah Marston, portfolio holder for communities and environment, said: "As a runner myself, I know how valuable running can be for both physical and mental wellbeing.
"I'm delighted to see an initiative that encourages people to stay active through the darker months and, hopefully, inspires some new runners to give it a try."
Anyone interested in joining can contact the team on 0345 000 7003.