Women in Hull tells us their fears about going out alone during the darker nights

Hull runners told us they would be afraid to exercise alone

Women in Hull tells us their fears about going out alone during the darker nights
Author: Andy MarshPublished 1st Nov 2023

Women across East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire have told us concerns about possible sexual harassment and intimidation means they don't feel comfortable going out on their own during the darker evenings.

A national study showed nearly two-thirds of women had major worries about being alone outside daylight hours.

Many wouldn't even consider going for a solo run after dark.

Three lads did call me names - that was in broad daylight

We spoke to Deborah Harrison who runs with East Hull Fitmums and Friends.

She told us: "I don't go out running by myself - I always run with fit mums and friends."

"When I'm round here in Hedon or East Hull and I'm with my friends I feel safe - I'm OK because we have men with us as well."

"Three lads did call me names but I just ignored them - that was at 5 o clock teatime in broad daylight."

We also spoke to Heidi Akester who also runs with East Hull Fitmums and Friends.

People can heckle you when you run

"It's just the dark and just feeling unsafe and maybe a bit anxious about going out and being on your own as a female and being able to defend yourself - you do hear of these things."

Emma Woodmansey from the group also gave her views:

"People heckle you as well when you're running and I think it doesn't feel so bad if you're part of a group but if you were by yourself I think that would feel intimidating."

"When we're out running in a group you can get heckled but it's nothing we can't handle."

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