Lifting the curfew: How Fulham Running Club is making winter runs safer

2 hours ago

3 min read

If you heard a scream on Wimbledon Common, it was FRC Welfare Officer Emma Less! Here, she shares her story and tips from our 'Let's Lift the Curfew' winter night run.

FRC members at "Let's Lift the Curfew" event

Lifting the curfew at Fulham

With the clocks having gone back and the nights drawing in, nearly three-quarters (72%) of women find themselves changing their running routines or avoiding certain routes after dark. What should be an enjoyable way to stay active can quickly become something that requires extra planning, caution, and anxiety.

Standing together: FRC joins "Let’s Lift the Curfew"

Last week, Fulham Running Club took part in Let’s Lift the Curfew, a community run supporting the This Girl Can initiative and raising awareness of the safety challenges women face when running during the winter months. We were proud to join a national movement, running alongside roughly 20,000 people across the UK to help shine a spotlight on the issue.

Taking on our much-loved Two Bridges route, our male and female runners set out together, adorned with glow sticks to light the way. We were thrilled to welcome six new runners to the club, and we had the privilege of running alongside Charlie Craven, one of Fulham Running Club’s founders. Charlie set up the club 21 years ago with the core aim of helping local runners—particularly women—feel safe running after dark. In many ways, he has been helping us lift the curfew for over two decades!

A huge thank you to everyone who came out. Seeing familiar faces and newcomers joining forces was a wonderful reminder of what FRC is all about: community spirit, inclusivity, and shared purpose.

This specific run may be over, but the campaign continues.

Why night safety matters to all of us

If you heard a scream in South London last night, it might have been me! I had a particularly unsettling encounter during an organised orienteering event on Wimbledon Common: a man dressed entirely in black overtook me from behind without warning, brushed past me, and panted directly in my ear.

Experiences like this are far too common, which is why sharing practical steps to build confidence and awareness after dark is so important.

Practical tips for men

Give people space: Avoid running closely behind someone for an extended period, and leave plenty of room when passing.
Be considerate: If approaching someone from behind, a gentle call out or brief warning prevents startling them.
Respect personal boundaries: Avoid unwanted comments or shouting, and respect when someone does not wish to engage.
Mind your body language: Avoid sudden movements or blocking someone's path.
Speak up safely: If you witness intimidating or harassing behaviour, consider how you can safely intervene or support the person affected.

Practical tips for women

Run with FRC: Joining an organised group run is one of the best ways to stay safe, enjoy running alongside others, and feel supported.
Plan your route: Stick to well-lit, familiar paths wherever possible.
Be visible: Wear high-visibility or reflective clothing and use running lights/headtorches.
Share your plans: If running solo, share your intended route and estimated return time with someone you trust.
Stay alert & trust your gut: Keep your phone easily accessible, keep earphone volume low, and trust your instincts if a route or situation doesn't feel right.

Safety after dark isn't just a women's issue—it affects our whole community, regardless of gender. By looking out for one another and raising spatial awareness, we can make running safer and more enjoyable for everyone.