Female runners say they have faced increased abuse while exercising alone in lockdown. A survey conducted by Runner’s World found 46 per cent of women had been harassed while out running. In the light of Sarah Everard’s death – which has brought the question of female safety to the forefront – Colleen Krenzer explains the dangers of running in the borough.
Since 2014, I have been an active member of Highbury Fields parkrun, a weekly free 5km run that is held every Saturday morning. The best thing about it has been the friendships I have made and managing to stay active. It is that sense of freedom – running – that I absolutely love.
On the whole, Islington is safe. But I do take precautions. For instance, I try not to run at night when the sky is dark, the streets are dim and the danger is high. If I do, I try to run with a friend.
However, I do not listen to music. I always have my keys ready as a form of self-defence if someone grabs me. Sometimes I change my route, particularly across Regent’s Canal – normally one of my favourite routes. Just by looking outside my bedroom window, I see more men running at night than women.
I have had some negative experiences that have stayed with me. Years ago, someone threw something at me. It took me a moment to realise what had happened, and why. But events like these are too common for women, especially in big cities.
I did not have a network of runners when I first started. But happily, with Highbury Fields, I have been able to talk about these problems and hear other people’s stories. I am truly grateful for these women, because it means I always have someone I can talk to.
Additional reporting by Bill Bowkett
