The Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre in Shrewsbury has launched a free after-dark walking and running club that meets Thursdays from 19:00–20:00 to help women feel safer while staying active. The scheme supports Sport England's This Girl Can "Let's Lift the Curfew" campaign and provides high-visibility clothing; sign-up is required but centre membership is not. Local officials say the group offers reassurance as darker evenings can affect mental health, and a Worcester study found 60% of women had faced abuse while running. West Mercia Police plans to use undercover officers to identify harassment of female runners.
Free After‑Dark Running Club Launched in Shrewsbury to Help Women Feel Safer
The Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre in Shrewsbury has launched a free after-dark walking and running club that meets Thursdays from 19:00–20:00 to help women feel safer while staying active. The scheme supports Sport England's This Girl Can "Let's Lift the Curfew" campaign and provides high-visibility clothing; sign-up is required but centre membership is not. Local officials say the group offers reassurance as darker evenings can affect mental health, and a Worcester study found 60% of women had faced abuse while running. West Mercia Police plans to use undercover officers to identify harassment of female runners.
11:35 AM, 11/15/2025Society
Free after-dark walking and running club aims to make Shrewsbury safer for women
A free after-dark walking and running club has launched in Shrewsbury to help women feel safer while staying active. Sessions are led by a member of staff from the Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre and take place every Thursday from 19:00 to 20:00.
The initiative supports Sport England's This Girl Can campaign and the associated Let's Lift the Curfew effort. High-visibility clothing will be provided to participants to improve visibility and safety on evening routes.
Although the sessions are designed to encourage more women to exercise after dark, Rhys Collins of Shropshire Community Leisure Trust — which runs the centre alongside Serco Leisure — emphasised that everyone is welcome.
The club is free and open to non-members, but attendees are asked to sign up for specific sessions through the leisure centre so organisers can plan routes and safety measures.
“While there would ideally be no need, it is great to see a group like this that helps women feel safe while exercising,” said James Owen, who is responsible for leisure at Shropshire Council. He added the scheme is especially important at a time of year when darker evenings can affect mental health.
A recent study in Worcester found that 60% of women reported experiencing physical or verbal abuse while out running. West Mercia Police has said it plans to deploy undercover officers, who could pose as joggers, to identify and deter harassment of female runners.
To join, sign up via the Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre — membership is not required. For more information, contact the centre or check local Shropshire community channels.