In a vibrant display of solidarity, women runners illuminated Clapham Common on a rainy Friday night, taking a stand against the safety concerns that often deter them from outdoor exercise during the darker winter months. The event, dubbed "Light Up the Night," saw participants adorned in glowing gear, creating a bright trail through the park to spotlight the very real barriers faced by female runners.
Research Highlights Widespread Safety Concerns
New research commissioned by protein drinks brand For Goodness Shakes has revealed alarming statistics about women's experiences with running in the dark. Surveying 1,000 female runners across the UK, the study found that 62% feel uncomfortable running outdoors during winter evenings. More than half (53%) have skipped runs entirely due to lack of daylight, while four in five women (80%) avoid running outside in the dark during colder months.
Key Barriers to Winter Running
The survey identified several major obstacles that prevent women from maintaining their running routines after sunset:
- Personal safety fears were cited as the biggest barrier by 72% of respondents.
- Poorly lit running routes concerned 52% of women.
- Feeling on high alert was reported by 47% of participants.
These concerns significantly impact behaviour, with more than a quarter (28%) admitting to running while holding their keys as a precautionary measure.
A Community Response to Safety Challenges
To directly address these issues, For Goodness Shakes partnered with These Girls Run, a London-based running community, to organise the Light Up the Night event. Runners were equipped with headlight beanies, glowing handheld light tubes, and illuminated jackets, transforming the park into a beacon of visibility and support.
Philippa Milburn, Brand Manager at For Goodness Shakes, emphasised the event's purpose: "Poor lighting in public spaces stops too many women from running over winter. Light Up the Night was about showing how visibility and community can change that, making parks feel safer, brighter and more welcoming."
The Power of Collective Movement
Molly Slater-Davison, leader of These Girls Run, highlighted the importance of community in overcoming safety barriers: "For so many women, the issue isn't motivation, it's safety. Seeing this many women come together to light up the park showed just how strong the demand is for spaces where women feel confident reclaiming the outdoors after dark."
Encouragingly, 81% of surveyed women stated that access to organised running groups would boost their confidence in sticking to winter running routines. This underscores the value of community-led initiatives in fostering safer environments for female athletes.
Impact on Fitness Goals and New Year Resolutions
Running remains a popular fitness choice, particularly at the start of the year. The research found that 59% of women aged 18–24 have set running-related New Year's resolutions for 2026. However, more than half (57%) report that safety concerns have caused them to abandon such goals entirely.
The Light Up the Night run aimed to counteract this trend by demonstrating how collective action and improved visibility can help women maintain their fitness commitments throughout the winter season.
Product Launch Coincides with Event
The run coincided with the launch of For Goodness Shakes' new Glow protein drink, a collagen protein shake designed to support active lifestyles. Containing 2,500mg of collagen and 27g of high-quality protein, Glow is available in White Chocolate and Iced Coffee flavours at Tesco and Sainsbury's stores, with an RRP of £2.50 or online in multipacks of 12 for £30.
Milburn noted the fitting connection: "This event was fuelled by our new collagen protein shake Glow, a fitting name for a run focused on illumination and inspiring confidence."
By combining community engagement with product promotion, the event successfully highlighted both the challenges faced by women runners and practical solutions for enhancing safety and confidence during winter months.
