PRESS RELEASE:

THOUSANDS TO RUNTOGETHER IN NEW NATIONAL PROGRAMME BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION

Latest research from England Athletics reveals that a third of British women have received some form of harassment whilst running on their own.

The poll* of 2,000 members of the This Girl Can Run Community also revealed that a large proportion of women (over 60 per cent)feel anxious when running alone, with nearly half of those surveyed stating that it is due to personal safety concerns that they have such fears.Of those who had experienced harassment, shouting and car horns beeped by passing motorists were the most common.

Despite these findings, most of the women surveyed insisted that they would not be put off running altogether, with over half of women (56 per cent) saying that running with others would make them feel safer. Further insight of over 7,000 runners**, by England Athletics throughout 2016, found that those that only run on their own are 25% less likely to be regular runners than those running in a group.

The research was commissioned ahead of the launch of RunTogether, a national programmefrom England Athletics to get more people jogging and running regularly and enjoying the mental and physical health benefits this brings.

The RunTogether website provides instant access to a rapidly growing network of over 13 local running groups in Berkshire. These include Riot Squad and Runnymede Runnerswho offer fun, organised jogs/runs with other people, led by qualified group leaders. The structured sessions, with warm ups and cool down help to reduce injury and cater for all running levels,whether you’re starting with your first a walk-jog or training for a marathon.

Sam Mollaghan, the current face of the This Girl Can Run campaign and a qualified Run Leader says:“When I started running a couple of years ago, I was a littleself-conscious about how others would perceive me,so I completely empathise with how many runners feel anxious when running alone. Now I’m a Run Leader, I’m able to help others to enjoy the benefits that regular running in a group has to offer – it’s such a great way to improve fitness and socialise at the same time. I’m also more confident when I run, as I know I’m doing something that benefits my health and mindset. I’ve made some great friends in running groups and would encourage as many people to join their local group.”

Vicky Tzanetis from Riot Squad RunTogether group, comments: “We offer an inclusive, friendly group for runners of all abilities across Berkshire. Our group brings together like-minded individuals who want to get fit and have fun together at the same time. Since forming in March 2016, we’ve helped hundreds of runners achieve their personal goals, whether it be completing their first 5k or simply socialising with others in a supportive environment, there’s something for everyone who comes along to our RunTogether group.”

Commenting on the findings,Matt Birkett, Head of Running Participation at England Athletics, said:“We are constantly examining why people choose to run or not, and it was shocking to find out that such a large proportion of the women surveyed have had an unpleasant experience when running alone. We understand that personal safetyis a concern to many, which is why we offer over 700 RunTogether groups across the country, providing a reliable, safe and friendly environment in which people can enjoy the benefits of running with others.

“We know that running with others is more effective in changing behaviour, making people more likely to sustain a running habit and we know how much of an impact that running has upon improving emotional health and well-being.We want to get 1 million more people into regular athletics and running by 2020and ensure that everyone in England has access to a local RunTogether group across the country.”

Visit for more information and to find your local RunTogether group.

~ Ends ~

Words: 663

PRESS CONTACT

Amelia Millan / Nicky Jobson

Promote PR

01628 630363

/

NOTES TO EDITORS

About RunTogether

RunTogether, developed by England Athletics, is designed to influence and support more people in England to establish regular running habits, and enjoy the mental and physical health benefits this brings. To break down barriers and fears to running, and offer an inclusive option. The RunTogether campaign officially launches on January 10, 2017.

Aim: to get 1 million people into athletics and running by 2020

Since 2005, the number of people running in England has grown by 72 per cent. Participation is driven by social, health and economic factors, with running now less competitive and a genuine leisure pursuit. Yet, not all runners have caught the ‘bug’. Only 20 per cent of the 7.1 million active runners run at least once a week and 4.6 million people currently run less than six times a year.

Running with others is more effective in changing behaviour, making people more likely to sustain a running habit. The RunTogether programmes include:

  • RunTogether Groups are fun, organised jogs/runs with other people, led by qualified group leaders. The structured sessions, with warm ups and cool down help to reduce injury and cater for all running levels, whether you’re starting with your first a walk-jog or training for a marathon. Sessions include:
  • Get me started - if you're a beginner runner/ jogger, or if you've not run for a while and want a gentle introduction. There is no minimum standard or level of experience. It's fine to walk a bit, jog a bit, walk a bit more
  • Keep me going - These runs are for you if you generally run at least twice per month and feel comfortable running/jogging around 5km without stopping
  • Challenge me - These run sessions are for runners who typically run at least once every week and are looking to increase their pace and / or running distance
  • RunTogether Routes – over 250 marked running routes located all over England, including rural and urban environments. Distances range from 1 – 5km.

RunTogether brand ambassadors include:

  • Jessie Pavelka – an American fitness expert and TV host, specialising in transforming lives through improving health.In the UK, Jessie presented ‘Obese: A Year to Save My Life’ on Sky1
  • Dr Alex Rotas – Aged 67, retired academic and beginner runner, Alex is challenging stereotypes about ageing through her photography, speaking and writing.
  • Sam Mollaghan – the current face of the This Girl Can Run Community, Sam has already inspired thousands of women to start, continue or return to running through her involvement in the campaign.

*England Athletics, This Girl Can Run Survey, 2,000 participants, December 2016

**England Athletics, Insight Survey, 7,700 participants, April – November 2016