The NSW Government has announced a $500,000 boost to the state’s Run My Way initiative to help increase women’s participation in running in public spaces.
The Government says new research shows half of all women have experienced harassment while running and most women say their sense of safety influences when and where they run.
To support women’s participation in running, the funding boost will support a series of Track Nights events in 2026 to provide runners with opportunities to train and improve their running in a safe, welcoming community.
Delivered in collaboration with the NSW Office of Sport by Athletics NSW and the TCS Sydney Marathon Run Club, the Track Nights events will guide runners through drills and activities to integrate in their training and discuss findings of a new survey into running habits and safety perceptions.
The new NSW Government survey of more than 5,000 people highlights the significant role safety plays in determining when and where women choose to run:
- 50% of women have experienced harassment on a run, compared to 14% of men;
- 70% of women said they have felt unsafe while running, compared to 29% of men;
- 95% of women say their sense of safety influences their running habits.
“These findings highlight a reality many women know too well – safety concerns influence everyday decisions about when and where they exercise,” said Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison.
“Initiatives like Run My Way are helping us better understand those barriers and through our Safer Cities programs take practical steps to address them.”
The additional $500,000 in funding brings the NSW Government’s total investment in Run My Way to $1.3 million over three years from 2025 to 2027.
The Run My Way initiative is part of the NSW Government’s Safer Cities program, which is focused on improving perceptions of safety in public spaces, particularly for women, girls and gender diverse people.
The first Track Nights event was held at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre on Wednesday, 18 March and three further events will be delivered in 2026 at Sydney Olympic Park and ES Marks Athletics Track in Randwick.
These sessions are open to everyone and free to participate in. Registrations here:Â tcssydneymarathon.com/sydney-marathon-run-club.
More information about the Run My Way program is available at sport.nsw.gov.au/play-her-way/run-my-way.
Runners can register for Track Nights events at tcssydneymarathon.com/sydney-marathon-run-club.
