Photo: Jo Banner
RECLAIM the Run begun as an offshoot of Reclaim the Night, a global protest march held around the world in support of women and their right to be safe from sexual assault and violence.
In some countries it is known as Take Back the Night.
NSW Rape Crisis Centre reports that 1 in 5 women in Australia will experience sexual assault in their lifetime.
Many others will experience assault.
On the streets, in their homes, online, in workplaces women have the right to live free of fear and free from threats of physical, emotional and psychological abuse.
Nelson Bay residents Jaci Richards, Angela Physick and Jo Banner adopted the idea for the Reclaim the Run event after they attended the Reclaim the Night March in Hamilton in 2014.
Avid runners, the group of friends decided to turn the event into a run/walk event and invite local women to join them.
“Last year was our first year and we couldn’t believe that 300 women turned out for the event,” Jo Banner told News Of the Area.
“We raised $1700 for the Yacaaba Centre, with even more money to be raised this year,” Ms Banner said.
The event is being conducted to bring awareness to the fact that women should feel safe when they exercise.
Although the event is exclusively for women, men are welcome to show their support by attending the event but are asked not to participate in the march.
A special guest speaker from Yacaaba Centre has been organised to raise awareness for Violence against women.
All funds raised will be shared between Carrie’s Place, Maitland and The Yacaaba Centre.
The event will begin at 6pm 28 October, meeting in the forecourt at the d’Albora Marina.
Participants will have the choice between a 7kn run or a 4 km walk.
RSVP can be made through the Reclaim The Run Facebook page.
By Jewell DRURY