Clapham Common transformed into a radiant spectacle on Friday night as women runners gathered to challenge the safety concerns that often keep them indoors during winter evenings. The "Light Up the Night" 5km event saw participants adorned with illuminated gear, creating a vibrant trail through the park despite persistent rain, symbolising a collective stand against the barriers that hinder female runners after dark.
Research Reveals Widespread Safety Concerns
This community initiative follows stark new research commissioned by protein drinks brand For Goodness Shakes, which surveyed 1,000 female runners across the UK. The findings reveal that a significant 62% of women feel uncomfortable running outdoors during the darker winter months. More than half (53%) have entirely skipped a run because daylight had ended, while four in five (80%) actively avoid running outside in the dark during colder periods.
Key Barriers Identified
The study pinpointed several primary obstacles preventing women from running after sunset:
- Fear over personal safety was cited as the biggest barrier by 72% of respondents.
- Poorly lit running routes concerned 52% of women surveyed.
- Feeling constantly on high alert affected 47% of female runners.
These concerns significantly alter behaviour, with more than a quarter (28%) admitting they run holding their keys as a precautionary measure.
A Glowing Response to Darkness
To directly confront these challenges, the Light Up the Night run equipped participants with headlight beanies, glowing handheld light tubes, and illuminated jackets. This created a bright, moving procession through Clapham Common that was impossible to miss, visually demonstrating how enhanced visibility can transform public spaces.
Philippa Milburn, Brand Manager at For Goodness Shakes, explained 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 Running Communities
The event highlighted the crucial role of organised groups in fostering confidence. Encouragingly, 81% of women stated that access to organised running groups would make them feel more confident maintaining their winter running routines. This insight prompted For Goodness Shakes to partner with These Girls Run, a London-based running community, for the Glow event.
Molly Slater-Davison, leader of These Girls Run, emphasised: "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."
Impact on Fitness Goals and New Product Launch
Running remains a priority for many women at the start of the year, with 59% of women aged 18-24 setting running-related New Year's resolutions for 2026. However, more than half (57%) report that safety concerns have caused them to abandon these goals entirely.
The Light Up the Night 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.
This illuminating event on Clapham Common served as both a powerful demonstration of community solidarity and a call to action for improved lighting and safety measures in public spaces, ensuring women can pursue their running ambitions confidently throughout the winter months.
