Salford women's running group encourages safe running: "It's all about being safe"

Salford women’s running group encourages safe running: “It’s all about being safe”

We Run Salford are a community women’s running group that want to encourage locals to come together and run safely.

The group meet up every Thursday at 7:30pm outside the LifeCentre on Langworthy Road, encouraging women to run in all conditions.

The running sessions were set up by Karen Ainsworth, 56, and her friend Rachel. Their aim was to create a group which would help women in Salford feel more comfortable running at night.

Karen stated: “You know it was the dark nights and going out on your own, so we decided it would be nice to get ladies only.”

The group started over nine years ago, with the focus being very different to most running clubs, as Karen added: “Most of the running groups are mixed and more competitive, ours is more of a social running group.”

“It is more about meeting up, and having a chat, it’s really friendly. And it’s all about being safe.”

The group mainly do a 5km round Salford Quays, they look for anyone and everyone to join the club no matter the experience.

With another member of the group of Laura Ryan, 31, adding: “Some people might be put off joining a running club, because people think they’re going to be slowest or not super fit but we are open to anybody and beginners.”

“It’s quite a mix of age range and abilities, we have some people training for a marathon and some people come for a bit of a walk and a jog. For people if they are not runners, how are they ever going to get to be a runner. They have to start somewhere.”

The group have also started advertising more on Facebook with the new incentive of getting a free t-shirt after attending four sessions.

Both women have noticed many improvements in health since starting running. Karen added: “I started when I was 27, I gave up smoking and I had a really bad chest then.

“So I went to the gym, and it wasn’t for me but I went on the treadmill in the gym and thought I would run round Buile Hill Park.

Laura and Karen outside of the Life Centre – via Alfie Mulligan

“I was determined to get round the park and from their I just loved it. I have used it as my reliever really for my mental health, it has really helped me.”

“And it doesn’t cost a thing.”

The group can be found on Facebook and meet up every Thursday at 7:30pm.