Grab your running gear this weekend and join hundreds of runners in Platt Fields Park for Moonlit Miles, a special event bringing runners together.
Manchester Parks has joined with the Slow Run Club to facilitate Moonlit Miles a meet-up event creating a safe and welcoming environment for runners of all abilities and ages regardless of experience.
It is open to all but is particularly relevant to women who often do not feel safe running in the dark and who can struggle to find time to fit in runs during the winter when the days are short.
Moonlit Miles will take place at Platt Fields Park on Saturday 31 January from 3.30 – 7.00pm, with the main meeting point outside the Lakeside Centre. There will be several running waves of a 3-kilometre route around the park with runners having the option to do one or all the 3K laps. Earlier waves will run before full darkness for those who prefer to run in daylight.
Participants who want to run in the dark will be given head torches* to wear and to keep for future runs and they are being encouraged to wear glow-in-the-dark clothing, bring glow sticks, or anything that lights up to create a strong presence and sense of community as they run around the park.
The event aims to encourage runners to connect with others who may prefer not to run alone or are looking for a regular running partner. Manchester-based running groups will be in attendance, giving everyone the opportunity to learn more about their clubs and sign up on the day.
Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods said:
“As part of our ongoing commitment to creating safer, more welcoming parks for women and girls in Manchester, this event is about reclaiming the dark nights. Winter is a time when many women don’t feel safe to go out and run alone -and this event is about fostering a sense of community as well as celebrating running as a healthy, fun supportive and safe way to exercise in a group. By bringing people together and connecting running clubs with individuals in this fun and supportive environment we hope we can dispel any nerves that people have about joining a club.”
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council said:
“This is about more than just running it is about bringing communities together, promoting safety and encouraging conversations. It is also a chance to highlight what men, and male runners can do to help make Manchester safer for women and girls who want to run in winter when safety and motivation is a challenge.”
Holly Spiers from the Slow Run Club, a club which focuses on creating a welcoming space for beginners and slower runners said:
“The club was formed out of my love for running and community. I’d attended so many clubs and events but always felt left behind or completely out of breath. I noticed a gap for runners who were just starting out or needed a space to run slower than what was currently on offer at other clubs. Today we run across 3 different locations in Manchester, offering a 3km and 6km option with rest stops along the route so everyone can make it round comfortably. We’re not about pace or competition, just moving your body and being social.
“Our collaboration with Manchester Parks is focused on helping women feel safer when they are out running. Providing a space for runners to connect with each other and clubs, so they don’t have to run solo, which can be a key factor into why so many women feel unsafe when running.”
Sign up to Moonlight Miles on Eventbrite or just turn up to the Lakeside Centre Platt Fields Park on the day.
*Head torches will be given on first come basis – limited availability