The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to build a safer New South Wales for women, investing an additional $500,000 into the Run My Way initiative to help increase women's participation in running in public spaces.
While there has been a rise in running events and run clubs around the state, 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 NSW Government is funding a series of Track Nights events in 2026, which will 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.
This 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 per cent of women have experienced harassment on a run, compared to 14 per cent of men
- 70 per cent of women said they have felt unsafe while running, compared to 29 per cent of men
- 95 per cent of women say their sense of safety influences their running habits
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 investment will be used to expand the number of safety initiatives and on-the-ground programs that are delivered in the next phase of the Run My Way program.
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 $50 million Safer Cities program includes consultation with women and girls about perceptions of safety, along with partnerships with organisations like local councils to test practical initiatives that may improve safety and confidence - such as improved lighting and upgrades to public spaces.
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: tcssydneymarathon.com/sydney-marathon-run-club
More initiatives through Run My Way will be delivered over the next 18 months.
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
"Running should be simple - lace up your shoes and go - but for too many women, safety shapes when and where they run.
"These new Track Nights will give runners the chance to try new training techniques, connect and build confidence in a safe and welcoming environment.
"By listening to women and trialling practical initiatives like this, we can learn and test new ways that can help make running safer and more accessible for everyone."
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
"Everyone should feel safe to run in their community.
"This investment is about removing barriers so more women, girls and gender diverse people can get active, build confidence and enjoy sport and recreation.
"Run My Way is an initiative of the Minns Labor Government's women's sport strategy, Play Her Way, a four-year plan to facilitate opportunities for NSW women and girls to get involved and stay involved in sport."
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
"These findings highlight a reality many women know too well - safety concerns influence everyday decisions about when and where they exercise.
"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 Minns Labor Government is working to build a safer New South Wales where women, girls and gender diverse people can feel safe and participate fully in the community."
Wayne Larden, Race Director, TCS Sydney Marathon:
"Becoming an Abbott World Marathon Major has given us a responsibility beyond race day, to help shape the future of running in Australia.
"Through the TCS Sydney Marathon Run Club, the Track Night Series is designed to bring the running community together, with dedicated sessions that create safe and supportive environments for women, girls and gender diverse runners, alongside opportunities for the broader community to connect and train.
"What we learn here doesn't stop at the track. It feeds directly into how we continue to evolve the event and contribute to a more inclusive marathon experience at scale."
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
