SECURITY companies have offered female runners protection at night, says a woman's running club campaigner. 

Mawiyah Sadiq spoke out about how woman feel “unsafe” when exercising at night - prompting them to change their exercise routines as the night's draw in.

The 24-year-old is the co-founder of a women’s-only run club in Birmingham and said the security offers from local firms demonstrate the severity of the problem.

She said: “If our runs were to happen at night, I would definitely take them up on the offer.

“It’s a huge shame that this is something we have to think about.”

Miss Sadiq co-founded the It’s Time run club, which takes place in Cannon Hill Park, to “provide a safe space for women to grow, feel comfortable moving and feel safe”.

She herself has been in uncomfortable situations when running in the dark, as well as many of the club’s members.

Miss Sadiq says there's safety in running in numbersMiss Sadiq says there's safety in running in numbers (Image: It's Time Run Club) She said: “Earlier this week, I went for a run and by the time I started, it was pitch black.

“I’m usually a confident person, but I felt uncomfortable and was constantly watching my surroundings.

“I ended up sticking to one road and just lapped it.

“Girls from the club have told us they’ve had comments shouted at them and weirdos follow them.

“It’s appalling.”

Girls on the Go Birmingham is another organisation that hosts a number of run clubs across the West Midlands and have echoed Miss Sadiq’s concerns.

Caitlin Lewing, one of the founders of Girls on the Go, said: “I’ve had horrific things shouted at me when just doing a normal activity like running.

“It doesn’t even have to be someone physically touching you, but the fear of someone watching, following or catcalling you in the dark is awful.”

Their concerns follow a nationwide campaign launched by This Girl Can, which is calling for change so that women can move freely and safely, no matter the time of day or year.

Through their ‘Lift the Curfew’ campaign, This Girl Can found almost three quarters of women in the UK will change their outdoor activity routines in some way during winter.

The issue of women’s safety has been in the news recently following a viral moment from the Graham Norton Show which saw actress Saoirse Ronan gave a reality check to actors Paul Mescal, Eddie Redmayne and Denzel Washington who questioned whether anyone would think to use a phone as a weapon.

She said: “That’s what girls have to think about all the time”.  

Both Miss Sadiq and Miss Lewing back the ‘Lift the Curfew’ initiative and say it’s urgent the issue is addressed.

Miss Lewing, who is 21, said: “The local government and council could take a look at whether popular running spots are well lit or see about installing CCTV.

“More awareness needs to be brought in about the issue and men need to take a look at some of their actions.”

Miss Sadiq added: “The problem can be minimised by educating people about behaviours that contribute to women feeling unsafe.

“There needs to be more provisions in place so this can be achieved.”