Race the Dark – Make every step count for women’s safety

White Ribbon UK recently launched the Race the Dark fundraising challenge, shining a spotlight on women’s safety and the steps that we can all take to create a safer world for everyone.

The challenge is to pick an activity – running, cycling or walking – and race to complete it before the sun sets. Every stride, pedal and step bring awareness to the everyday measures women take to keep themselves safe, and White Ribbon UK’s positive approach to how all men can make a difference, because preventing and ending men’s violence against women and girls isn’t just a women’s issue.

This year, White Ribbon UK’s Chief Executive, Anthea Sully, has taken on the Race the Dark challenge. On 22nd November, Anthea Sully, alongside Jude Roberts, Safeguarding Manager at Leeds City Council, will be running approximately a marathon distance. Starting at dawn, they have set off from Leeds Railway Station, will dash along the towpath of the Leeds Liverpool Canal to Saltaire, then race back to Leeds Railway Station, against the setting sun.

By taking on this challenge, Anthea and Jude are:

• Standing with women by raising awareness about the precautions many must take every day, especially in winter months, to keep themselves safe and the need for this to change.

• Encouraging conversations around respect, understanding and standing up against harassment, and reflecting on how we can all be better allies for women and girls, especially men.

• Directly contributing to White Ribbon UK’s work, advocating for safer environments, enabling people, especially men, to learn about allyship and helping to fund vital resources for use in schools, workplaces and in the wider community.

If you’re ready to start your Race the Dark Challenge, download your Race the Dark Fundraising Pack today.

If you’d like to sponsor Anthea’s run, and help support White Ribbon UK’s vital work: Anthea Sully is fundraising for White Ribbon Campaign