‘Unsettling': 28yo runner reveals problem she is facing everywhere in Australia

News.com.au

16 hours ago

Brooke McIntosh has run nearly 6000 kilometres and crossed three states, but there's one grim Aussie norm she can't physically outrun
Ms McIntosh, 28, is now over three months into a 14,000-kilometre run across Australia, averaging 80km a day with no rest days.
She's doing it to raise money for the mental health charity The Blue Tree Project and has raised over $100,000, but she's also facing a constant onslaught of catcalling.
'These incidents can be unsettling,' she told news.com.au.
'They sometimes make me feel unsafe, especially when I'm alone. However, I focus on my mission and try not to let these moments deter me.'
The 28-year-old runner said she deals with unsolicited and objectifying comments all the time and, at best, they are annoying, and at worst, they are scary.
There was a situation earlier in the run where an unknown car followed Ms McIntosh for about 20 minutes on a freeway.
'It was a sobering reminder to always stay alert and trust my instincts,' she said.
She's been catcalled so frequently that there are almost too many to mention, but some comments stay with her
'One that stands out is when someone yelled, 'Oi, darling, you have a stunning figure and tight arse',' she said.
'These kinds of remarks can shatter the peace and purpose I'm out there chasing. For me, running is about clarity, connection, and raising awareness for mental health - not being
reduced to my body by a stranger.'
Ms McIntosh stressed that she doesn't just have bad encounters with men on her run; in fact, she's also had some extremely positive ones.
'This run has shown me both ends of the spectrum. One day, a truck driver struck a very provocative pose and asked if I wanted a lift up the road,' she said.
'I told him I was running around Australia to raise awareness for mental health, and that ended the exchange.
'But not long after, I met another truckie who pulled over for a chat. During our conversation, he shared that he'd recently opened up to a pub mate about personal struggles. That conversation led him to see a doctor.'
Ms McIntosh said she loves chatting with people as long as they are respectful.
'The contrast between those two encounters speaks volumes. It's a reminder that while some comments can be inappropriate and demeaning, others (that are) rooted in openness and vulnerability - can be life-changing,' she said.
But the unwanted attention she does get means she is always very conscious of her own personal safety on her travels.
'Safety is absolutely everything out here. I don't wear headphones so I can stay fully alert, every sound, every vehicle, every step matters,' she explained.
'There's a lot that goes into keeping each day as safe as possible. It's not just about the route. It is how we co-ordinate with people who want to join me, how we screen individuals, and how we manage unexpected situations.'