Latest news with #running
News.com.au
10 hours ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Grim 5am running issue men ‘never have to think about'
A former rugby player turned politician has exposed an alarming double standard about running that one half of the population 'never even have to think about'. David Pocock, an independent senator for the ACT, discussed the terrifying reality of going for a run as a woman after two females were assaulted while exercising on Canberra trails. But while police warned women to 'stay vigilant' in the aftermath of the attacks, Mr Pocock challenged the advice, stating it 'puts the burden on them when it should be on the men doing the assaulting'. Data shows around two thirds of women experience abuse while running, with a staggering 82 per cent of women admitting they felt concerned for their safety while exercising outside. Meanwhile a 2020 survey of American women, suggests that figure could be higher, with 90 per cent of female respondents stating they had experienced unwanted attention while running, with 24 per cent saying it happens often. These shocking statistics reflect the all too common challenges females face simply for doing something men likely wouldn't think twice about. It's this point that Mr Pocock wanted to highlight in a recent video he shared on TikTok, where he directly addressed men and asked: 'I'm interested, when you run, what are you thinking about?' The 37-year-old – who has previously captained the Wallabies and was a Vice-Captain for the Brumbies – went on to explain that when he's out jogging, he will listen to the birds, before stating: 'One of the things you're probably not thinking about is getting sexually assaulted.' Mr Pocock continued: 'I think it's such bulls**t that we live in a country where so many women are worried about that and are thinking about that when they are out.' The issue is one that has become a hot topic of conversation on social media recently, with many women detailing terrifying incidents they have experienced in a bid to raise awareness. Australian athlete, Montana Farrah-Seaton, said she believes being able to go outside to exercise is a 'fundamental human right' – yet safety is always at the forefront of her mind. 'As for my everyday training runs, particularly in the early morning or late evening when light is low, there is an added layer of being aware of your surroundings,' she told 'I do however, try to ensure I have some company with me on these runs or take the run inside. 'But there has been a couple of instances when I have been travelling and running solo, particularly when running through parks, that I have felt a little unsafe.' The professional ultrarunner from Albury, NSW, said that while she has been 'pretty fortunate', she is familiar with the terrifying experiences shared by so many women. 'I do believe it is a fundamental human right to feel safety in your community,' she said. Mr Pocock agrees, calling on men to 'talk to our mates' about the rising concern felt among women, particularly when running solo at night. 'Talk to someone about this culture we have created, where we have so many women who are not only fearful, but actually getting assaulted when out running,' he said. Reaction to the video has been overwhelmingly positive from both men and women, with many praising the MP for bringing such a 'huge issue' to the forefront. 'Thank you. Because I don't know if men know what it's like to walk to your car at night with your keys between your fingers, just in case. Or, on the phone to a friend, just in case. Or, avoiding walking your dog too late, just in case. Imagine living your life in a way that's just in case of the unpredictable,' one woman shared. 'I loved you as a rugby player but I love you more as a stand up man, your political view is inspiring,' another agreed. As one woman declared: 'At this point I genuinely wish men wore cat bells after sundown.' 'It's vile and inexcusable,' stated someone else. 'I was shocked when I found out how many women runners deal with this. It's huge,' one man responded. 'Great call out David. It is a privilege to not have to think about that,' shared another. As one guy said: 'Such a huge issue that needs to be tackled at many different levels.' Meanwhile one bloke said he had been thinking about how 'how privileged I am to be able to go for a walk at 5:30am when it's dark out with noise cancelling headphones and not a care in the world', adding that 'women should be able to do the exact same thing'. In a bid to help women feel more comfortable when running, Apple recently introduced the Check In Feature, which enables Apple Watch owners to notify a friend when they have arrived at a destination, when a workout session is completed, or after a specific period of time has passed. Farrah-Seaton said it is a safety tool she now relies on. 'Before the Check In feature launched I would usually message my mum or make someone aware I was going for a run if it was at a time I felt a little unsafe, whether that was location or time of day,' she said. 'However, now with the new Check In feature it allows for ease of this in different scenarios, not just while I am outside running. 'I share my location with my family and a couple of girlfriends and it does give another level of security, especially when I travel interstate and internationally for work. I am usually solo on these trips, so being able to share my location with my mum gives her piece of mind knowing I am safe.'
Irish Times
14 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Times
Women's Mini Marathon in Dublin attracts 28,000 participants
Some 28,000 women (and some men) filled Dublin city streets from Fitzwilliam Place to Merrion Square on Sunday morning for the Women's Mini Marathon. The winner of the 10km event was Grace Richardson (26), from Kilkenny City Harriers, who crossed the line after 34 minutes and 17 seconds. She followed in the footsteps of her sister Aoibhe, who won the race in 2019, and her other sister Niamh, who came third in last year's event. Grace Richardson, from Kilkenny City Harriers, winner of the 2025 Women's Mini Marathon. Photograph: Alan Betson Among those who signed up for the race were first-time runners, seasoned athletes and a dedicated group of women who have taken part every year since 1983. The youngest participant was just 14, while the oldest was aged 89. Orla O'Rourke from Stepaside was hoping to jog half of the route but said she may well be 'reduced' to walking the remaining five kilometres. READ MORE Ms O'Rourke said she had just returned from England on Saturday night, getting off the aircraft at midnight. Orla O'Rourke (left) and Leanne Culligan ran the Women's Mini Marathon in Dublin on Sunday. Photograph: Tim O'Brien She said she would not miss the mini marathon as she was running in memory of her mother, Marie Hendley, who passed away from cancer some years ago. She was running with her friend Leanne Culligan from Belgriffin. Ms Culligan she had cancer some years ago and was running to raise awareness of the disease. At the corner of Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Street, giant screens showed crowds of runners waiting at barriers from Lower Mount Street to Leeson Street Upper. Friends and families supported from behind barriers. Over the loudspeakers, drag artist Dame Stuffy from 98FM could be heard commenting on the countdown to the start of the race. 'I feel like [it's] New Year's Eve,' she said. 'Where is the prosecco? Can we have a round of applause for the sunshine?' she asked, as some ominous-looking clouds parted. On the corner of Upper Mount Street was a runner called David Nolan, who had a questionable auburn hair arrangement. He said he was running to support his sister Yvonne Nolan, who was standing beside him. 'We are running for Saplings Rathfarnham, a school for autism,' said Ms Nolan. 'I am just here to help,' her brother added. Yvonne Nolan and her brother David Nolan ran the Women's Mini Marathon in aid of Saplings School in Rathfarnham. Photograph: Tim O'Brien Further numbers of men in brightly coloured wigs wore running tops with the words 'in memory of Cathy' on their backs. Earlier, VHI mini-marathon 'ambassador' Nathalie Lennon, from Baltinglass, in Co Wicklow, confessed to having nerves. As ambassador and a qualified personal trainer and nutritionist, she had devised three fitness programmes for runners, joggers and walkers. 'I am nervous yes, but it is a good sign that you care and have a passion after the long days of training,' she said. Fellow ambassador Clóda Scanlon, originally from Co Tipperary but living in Dublin, said she was hoping to complete the 10km in about an hour and 20 minutes. 'I have been playing sport all my life and was playing camogie in Tipperary for the under-16s,' she said. Claire Fagan from Mullingar Harriers AC came second in the mini marathon with a time of 34.35. Jessica Craig of North Down AC took third place with 34.55. Sinéad Kane from Le Chéile AC won the visually impaired category with a time of 44.26. Separately, Cork County Council said it was 'deeply saddened' to confirm a participant in the Cork City Marathon died on Sunday. 'The person was attended to immediately by the emergency services on the scene. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.' It is understood the woman, who was in her 20s, became unwell after crossing the finish line on Patrick Street.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
What drew thousands to Dam to DSM, runners share stories
DES MOINES, Iowa — Thousands woke up early to partake in the Dam to Des Moines half marathon Saturday morning, and several shared what brought them to the race. In its 46th year, the 2025 EMC Dam to DSM Half Marathon sold out days before the event took place. The route starts at the Saylorville Dam and ends in downtown Des Moines. Runners share what brought them to run the Des Moines tradition. 20,000 people to watch Red Bull Soapbox Race in Des Moines Maya Struhar, a Dam to DSM Runner, said she ran the marathon for her birthday. 'I ran a half marathon today because it's my birthday and it's what I wanted to do for my birthday. I convinced a bunch of my friends to do it with me and I'm so glad we did. We had a great time.' Emma Wagner, a Dam to DSM Runner, said she and her friends did not train for the marathon. 'Well, we didn't train for it, and we wanted the medal,' said Wagner. Maxwell Lidstrom, a Dam to DSM Runner, said he ran the marathon because of his friends. 'That's my friends doing it and it was a good reason to get off the couch, start practicing, and get some training going,' Lidstrom said. Oliver Rush, a Dam to DSM Runner, said he had something to prove. 'To support my friends and to prove to myself that I could do it,' Rush said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Running, swimming are ‘meditative' for Hong Kong triathlete and open-water swim organiser
Sophia Lai Chi-lok is among Hong Kong's most accomplished amateur triathletes. The 41-year-old investment banker has trained with the Hong Kong Triathlon National Squad and made the podium at 10km (6.2-mile) running races, triathlons and aquathlons – which comprise a swim and a run. She was the second woman across the finish line in the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 10km race in 2022, and the 2023 Hong Kong Aquathlon Championship women's champion. That year, she also took part in the Asia Triathlon Cup Hong Kong, and was the top woman overall in the sprint event. Many of the people she competes against are half her age. Petite at just 1.51 metres (4ft 11in), Lai's sports career only took off in 2014, when she was in her early thirties and working in Hong Kong; an evening of drinking games with friends in nightlife district Lan Kwai Fong was the unlikely catalyst for it. They made a friendly wager: at the end of the evening, whoever had lost the most games would have to take part in an athletic competition. Lai was the loser, and signed up for her first aquathlon, at Kowloon Tsai Park. To her surprise, even though she did not specifically train for it, she finished as the top female overall.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Max Verstappen Admits He Cheated to Win a Race in School and Fans Can't Believe It
Max Verstappen may be one of the most dominant drivers in Formula 1 history, but apparently, his competitive streak started long before he ever stepped into a race car. In a recent video exchange with fans, Verstappen stunned viewers with a cheeky confession about how he won a running race back in school. After a young fan proudly told him, 'I won a medal for running really fast. Have you won a medal?', the Red Bull Racing star didn't hold back. Advertisement 'I actually did win a medal back in the day when I was running very fast,' Verstappen said with a grin. 'Yeah, at school… but I did cheat a little bit.' Teammate Sergio Perez, sitting beside him, laughed and assumed the usual explanation: 'Ah, right, you jumped the start.' But Verstappen corrected him. 'No, I pushed the guy into the bush.' Max Verstappen talks to the media after 2025 Miami GP Sprint Casey-Imagn Images When Perez questioned: 'And they still gave you the medal?' The story only got funnier as Verstappen added, 'It was around the corner and they couldn't really see it.' Perez cracked up, clearly amused by the young Verstappen's stealthy tactics — and the fact that he still got the medal. Advertisement The light-hearted moment instantly resonated with fans online, sparking a wave of reactions. One fan joked, 'I mean a win is a win.' Another chimed in: 'Once a cheat…' 'Good to know he doesn't hide his OCD,' added a third, referencing Max's famously detail-driven personality. The Dutchman's candid admission is just another example of how his blunt honesty and mischievous sense of humor keep him one of the most entertaining drivers off the track as well as on it. Related: Fans Roast Max Verstappen After He Tried Hiding as 'Franz Hermann' During Ferrari Test at Nordschleife
