Sonia Twigg Expresses Concerns Over Women's Safety During London Marathon Training
London, February 18: During her preparation for the London Marathon, Sonia Twigg has highlighted the safety concerns that many women experience. As she prepares for her first 26.2-mile race, Sonia faces worries about safety while training in the dark.
Twigg shared, "During the initial stages of my training, I had to stay very alert, especially when training at night. Every time I head out for a run, it feels like I have to make calculations—deciding which path is safer, which route is better lit, or if I need to wear a high-visibility jacket."
The long-standing warnings for women—to avoid walking alone at night, not wear headphones, and be cautious—have become nearly impossible to follow, especially during the winter months. After starting her training plan in January 2024, the sun didn’t rise until after 8 am and set at 4:08 pm, leaving night-time running as her only option.
To ensure their safety, many women take precautions during their training, such as carrying keys, using headlamps, or running with their dogs. However, these measures do not guarantee safety, and women often have to choose longer, safer routes to reach their destinations.
In last year’s London Marathon, 28,276 women participated, many from the Northern Hemisphere. Countless women, especially those training during the long, dark winter, are struggling to find ways to stay safe while preparing for the race.
Additionally, a 2024 survey found that nearly 70 percent of female runners had experienced some form of harassment. The same issues are seen in cycling, with 41 percent of women altering their routes at night for safety, and 33 percent avoiding cycling at night altogether.
Sonia feels that it is always women who are expected to change their behavior, while men’s behavior is never addressed. She said, "We should improve infrastructure to create safer running routes with more lighting and better safety for women."
Sonia calls for a change in this situation, saying, "I want to enjoy my running time, not just focus on the constant worries running through my mind."
