The JogOn campaign has launched in Leeds, following its success in Bradford, to tackle the pervasive issue of harassment against female runners. This vital initiative, supported by figures like Mayor Tracy Brabin and Olympic athlete Alex Bell, aims to reclaim public spaces by deploying plain-clothes officers in hotspots, providing active bystander training, and strongly encouraging the reporting of all incidents to make outdoor activities safer and more welcoming for women and girls.
What is the JogOn campaign and how does it address harassment of female runners in Leeds?
The JogOn campaign in Leeds targets the harassment of female runners by raising awareness, deploying plain-clothes officers in hotspots, promoting active bystander training, and encouraging the reporting of incidents. Its goal is to make outdoor spaces safer and more welcoming for women and girls.
Background and Motivation for the JogOn Campaign
The Leeds JogOn campaign launched as a response to rising concern over the harassment of female runners, aiming to make outdoor spaces safer and more welcoming for everyone. This initiative is a collaboration between Safer Leeds, Get Set Leeds Local, and various community partners, working collectively to challenge and reduce anti-social behaviours that target women and girls during exercise. The campaign was officially introduced at the Royal Armouries on September 24, with prominent supporters including West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and Olympic athlete Alex Bell. A symbolic city centre run, organized by the Leeds Dock Running Club, marked the occasion and underscored the campaign’s message.
Surveys have highlighted the seriousness of the problem. According to a Runner’s World Magazine survey, 60% of women runners reported experiencing harassment while running. Locally, research by Women Friendly Leeds in 2021 found that 85% of respondents had encountered leering, catcalling, or wolf-whistling. Many women reported changing their exercise habits or avoiding outdoor activities altogether due to these negative experiences. Such findings underscore the urgent need for targeted measures to address street harassment and reclaim public spaces for women and girls.
The campaign’s origin traces back to Bradford in early 2024, where it received strong community support. Success there catalyzed its expansion to Leeds, aiming to create systemic change across West Yorkshire. The campaign’s core message is clear: harassment of women and girls while exercising will not be tolerated, and all incidents should be reported and addressed promptly.
Key Measures and Community Engagement
The JogOn campaign employs a multi-pronged approach to create safer outdoor environments. One notable strategy involves coordination with local running clubs and park runs to raise awareness, foster discussion, and provide support to those affected by harassment. Safer Leeds and Get Set Leeds Local are actively engaging with the running community, using workshops and events to educate participants about the issues at hand.
A distinguishing feature of this initiative is the deployment of plain-clothes officers in identified “hot spot areas” where incidents of harassment are reported most frequently. These officers run alongside regular participants to observe and, if necessary, intervene in real time. Perpetrators found engaging in harassment may face on-the-spot fines or fixed penalty notices, reinforcing the message that such behaviour is unacceptable and subject to legal consequences.
Community training is a cornerstone of the campaign’s preventive efforts. Active bystander training, available through the JogOn campaign webpage, is designed to encourage men to become allies and intervene safely when they witness harassment. This program aims to shift social norms, encouraging more people to challenge inappropriate behaviour and support those targeted by harassment.
Personal Experiences and the Impact of Harassment
Numerous women have shared their personal experiences to highlight the emotional and psychological toll of harassment while running. Grace Whalley, a regular member of the Leeds Dock Running Club, recounted a particularly distressing incident: “Last year when I was running back from run club on my own a man on a bike cycled next to me the whole run home, it was seven kilometres. He kept trying to speak to me and reach out to touch me, I just kept looking ahead, turned my music up and ignored him as much as possible but there was nothing I could do to shake him off my case. I came home so unsettled and it really upset me how someone could make me feel so uncomfortable for no reason, how he couldn’t just take no for an answer.” Such stories illustrate why many women feel compelled to alter their routines or decline outdoor exercise altogether.
The psychological impact of street harassment is significant. Many women report heightened anxiety, a diminished sense of personal safety, and a reluctance to use public spaces. Research indicates that ongoing exposure to such behaviour can have long-term effects on mental health and wellbeing. For some, the constant vigilance required detracts from the enjoyment and benefits of exercise.
The collective sharing of experiences is an important aspect of the JogOn campaign. By amplifying the voices of those affected, the campaign aims to break the silence that often surrounds street harassment. This also helps to dismantle the perception that such incidents are harmless or isolated, demonstrating instead that they are systemic and require coordinated action.
Institutional Support and Reporting Mechanisms
The campaign enjoys strong institutional backing from local authorities and law enforcement. Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service, and community safety, stated: “The safety of women and girls sits at the heart of what we do at Safer Leeds. No one should be made to feel unsafe when exercising and using public spaces. Some might think that catcalling or beeping their horn is harmless, but we want to send a strong message that this behaviour will not be tolerated and say to anyone who experiences this to please report it.”
Law enforcement officials emphasize the importance of reporting all forms of harassment. Chief Inspector Phil Gill of Leeds District Police noted, “We know some people might feel like these behaviours aren’t serious enough to report – but they absolutely are. The message is clear and simple, everyone should be able to go out running, without fear of harassment or unwanted behaviour. Perpetrators need to be educated around the impact of their behaviour and where appropriate held accountable for their actions.”
Clear reporting channels have been established to support the campaign. Incidents can be reported to the police by calling 101 or using online services at Report it | West Yorkshire Police. Incidents involving ongoing nuisance or antisocial behaviour can also be reported through Leeds City Council’s platform. In emergencies, residents are reminded to dial 999 for immediate assistance. The campaign further encourages the use of these resources to ensure that every incident is documented and addressed, fostering a community-wide culture of safety and accountability.
Learn more about the JogOn campaign
- The JogOn campaign, following its success in Bradford, has launched in Leeds to combat the harassment of female runners.
- The campaign aims to reclaim public spaces by deploying plain-clothes officers, providing active bystander training, and encouraging incident reporting.
- Surveys indicate a widespread problem, with 60% of women runners experiencing harassment and 85% of women in Leeds reporting leering or catcalling.
- Key measures include deploying plain-clothes officers in