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Lewes Athletic Club Invites Women to Join “Let’s Lift the Curfew 2025”
Lewes Athletic Club is proud to be part of the national Let’s Lift the Curfew initiative, encouraging women to reclaim their right to get active outdoors safely during the darker months.
We’ll be hosting a Let’s Lift the Curfew Run meeting in front of Tesco, Lewes, at 6.30pm on Monday 27 October, and we warmly invite women of all abilities to come along, join in, and run together in a safe and supportive group.
For those keen to try out Lewes Athletic Club, we’re also inviting women runners to join our 5-mile club run from the Lewes Leisure Centre track on Tuesday 28 October. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet other women, enjoy a friendly, sociable run, and experience the welcoming atmosphere of Lewes Athletic Club.
Let’s Lift the Curfew is part of Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign and supported by England Athletics. Since its launch in October 2023, the initiative has highlighted how the darker months can limit women’s freedom to get active outdoors due to safety concerns — and has called on communities to make a difference.
Lewes club members share why running with the group has been so important to them
Running through the darkness, a formidable challenge that tests courage, for who truly wishes to venture into the night?
Yet here I am, forging my path beneath a velvet sky, my beam of light piercing shadows with unwavering determination.
Amidst the quiet, scarcely anyone else stirs, but I am guided by the knowledge and confidence gifted by Lewes AC, navigating my journey with purpose and resolve.
Is there anything to fear on this solitary trail? The ground beneath my feet, with its hidden obstacles, perhaps – but I move with vigilance, my shining beacon alert to every flicker of movement in the distance, brushing aside shadows and fleeting figures. The occasional late night dog walker or evening wanderer may cross my path, but my light sees all,. and I gently steer clear, embracing the solitude of my run.
There is no night too dark, no fear strong enough to hold me back. The night belongs to me. I am free… Fearless… Unstoppable. There is no curfew for me.” Anonymous Lewes AC Runner and Poet
Running with Lewes Athletic Club has given me a real sense of safety, friendship and confidence. The dark can feel like an obstacle to running on your own, but in a group you feel visible, supported and empowered. It’s not just about exercise — it’s about community.” Anonymous Lewes AC Female Runner
“The only time I ever tried running off road and on my own in the dark using a head torch, I was followed across the fields by a guy riding really slowly behind me on a bike. It was so intimidating, I’ve never repeated it. Running with a group feels so much safer.” Karin
I don’t take my ability to run in the dark with female and male friends for granted. It is a safe and happy space that should be safe whether I am alone or not. Sadly, we have not reached that space yet, so I am eternally grateful for the freedom the Club offers me.” Emma
Running with a group ticks all the safety boxes for women like me who want to boost their immune systems and banish SAD syndrome through exercise during dark winter months. First, it provides safety in numbers. After that, I know I’ll always be following a planned route. Moreover, someone else knows my plans. Beyond that, we all wear high-visibility clothing. As a group, we project confidence. What’s not to love? Claire
Lewes Athletic Club is keen to welcome new faces and show that no woman should feel limited by the time of day when it comes to staying active.
For more information and to join the run, visit Lewes Athletic Club’s Facebook or Instagram pages.