Women’s running scheme brightens up winter evenings

A free weekly running group for women launches at the University of Reading this evening, helping to mark the University’s centenary celebrations.

Let’s Lift The Curfew, supported with a University of Reading centenary grant, aims to build confidence, fitness and community by bringing together women of all abilities for supportive group runs on campus.

The initiative launches this evening, Thursday 29 January, at 5pm, with sessions taking place every Thursday evening until 26 March.

Meeting outside the SportsPark Pavilion on the Whiteknights campus, participants will follow a 3km route led by qualified run leaders, with beginner, intermediate and advanced pace groups available.

As the University marks 100 years since receiving its Royal Charter, the Centenary Grant scheme is supporting projects that strengthen connections between the University and its local community. Let’s Lift The Curfew, part of Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign, welcomes students, staff and women from across Reading to take part together.

David Steers, sport and active wellbeing co-ordinator at the University of Reading SportsPark, said: “There is something special about running together in a group on a winter evening. The conversation, the encouragement, the shared sense of achievement are great motivators.

“As we mark 100 years as a University, built by our local community to understand and study the environment and society, we wanted to create something that brings our student, staff and the local community together in our beautiful environment. We hope women across Reading will join us to see how winter running can be sociable, enjoyable and accessible.”

Sessions are free. Participants are advised to wear hi-vis clothing and bring a headtorch or running light.

• To register and find more information, visit sport.reading.ac.uk/lets-lift-the-curfew or email d.a.steers@reading.ac.uk.

• Let’s Lift The Curfew will meet every Thursday at 5pm from 29 January to 26 March 2026, starting outside the SportsPark Pavilion, Whiteknights campus.