Storm Boelo could not stop Lostock AC supporting Let’s Lift the Curfew, a national movement from This Girl Can bringing attention to the unwanted curfew many women feel during the darker months. As the clocks go back this autumn, the campaign highlights that the hidden curfew placed on women’s freedom to exercise after dark remains firmly in place due to safety concerns.
Lostock AC held a 5k run at 7pm on 25 October 2026, the day the clocks go back to highlight the issue. Runners completed a 5k around Horwich, wearing bright colours and flashing lights.
Since launching in 2023, Let’s Lift the Curfew has grown into a nationwide movement that has brought together women, community groups, sports clubs, organisations and allies to raise awareness of the fears and barriers many women face when being active outdoors after dark. Now in its fourth year, thousands of women have mobilised around the movement to challenge the safety concerns that continue to shape women’s ability to remain active.
Before the run began, Lostock AC chair, Rachel Stevens thanked everyone who came along to support the event and hoped that we would see a time when all women were safe to run at any time.
Kate Dale, Director of Marketing at Sport England and This Girl Can says: “Every year when the clocks go back, countless women find their worlds getting smaller, and many change or step away from exercise altogether because of fear. Women’s fears are growing, with more concern about harassment and intimidation than we saw three years ago and many women believe rising online misogyny is making them feel even less safe exercising after dark.”
“Police have warned violence against women and girls is reaching epidemic levels, so it’s more important than ever that we understand women’s experiences and address the rising safety concerns. We’re here to help more people understand the everyday reality many women face and raise awareness of what women want to be safer.”
Participants in the Lostock AC event were encouraged to share their experiences and help spark more open conversations about women’s safety and the hidden curfew.
