What started as an idea to gather a group of local women together to run and walk through Nelson Bay in support of the Reclaim the Night movement has now become an annual event drawing hundreds of women together, and it is set to return for the fifth instalment next Friday.
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After seeing about 240 women turn out to last year's Reclaim the Run in Nelson Bay, organisers are hopeful that similar numbers will take part in this year's event which will begin in the d'Albora Marina forecourt at 6pm on October 25.
"The feedback we've had from past participants is that they can relate to the idea that, as a female, they have to think about their safety when they want to go somewhere or do something," one of the Reclaim the Run organisers, Jo Banner, said.
"Reclaim the Run promotes the idea that women should be able to be active in their own community without having to worry about their safety."
Women of any age and ability are being invited to join the Reclaim the Run events, which include a 4km walk and 7km run along the Nelson Bay foreshore.
Beforehand, there will be a short presentation with Port Stephens MP Kate Washington, councillor Sarah Smith and representatives from the Yacaaba Centre set to say a few words.
Reclaim the Run is a free event but organisers encourage participants to throw a gold coin donation into the bucket. Funds raised will be donated to the Yacaaba Centre and Run Against Violence Foundation.
A movie screening in Nelson Bay in September, organised by Reclaim the Run, has raised $2500 so far.