Bunbury runners take to the track in tandem with hundreds across the nation calling for safer tracks

Runners of Bunbury took to the track on Sunday, joining runners around the country for National Take Back the Track Day. The event was the second edition of the national movement founded by South Australian woman Sissy Austin who was attacked on February 2024 during a run. Bunbury run organiser Kate Kelly said it was important for such an initiative to start due to the fear many runners face for their safety. “I know for me and my friends, we have all had experiences where we are checking if there is enough light outside or if we are visible enough,” she said. “We choose to run with a friend because we are scared to go to run in public because of fear of violence. “it is very unfortunate we have to be really aware of that surroundings, particularly for women and gender diverse people.” Domestic violence advocates VFLW player Courtney Ugle and PFL State team member Amber Ugle-Hayward took part in the run, calling for safer tracks and surroundings. Kelly said the expected outcome of the movement was for the community to stand up for each other’s safety. “We want everyone to say ‘no, we look out for each other’, we all deserve to run in a place that’s safe,” she said. “We want to raise awareness amongst people about the fear women might feel when they hear footsteps coming from behind — you can announce you are about to overtake just to make them feel safer.” Bunbury is one of three locations that takes part in Ms Austin’s movement — the other ones being Champion Lakes and Byford Hills. “Bunbury actually has a big community of runners and when we found out about the initiative last year only 14 days before the date and we still had 70 people turn up,” Kelly said.