Keeping Women Warm to Sport in Winter by Women in Sport UK
A practical toolkit for sports organizations to support women’s participation and safety in winter running and outdoor activities.
The “Keeping Women Warm to Sport in Winter” toolkit, produced by Women in Sport UK, provides evidence-based guidance for clubs, coaches, and community groups to sustain and grow women’s participation in running and outdoor sport during winter months. Drawing on research into barriers such as safety concerns, cold weather, and lack of supportive environments, the toolkit offers actionable strategies to address these challenges. Its impact includes influencing club programming, raising awareness of gendered safety issues, and sparking national campaigns to make winter sport more accessible and enjoyable for women.
What you should know:
By addressing both environmental and social barriers—such as poor lighting, lack of group support, and safety fears—the toolkit empowers organizations to create safer, more inclusive spaces for women runners, especially in winter.
What the Toolkit provides:
Research insights into why women drop out of sport in winter (including safety, cold, and social isolation).
Practical guidance on adapting club activities, improving communication, and fostering supportive environments.
Checklists for clubs to assess and improve their winter programming.
Case studies of successful interventions (e.g., group night runs, improved lighting, buddy systems).
Key safety tips included:
Organize group runs and activities to reduce isolation and increase visibility.
Offer flexible scheduling to accommodate women’s safety and time constraints.
Encourage buddy systems and provide clear reporting mechanisms for harassment or incidents.
Communicate proactively about safety measures and club support.
Impact and what It sparked:
Inspired the creation of “Winter Warrior” programs and women-only night running groups across the UK.
Informed national campaigns (e.g., “This Girl Can Winter”) aimed at challenging stereotypes about women and winter sport.
Link: https://womeninsport.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/FINAL-Keeping-Women-Warm-to-Sport-in-Winter.pdf
Take action/learn more:
Read and share the toolkit with your club, local authority, or sports group.
Join or start a “Winter Warrior” or women’s night running group in your area.
Connect with Women in Sport UK for further resources and support.
