The second annual Take Back the Track event will be held in Castlemaine on Sunday, February 15.
A national campaign, the walk/run is a way to raise awareness about the violence, harassment and intimidation experienced by many women and gender-diverse runners and walkers.
Last year’s event saw more than 150 communities across the country organise events for the inaugural Take Back the Track day, with more than 1000 people participating nationwide.
Over 200 people participated in the Castlemaine event, including serious runners, gentle strollers, young families, teens and elders coming together to say enough is enough.
Initiated by enthusiastic Castlemaine runner and Gunditjmara Keerray Woorroong and Djap Wurrung woman Sissy Austin, who was assaulted in 2023 while running in the Lal Lal State Forest in Ballarat. Sissy’s experience is not an isolated one; women and gender diverse people are still regularly assaulted by running across the continent. This is unacceptable.
“No one should have to plan their run around fear,” Sissy said.
“Take Back the Track is about saying clearly and collectively that women and gender-diverse people deserve to feel safe in public space.”
“This is about pressuring our society to change the conditions that make running unsafe, not asking runners to change their behaviour,” she said.
Castlemaine’s Take Back The Track community/walk run along the Campbells Creek Trail will begin at 9.30am, starting at the Campbells Creek Park, 102 Main Road. The self-guided walk is approximately 7km long and will conclude at the Botanical Gardens playground.
A community gathering will follow from 11am to 1pm and include an acknowledgment of Country, speeches and a community picnic.
A free shuttle bus service will be available back to Campbells Creek at the end of the community gathering.
For a shorter course, participants might choose to join the course at entry points along the track into Castlemaine at Princess Street, Lewis Drive, Elizabeth Street, Roberts Avenue, Johnstone Street, Forest Street or Gingell Street.
* This is an informal volunteer-organised community event – all runners/walkers are responsible for their own participation, including sun protection, hydration, first aid, general safety and any associated health risks.
