Interns create “Despite the Dark” – A safe run at night platform for female runners.
The Chicago Egotist – October 19, 2018
Summer interns get stuff done. And keep doing it. Case in point, the launch of “Despite the Dark,” an initiative from a group of Chicago interns at Cramer-Krasselt who decided to take a stand and shed light on the challenge and issues facing female runners who want to run at night or after work.
The interns discovered that 60% of women report limiting their runs only to daytime – as opposed to just 14% of men. This is because of the higher risks women face, such as being catcalled, assaulted, raped or even killed. Especially after dark.
They formed a group, Despite the Dark to provide a safe running experience for women (and men) in Chicago. The team is reuniting on Monday, October 22nd for its the second Despite the Dark run. All are invited to join the run which will take place starting at 6:30 PM on the Lake Front Path. The group will be meeting at Theater on the Lake to start and will be running to the Sedgwick Brown/Purple line stop in Old Town.
“While it is important to talk about this issue, it is also important to start providing answers,” explained Katie Murry, Agency Communications Coordinator at Cramer-Krassalt. “Despite the Dark believes there can be safety in numbers, which is why we are providing a safe space to exercise.”