Runner safety seminar

While discussions vary, recent online chatter has shifted towards the safety of women running or walking alone.

The comments, as well as recent reports about women being targeted at parks and in car parks, prompted Michelle Brown to set up a safety seminar at Cockburn Central’s Combat Defence Systems (CDS) last Saturday.

The seminar offered basic skills people could use to protect themselves if they were threatened or attacked.

‘I’m in a running group and a few of the girls are running in the dark with their headphones on thinking they’ll be fine and nothing will happen to them,’ Ms Brown said.

‘I’ve trained in martial arts for years and I don’t know how I would react if attacked.

‘The seminar gives you confidence that you will be able to get yourself out of a sticky situation.’

CDS head instructor and owner Gino Vallelonga said he had kept the class simple.

‘I think some times self defence can be a bit convoluted ” you put your foot here, you put your hand here and you do this,’ he said.

‘In the spur of the moment you’re not going to remember complicated things so we’re looking at practical things.

The pair suggested letting people know where you run and how long you expect to be, wearing bright clothing and making noise or calling for help if you feel threatened.

The event was one of a number Brown has held to raise money for the Miracle Babies Foundation, which supports premature and sick newborns. For more events visit Race for Miracles on Facebook.