I was never a big runner growing up – so much so that in high school, I’d ask my dad to pay me $2 in exchange for doing a few loops of the local park. But all that changed when I started university. Like many people who picked up running during the pandemic, I fell in love with the freedom it gave me – the chance to escape, to be with nothing but my thoughts for hours on end. That’s not to say that running didn’t intimidate me. Signing up for my first half marathon in 2017 was a big deal, and I only agreed as part of a team fundraising event. Since then, I’ve completed multiple big races, and while the start line butterflies never fade, I can confidently say that the recent Nike women’s-only half marathon in Sydney was my most fun and feel-good race yet.
Almost 13 years ago, more than 3,000 women took part in Nike’s inaugural after-dark run for women – originally called Nike She Runs the Night. It made history as Australia’s first women's-only night race, and the event series was held in major cities around the world up until 2018. Now, after a seven-year hiatus, Nike has relaunched its beloved After Dark Tour, with the first race kicking off right here in Australia.
I was lucky to participate in the fun run with a few of my closest sole sisters (pun intended) on April 12. It was my first time running a women’s-only event, and I wasn’t sure what to expect, but excited to find out.
From the moment I arrived at Sydney’s Rozelle Parklands, I could tell this race was going to be different. My last big run was the Newcastle Marathon, where I remember scanning the start line and wondering where all the women were. But here I was surrounded by thousands of them, feeling so inspired and empowered.
Sure, some people might argue that women-only races aren’t necessary, and I’ll admit, before the race, it’s something I pondered too. But Nike’s After Dark Tour isn’t about exclusivity. Its purpose is to “celebrate the strength and stamina of women runners, showcasing competition and community among women in the sport of running.” More than that, it also indirectly addresses the often unspoken reality: that many women don’t feel safe running alone at night. That’s something I’d proudly run for, as did 7,333 strong female runners who took to the track with me.
Together, we conquered the relatively flat 21.1-kilometre course, which stretched from Rozelle to White Bay to Jones Bay Wharf, along Pyrmont Bridge and into Darling Harbour. Personally, I was racing for fun rather than speed, which meant I could fully soak in the electric atmosphere and reflect on just how strong women are, both mentally and physically.
What amazed me most was the sheer level of support, from strangers cheering us on from the sidelines to fellow runners offering words of encouragement on the track. This race wasn’t about competition, it was about community – and it sent my dopamine levels soaring. I’d even argue that having fun is the secret to speed, because I unintentionally beat my personal best, proving the power of a women’s-only race.
After Sydney, Nike is taking its After Dark Tour to Shanghai, Seoul, Mumbai and Los Angeles, wrapping up with a grand finale half marathon in Mexico City. If you have the chance to take part, I highly recommend you do – because you, yes you, can run the world.