Thousands of runners across Australia will take part in the second National Take Back the Track Day this Sunday, 15 February.
More than 70 events across the country are calling for an end to the violence and harassment faced by women and gender-diverse runners.
Founded in 2025 by Gunditjmara Keerray Woorroong and Djap Wurrung runner Sissy Austin, the day has grown from a community-led action into a nationwide movement. This year’s event marks three years since Austin was assaulted while running near Ballarat. Sissy’s experience is not an isolated one; women and gender diverse people are still regularly assaulted while running across the continent. This is unacceptable.
Events are being held in more than 70 locations across the country, with new groups continuing to register. Participants are invited to walk, run or gather together to reclaim public space and visibility.
“No one should have to plan their run around fear,” said Sissy.
“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.
In 2025, National Take Back the Track Day brought together hundreds of community members in over 100 locations nationwide. The campaign is grounded in a shared love of running and asserts that all women and gender-diverse people have the right to feel safe while they run.
Castlemaine event
The local Take Back The Track community/walk run along the Campbells Creek Trail will commence at 9.30 am, 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 Gingel 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.