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Police inspector completes year-long run challenge

Bea SwallowWest of England
News imageBBC Rachel Clark wearing a blue running jacket underneath a blue vest for the Why cancer charity. She has silvery-blonde hair which is swept back into a low ponytail, and is smiling at the camera. She is standing on a wide pavement beside a road at night.BBC
Rachel Clark says she wanted to "promote and highlight women's safety" by encouraging residents to tag along for her final run

A female police inspector is completing the final leg of her 'mile-a-day' runs to raise awareness of women's' safety while running, particularly during darker evenings.

Rachel Clark, from Frome in Somerset, will be handing out personal safety alarms during her last run later to help combat violence against women and girls.

She has been encouraging residents to join her on one-mile runs every single day of the year and she said watching the "ripple effect" had been the "most rewarding thing".

Insp Clark has completed the challenge twice before, previously raising £35,000 for cancer counselling charity We Hear You (Why) after losing her mum to the disease.

'Determined soul'

She decided to take on the challenge solo this year for her own mental health and to prove she could hold herself "accountable" when there was nobody watching.

"I think it takes a certain level of dedication and determination. I am quite a determined soul," she said.

News imageRachel Clark Rachel Clark and a group of runners. They are all pictured outside, wearing running gear and T-shirts with the Why... logo on the front. All of them are looking at the camera and smiling. Rachel Clark
Insp Clark said the support from members of the public had been "phenomenal"

But Insp Clark, a Frome Neighbourhood Inspector, said the "disproportionate amount of offences" against women urged her to act when the nights got darker.

"I really wanted to promote and highlight women's safety so, over the course of the past few weeks, I've been inviting people to come and join me," she said.

"I've been handing out some personal safety devices for them which they can take with them and just feel safe in the community."

Many of those who have joined her for several stretches have gone on to love the sport, she said, and now fundraise for charity themselves.

"That is one of the most rewarding things I've done over the past decade - empowering others to raise money and to join in a big community," she added.

News imageElla Kempshall wearing a pink T-shirt branded with the Why logo for the cancer charity. She has brown hair in a middle parting which is swept back into a low ponytail. She is standing on a wide pavement beside some streetlamps at night.
Ella Kempshall took up running after joining Insp Clark for stretches of her fundraising challenge in 2024

Ella Kempshall, who ran alongside Insp Clark last year, said the group had become a great way to meet people and enjoy exercise.

"It's really important that she's raising awareness so that women aren't afraid," she added.

"They should be able to go out on their own.

"I think a lot of people like me do prefer going out with others but it's about being brave."

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