Why runners wore orange to Blyth Parkrun to highlight White Ribbon Day

Runners donned their orange t-shirts and accessories for Blyth Links Parkrun this morning to mark the beginning of an important annual campaign.

Participants at today's run were invited to wear a touch of orange to show their support for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The orange echoes the colour which represents the UN's End Violence Against Women and today's Parkrun was one of five to participate in highlighting the cause, alongside Parkruns at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Tyne Green in Hexham, Carlisle Park in Morpeth and Druridge Bay.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence started today, which coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, known as White Ribbon Day. It will run until December 10, which is Human Rights Day.

Teams from Northumberland County Council, its partners and community volunteers, including Young Leaders from Leading Link, marshalled the routes and were on hand to raise awareness about Northumberland’s Integrated Domestic Abuse Support Service which is provided by Harbour, NDAS, Acorns and Cygnus Support.

People were also invited to sign up to become White Ribbon ambassadors and champions to help end violence against women and girls.

Leader of the Council, Glen Sanderson said: "The council is proud to support White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Activism as we want Northumberland to be a safe place for everyone.

“One in four women and one in six men world-wide will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. Domestic abuse has long lasting impacts on health and wellbeing. But we want all survivors of domestic abuse to know - you are not alone.

“Here in Northumberland, there are lots of brilliant people and organisations here to support you.

“Through these Parkrun takeovers we hope to share lots of information about them, so that everyone knows who to contact if they need support.

“We hope that others will join us and pledge action on White Ribbon Day and during the 16 Days in your workplace, school, sports club, local pub and bars, and communities.

“Together we can unite as team and to work towards changing the story and ending violence against women and girls."