“As a woman it can be challenging running on your own at night… But mostly, people cheer us on.”
Steph Pink was a postpartum mum to a beautiful 10-week-old baby boy when tragically her own mum passed away and turned her world upside down. A few months later, she started running in September 2024.
Steph said:
When I lost my mum I thought, if I died at the same age she did, my son wouldn’t even be 30. It gave me the kick up the bum I needed to get moving and take control of my health and wellbeing.
Initially running on her own, the West Kirby local struggled to find her feet.
Steph said:
I had no idea what I was doing. But I knew I had to do something. I did Couch to 5k, I (foolishly) signed up for the Tunnel 10k… but I needed something to keep me on track.
That’s when I saw a social media post for Girls Run The Streets.
Girls Run The Streets (GRTS) offers free weekly group running sessions for women and girls aged 14+. Launched in March 2025 the programme, run by Wirral Council’s Active Wirral leisure service, aims to create a movement based on confidence, self-esteem and lifting each other up.
Steph was nervous at first, as she still considered herself a novice.
Steph said:
It was like a first day at school type feeling. But it quickly disappeared once the ice was broken.
The group is made up of women in their 20s - 50s, with varying running experience - some couch-to-5k-ers like me, some marathon runners, and some people who’ve only ever run to the shop and back!
Everyone was friendly - we all had stuff in common. Whether it was about finding time for ourselves as people, as mums or caregivers.
The sessions are women only, providing a space for women who may feel more comfortable running in a group. Each session is supported by two to three run leaders, to assist with all running abilities.
Steph said:
As a woman it can sometimes be challenging running on your own at night. Sometimes you’ll get catcalled which is not fun… but when there’s a group of you, if someone shouts something, you tend to answer back and they get a shock themselves!
But mostly, people cheer us on. Children playing in the street, families in their gardens, they’ll see us and they will give us a cheer and a wave which is really nice.
Almost six months on, Steph is a regular attendee at Girls Run The Streets, rarely missing a session.
Steph said:
We run every Wednesday around Bidston. If I miss a session, I absolutely notice it!
Juggling childcare, work, running a house is hard - sometimes people can think you’re being a bit selfish but how can you look after others if you’re not looking after yourself? Finding time for yourself is so important.
Since joining GRTS, my confidence has improved, my health and wellbeing. I’ve lost three stone - which was not the goal but was a great side effect. I can do the things I want to do now and not get tired or feel pain in my joints - I can keep up with my son which was my goal all along.
The thing I enjoy most is the endorphin rush - sometimes you have to convince yourself to get your runners on and get out the door but once you’re finished, it feels amazing. I’d recommend it to anyone who is looking to find some time for themselves.
As the nights start to get darker earlier, anyone considering starting running may find the support and company of a running group to be just what they need.
Girls Run The Streets starts from Bidston Sports and Activity Centre at 7pm every Wednesday. Sessions last one hour, with running distance varying based on ability level, and are completely free to join. Booking is essential. To book your space, visit the Active Wirral website.
For other running clubs in Wirral visit: Run In Wirral/Nordic Walking/Wellbeing Walks - Active Wirral
