Run without rudeness with the Exercise Our Freedom campaign

The Exercise Our Freedom (#ExerciseOurFreedom) campaign is delivered by South Wales Police and partner agencies Welsh Athletics, Run Wales, Sport Wales, Welsh Cycling and Ramblers Cymru.

The campaign aims to raise awareness that unwanted and derogatory comments or intimidating behaviour directed at those exercising - whether sprinting, cycling, or simply strolling - is not acceptable.

Chief Constable of South Wales Police, Jeremy Vaughan, said: “I hate the idea that anyone should be put off enjoying our fabulous towns, cities and countryside when exercising for fear of being intimidated by harassment or by insults.

"We want people to be safe and feel safe. It’s everybody’s right to enjoy our public spaces, fear free.”

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If there is a pattern to this type of behaviour - or there is a serious incident - it could be deemed harassment which is a criminal offence,

Anyone affected is asked to report it by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Run Wales Programme Manager, Gareth Hall, added: “Running has been proven to positively affect the physical and mental health of those who take part in it.

“New and novice runners are the most likely to stop taking part if they have a negative experience, which is why Run Wales is proud to support a campaign that helps anybody enjoy all the benefits that exercise, and the great outdoors can bring.”

The #ExerciseOurFreedom campaign materials will be shared online and offline by each of the partner agencies and aims to educate and empower local communities.