Let's Lift the Curfew: Lighting Up Bristol with Hoka, Bristol & West AC and Southville Running Club

Running together, raising awareness and standing up for women's safety after dark.

On Wednesday 28th October, we were delighted to welcome runners from Bristol & West Athletics Club and Southville Running Club to Kinisi Run Hub for a special evening supporting England Athletics' Let's Lift the Curfew campaign.

With the clocks having recently gone back and darker evenings becoming part of our daily routines, the event was about much more than getting out for a run. It was an opportunity to come together as a community, raise awareness of the challenges women face when exercising after dark and show our support for safer, more inclusive running environments.

We were also joined by Hoka, giving runners the opportunity to test three of their popular road running shoes: the Clifton 11, Arahi 9 and Bondi 9.

What Is Let's Lift the Curfew?

Let's Lift the Curfew is a national campaign from Sport England's This Girl Can, supported by England Athletics, highlighting the safety concerns that many women experience when exercising outdoors after dark.

For many women, the clocks going back means more than simply adjusting their running schedule. It can mean changing routes, avoiding certain areas, finding someone to run with or deciding not to head out at all.

The campaign aims to challenge these barriers and raise awareness of the importance of creating environments where everyone feels safe and confident being active, regardless of the time of day and our event was an opportunity to bring that message to the streets of Bristol.

Bringing Bristol's Running Community Together

We were delighted to collaborate with two fantastic local running clubs for the evening.

Bristol & West Athletics Club

One of the country's longest-established athletics clubs, Bristol & West AC has a proud history dating back to 1882. The club supports athletes across a wide range of abilities and disciplines, from recreational runners to national and international competitors.

With a strong focus on developing athletes and encouraging participation, Bristol & West AC continues to play an important role in Bristol's running community.

Southville Running Club

Based in South Bristol, Southville Running Club is a friendly, welcoming club that brings runners together for regular social runs, training and racing.

Catering for a wide range of abilities, the club places a strong emphasis on the social side of running and helping people enjoy being active together.

Having both clubs involved made the evening a brilliant example of how different parts of Bristol's running community can unite behind an important cause.

Hoka Shoe Demo: Three Shoes, Three Different Experiences

Alongside the campaign, we were pleased to offer runners the opportunity to test three Hoka road running shoes.

Shoe demos are a great way to experience how different models feel in real running conditions, rather than relying purely on technical specifications.

Here's a quick introduction to the three models available on the evening.

Hoka Clifton 11 — Everyday Comfort and Versatility

The Clifton has long been one of Hoka's most recognisable everyday running shoes, combining cushioning with a smooth, comfortable ride.

The Clifton 11 features a compression-moulded EVA midsole, Hoka's MetaRocker geometry and an updated engineered mesh upper. Together, these features aim to provide a balanced, cushioned experience for everyday training.

It's a versatile neutral option for runners looking for comfort across regular training miles, easy runs and longer outings.

Hoka Arahi 9 — Cushioned Support

For runners who prefer a little more guidance underfoot, the Arahi 9 offers a different experience.

Featuring Hoka's enhanced H-Frame technology, the Arahi is designed to provide additional stability without relying on a traditional rigid medial post.

Its dual-density EVA midsole combines cushioning with a supportive platform, while the engineered mesh upper offers a secure fit.

Hoka Bondi 9 — Maximum Cushioning for Everyday Miles

The Bondi 9 sits at the more generously cushioned end of Hoka's road running range.

Featuring an updated supercritical EVA midsole, increased stack height and a structured knit upper, the Bondi is designed to provide a plush, protective underfoot experience.

Its broad platform and rocker geometry make it an option worth exploring for runners and walkers who prioritise cushioning and comfort, particularly over longer periods on their feet.

Three different shoes, three different approaches to cushioning and support. That's exactly why we love offering opportunities to test footwear in real conditions and discover what feels right for each individual.

More Than Just a Run

Although the shoe demo added an extra dimension to the evening, the real purpose was to support the message behind Let's Lift the Curfew. Running should be something everyone can enjoy, whether that's early in the morning, during a lunch break or after a long day at work.

Nobody should feel that their opportunities to be active are restricted because they don't feel safe outside.

Thank You for Supporting Let's Lift the Curfew

A huge thank you to Bristol & West Athletics Club, Southville Running Club and HOKA for helping us make the evening possible.

And, of course, thank you to everyone who joined us, wore their lights and high-visibility kit, tested some shoes and helped raise awareness of such an important campaign.

At Kinisi Run Hub, we're proud to support initiatives that bring people together and help make running more welcoming and accessible.

Because everyone deserves to feel safe doing something they love.