The event was organised in Brisbane to give people confidence in running the trails in the wake of random attack. Four incidents on paths at Mt Coot-tha, and one nearby, were reported to police in May and June.
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00:00Taking back their inner city sanctuary.
00:04They don't feel that they can be out on the trails doing what they love.
00:08Because of fear, several menacing incidents against women
00:12on Mount Coot-tha's tracks sparked serious safety concerns.
00:16It's stopped women, especially, to get out on these trails on their own,
00:20you know, which they love to do.
00:22I have a lot of friends who are not out on the trails at the moment.
00:25They're running on treadmills or they're running on the road
00:28or they're just not running at all.
00:30In a Saturday morning show of solidarity,
00:33hundreds of hikers, walkers and runners came together
00:36to reclaim the trails.
00:39I think it's a great response to what happened.
00:42It's very important for us to stand up and show our support.
00:45Labor MP Jonty Bush organised the event.
00:48It's been a really great opportunity to bring people together,
00:51to get out on the trails and to remind people that they are really safe
00:55and we need to keep them that way.
00:57Police have ramped up patrols
00:59and Council has installed 80 security cameras.
01:02They cover all entries and are monitored 24-7.
01:06The message from the hundreds of women here today is clear.
01:10They deserve to feel safe on these trails
01:13and they're taking them back.
01:15I'm hoping this will be that tipping point for people to go,
01:19OK, let's get back here, this is our mountain, you can't keep us away.
01:23Men have an important role too.
01:25If you see something that doesn't look right,
01:27then speak up and say something.
01:29Everybody's really supportive of this whole idea
01:32that we don't put up with not being able to do what we love,
01:37get out on the trails.
01:39These trailblazers are doing just that.