ABOUT THE MOVEMENT

Take Back the Track is a movement founded by running attack survivor Sissy Austin, who is actively advocating for the safety of women and gender diverse people to exercise/run free from violence or the fear of.

 

In 2025 Take Back the Track facilitated its inaugural National Take Back the Track day, which saw women and gender diverse runners across Australia joining the movement, hosting events in their communities and dedicating their Sunday run to the mission of Take Back the Track. Take Back the Track creates opportunities for women and gender diverse runners to join a movement that brings like-minded individuals together with the vision of feeling safer, more connected and an increase in wellbeing and belonging whilst exercising in public places. National Take Back the Track day is an annual day organised and led by Sissy and supporters. 

 

Why is National Take Back the Track day in February? 

 

The significance of National Take Back the Track day being within the first two weeks of February is because this is the month where both Sissy Austin (February 11th) and runner Samantha Murphy were assaulted whilst running, 1 year apart, both in the Ballarat bushlands in Western Victoria. Sissy survived her running attack on February 11th 2023, Samantha Murphy was last seen alive going for her morning run on February 4th 2024.

 

Take Back the Track pauses each February to remember Samantha Murphy and stands in solidarity with Samantha’s friends, family and community.  Holding National Take Back the Track within this time signifies reclaiming our right to run free from violence and/or harassment.  

 

Take Back the Track is a grassroots, community-led movement with big dreams and goals for how it will continue to grow with time.