Runners protest for more park lights

NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - The NYPD is beefing up security in Central Park in light of recent robberies and an attack.  But as it gets darker much sooner, runners are speaking out about the need for adequate lighting in the park.

On Sunday, dozens of runners wore glowing lights to illuminate their cause.

Alison Desir believes that everyone has a right to feel safe in Central Park. She rallied the community around her cause in a 5K run on Sunday to light up the night.

“No person-woman, man- should feel afraid in their own community. Unfortunately, that’s the position that we’re in. So how do we sort of reclaim our streets and make this possible in places that we may not,” said Desir.

“I was concerned about safety issues- especially recently with attacks on women runners. I thought it was a good cause to have more lighting in the park because it gets dark so early,” said organizer Marnie Kunz.

 “There are so many people in NYC, and with all the lights out, safety is a huge issue,” said Sierra Johnson.

So they found safety and strength in numbers on Sunday - empowering each other by showing their support - speaking out to make sure that they could light the way to a safer park and safer community. Not just for themselves, but for the future runners of tomorrow.