RUNNERS were whipped and subjected to verbal abuse by travellers while jogging around the city.
People taking part in Rave Run Club were whipped by travellers passing on pony and traps while female runners were wolf-whistled in Worcester city centre.
Organiser Tom Adams said it highlighted the dangers and why the club was set up as a place for people to feel more comfortable and safer while running.
The incident took place on Saturday (April 25), at around 6.15pm with scores of travellers riding around the city to raise money for a baby’s funeral costs.
The alleged offence happened outside of Lloyds Bank in The Cross.
“It’s not on what happened,” said Tom Adams, who set up the group along with Matt Tally.
VIOLENT: Rave Run Club runners were allegedly verbally abused and whipped by travellers while on their run outside Lloyds Bank (Image: Google Street View)
“As we ran past the horses, a lot of females in the group got abuse shouted at them.
“I got whipped on the back of the legs, a couple of guys got whipped on the back of the head.
“One 86-year-old got whipped on the back by the travellers.
“It just highlights the dangers for the women and people running around Worcester.”
The group had initially intended to run a different route, avoiding the city centre and instead heading through Diglis, however, they were forced to divert back through the city following a fire engine crash outside Benedictos in Sidbury.
Mr Adams feels the ordeal highlights the need for groups such as his, allowing runners to feel safer.
“The reason behind the group was to create a safe and enjoyable environment for people to come and run in,” he said.
“It’s become quite a big run club because of the community we have built. Saturday highlights why we need the run club.
“It was out of our control but that happens to women, a lot of abuse shouted. The group makes people feel safer.
“We had women in the group, I can’t imagine what it would have been like if a woman had been on her own.”
Worcester News has approached West Mercia Police for comment.
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Rave Run club was created in late 2025, going on their first run through the city on Saturday, November 15.
Over 70 people turned out for the run, sporting a variety of neon outfits and the numbers taking part has continued to grow.
