Nike’s London After Dark 10K drew about 5,000 runners on October 17, including a reported 14 men, to an event marketed around women’s experience of running at night.
The sold-out race cost £45 and took runners onto the London City Airport runway, with PinkPantheress performing afterward.
Nike’s invitation read: “We invite women to join us in reclaiming the night.” Its London FAQ described “a women focused race” while also saying “all runners are welcome.”
Nike said: “While the event centred on women and their experiences, participation was open to all and this was clearly communicated in our event terms and conditions.”
The company launched the After Dark Tour in January 2025, calling it “a global women’s race series designed to be the ultimate girls’ weekend.” Nike says more than 50,000 women took part across 7 races in its first year. Nearly half said the women-oriented format was why they’d signed up.
Participation rules differ across the series. Mumbai’s rules specify that each participant must be female, and Mexico City’s race was women-only.
The Los Angeles race on October 24 was open to all. Nike says local laws determine how eligibility rules vary.
Men also took part in London’s inaugural race in November 2025. Runner Mara Hafezi said at the time, “whether it’s two or twenty, it’s no longer a women’s-only race.”
Hafezi returned for the 2026 race and counted 4 men herself. She said: “Just because you can do something, it doesn’t mean that you should.”