A man who covers himself in green camouflage has been targeted by female runners and has been reported to police over an ‘intimidating, sick prank’ on YouTube.
The man, wearing a ghillie suit – used by soldiers, wildlife photographers and hunters – has been hiding in the bushes of a popular Sydney running trail, filming the terrified reactions of runners and others passing by when they see him.
Melanie Warman, the founder of women’s running club Boobs on the Run, was shocked by his actions and warned club members about the man on social media.
“Looks like someone thinks it’s funny to dress in camouflage and jump out at women during the Bay Run,” she wrote on Facebook.
“I’m sure he wouldn’t find it funny if this happened to his mother, sister, daughter or wife… Or the fact that two women were attacked while running last week.”
A man covering himself in green camouflage (pictured) has been targeted by female runners and reported to police over an ‘intimidating, sick prank’ on YouTube
Ms Warman also pointed out that “36 women have been killed by male violence in Australia since January 1, 2024.”
Local mayor Darcy Byrne reported the man to NSW police on Friday.
“The municipality has officially requested an investigation by the police, and that is now the case,” he told police Sydney Morning Herald.
“Tens of thousands of women use that Bay Run every week, so if it’s meant as a joke, it’s a sick joke and really just scary and intimidating.
“I don’t understand what kind of person would get pleasure from doing something that’s meant to be scary.”
Mr Byrne’s response came after many runners and walkers who use the trail in Sydney’s inner west posted on social media that they had become scared of the man.
However, teacher Sarah Weston took matters into her own hands and turned the tables on the man by filming him.
While walking with a friend, she approached the man and asked, “What are you doing?”
He reacted as if surprised when he was challenged about what he was doing, saying he wanted to “scare people” and “make people laugh.”
He said he was filming the interactions with people with a nearby hidden camera and planned to post it on YouTube.
Only the man’s nose was visible through the fake leaves.
Mrs. Weston wrote about her Instagram account that ‘there was a hidden camera filming us.
The man was wearing a ghillie suit (pictured), which is used by soldiers, wildlife photographers and hunters
‘I couldn’t help it. I wanted to ask before he jumped at us…
‘It turns out he scares people. Films their reactions. Put it on YouTube.”
A police spokesperson said the man was also reported by a female jogger, who was “scared on Thursday when a figure – dressed in a costume – jumped out of bushes at Bay Run.”
‘Investigations have shown that there may be more – similar – incidents that have not been reported to the police, but are circulating on local social media forums.’