Darun Henry considered Massey Park in Brampton, Ont. her sanctuary.
Speaking to Global News, she described it as the place she went to seek clarity and be the best version of herself.
The mother or two and fitness trainer said she lost her gym during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I lost my clients, and the gym has always been where I’d go to get my therapy, where I’d go to release and heal and get stronger,” she said.
On Sept. 15, at around 11 a.m., she went for a jog at Massey Park, located near Bramalea Road and Bovaird Drive East.
Henry, who had taken her cellphone and tripod with her, had been snapping photos and creating content for social media.
At one point, she says she decided to stop, stretch and meditate.
“I just happened to bend over and stretch my hamstrings and see him through my legs. And then he attacked me,” she said.
She went public with her story, posting about it on Instagram.
“He came to strangle me, and luckily I had the confidence and courage, and the reaction to just punch him in the face,” Henry said.
Henry, who revealed she’s taken boxing lessons, credited that experience with giving her the strength to fight back.
Six days later, Peel police say another female was approached at Jayfield Park and allegedly assaulted.
Peel Regional Police say there may be more victims, and are now appealing for others to come forward.
“I think that my predator found me to be vulnerable and thought that I was somebody who would comply. And he was very wrong. I’m not his victim. I’m his worst nightmare,” Henry said.
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