[media-credit name=’Courtesy of Madison Police Department’ align=’alignnone’ width=’648′][/media-credit]

After a University of Wisconsin student was assaulted while jogging alone Sunday, police have released a sketch of the suspect and are encouraging people to run in pairs if they want to exercise after dark.

A 21-year-old female was sexually assaulted in front of Madison East High School by a white male 35-40 years old, 5 feet 10 inches and 170 pounds.

Madison Police Department spokesperson Joel DeSpain said the victim had been running westbound on the north side of East Washington Avenue in front of East High School.

According to the police report, the victim was grabbed from behind by the perpetrator, who pushed her to the ground on the grass in front of the school and touched her inappropriately.

The woman escaped uninjured, ran home and notified the authorities.

DeSpain said she did the right thing by quickly alerting the police. The victim was also able to offer enough details on the suspect to generate a sketch.

DeSpain added it is important for students to be aware of the risks involved with running alone outside after dark. He added students should, ideally, exercise outside during daylight, or at least have someone accompany them if it is after dark.

But many students choose to continue running outside after dark, bringing about safety risks. If students do choose to work out outside after dark, DeSpain said it is important students remain aware of their surroundings.

DeSpain said students who choose to exercise outside when it is dark should stay on well-traveled, well-lit areas like University Avenue.

In regards to the recent attack, DeSpain said police “have not seen anything that resembles this in recent past,” and the incident seems like an isolated event.

UW provides alternatives for students who do not feel comfortable exercising outside after dark, including the Shell, SERF, Natatorium and Nielsen Tennis Stadium.