The community run was held after a violent sexual assault in the area last week Event organiser Megan Martin said she was overwhelmed by [the turnout]''.
"And I'm really, really happy to be claiming this back as our spot.''
Ms Martin, a Dunedin jogger and TVNZ reporter, organised the run, which she dubbed "Claim the Creek'', in the hope people would feel safe there again.
About 400 people took part and nearly $800 was collected for Victim Support.
Imogen Coxhead handed out promotional sheets for a women's self-defence course she teaches.
"I've never seen so many women around town rattled by what's gone on, and I frequently run and walk in this area and lots of other really secluded areas,'' she said.
"It's about getting a bit of courage back for me and helping other women do the same.''
Stacey Fraser, who lives nearby, said she went to the reserve all the time, but had been spooked by the attack.
She was accompanied on the run by her dog.
"This is where we run and bring our dogs and our family,'' she said.
"We have a teenage daughter as well, so [the assault was] a bit of a shock. We'll get back there. We're here to do this tonight.''
Another local, Kursti Annison, was one of many parents who came with their children.
Her daughter, Poppy (8) stood beside her.
She had been "shocked'' and "revolted'' by the attack, and said she would not run in the reserve on her own until the attacker was caught.
She felt comfortable going to the run only because there were so many people there.
And she wanted to send a message.
"[We came] to show unity and to show strength and to claim back the creek.''
