Volunteer

Description

Full training is provided for any role. Our event takes place every Saturday at 9.30 starting at the meadow by the park and ride on the north part of the campus (near Dunlin village). We ask volunteers to be available from 9-11am on Saturday (not every Saturday but when available). 

What can I do at the event?

There is something for everyone at parkrun, you could be setting up the course, scanning people’s barcodes at the finish or ensuring everyone gets safely around the route as a marshal. We never ask anybody to do anything they're not comfortable with and if you want to do a particular volunteer role, please let us know and we'll try to accommodate. On the day, you are always supported by other volunteers and a Run Director. 

How can I take part?  Click apply for the volunteering activity below, include your full name and, if you know it, your parkrun ID found on your barcode if you have taken part in Parkrun in the past) and we will be in touch.

Is training provided?:Yes

Tasks that the volunteer(s) will be expected to undertake:

On each event day, the volunteer opportunities are many and varied. Full training is provided. 

• Marshal: Each event has different requirements for Marshals depending on the complexity of the course, the number of participants and any location-specific issues. The main tasks performed by Marshals are guiding, interacting and encouraging the participants around the course, warning them of any obstacles or hazards, alerting the Run Director to any incidents, as well as ensuring that other park users are aware of the event.
• First Timers Welcome - This role is to create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for first timers and visitors by describing parkrun, its inclusiveness and ethos, and highlighting any course-specific information. Seeing this role on a volunteer roster may be very comforting to a brand new participant.
• Event Day Course Check & Course Set up- The Event Day Course Check involves checking that the course is safe to use and is free from anything that may make it unsafe to participants and volunteers. The check is to take place on the day of the event as close to the start time as reasonably possible. Course set up involves setting up the start & finish line with the equipment provided
• Timekeeper(s) - The Timekeeper is responsible for recording the finish times of all participants at the event (using the Virtual Volunteer app on the volunteer mobile device)
• Barcode Scanner(s) - This volunteer scans the personal barcode (using the Virtual Volunteer app), followed by the barcode on the finish position token, to ensure every participant who completes the course receives a resul
• Tail Walker(s) The Tail Walker role is a friendly face or faces, who stay right at the back of the field and should be the last to go through the finish funnel, ensuring that everyone is accounted for.

Benefits of Volunteering:

1. Sense of purpose - Volunteering at parkrun gives you a purpose that goes beyond your usual daily routine. It’s an opportunity to experience the wellbeing parkrun offers while contributing to an event that promotes camaraderie, health and inclusivity.

2. Community connection - In a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions, volunteering at parkrun facilitates genuine, in-person connections. It’s a chance to engage with diverse people who share a common interest and to get to know people across the University campus.

3. Skill development - parkrun offers a unique platform for honing some of your skills. Whether it’s communication, relationship-building, time management, leadership, or problem-solving, each volunteer role at parkrun presents an opportunity to refine valuable life skills. As you learn to navigate different volunteer roles at parkrun, you discover new sides of your potential.

4. Physical and mental health benefits - While volunteering at parkrun might not always involve doing the 5k course yourself, it isn’t without its health perks. Spending time outdoors, being active, and interacting with other parkrunners enhances your physical wellbeing. Not only that but positive interactions and the sense of fulfilment derived from volunteering contribute to improved mental health and overall wellbeing.

Details of time commitment needed for role:
Saturday morning from 9-11am.

Minimum time commitment per week:
1 hour p/week

Sustainable Development Goal:

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UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY