Volunteer

Description

parkrun events take place every week and everyone is welcome to volunteer, we’d love you to join in!

There are plenty of opportunities to try new roles, apply your skills or learn new ones, be with friends and family, meet people and be a part of the parkrun community.

You don’t need any experience of parkrun, junior parkrun or of volunteering. There are a range of roles to choose from, and many of them can be combined with walking or running too.

You can volunteer alone or team up with someone else, and there are always people on hand if you have any questions.

Every time you volunteer gets you one step closer to an official parkrun milestone, which rewards those who have volunteered 10 (for those under 18), 25, 50, 100, 250 or 500 times.

How to get involved

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. You can find a full list of the roles here. 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. If you have any concerns that arise whilst you’re volunteering you should discuss those concerns with the Run Director at the event, or after the event.

We hope that we’ve answered all of your questions, but if not, please check our frequently asked questions here:

FAQs

Do I need to have been to parkrun or junior parkrun before I volunteer?
No, you do not need to have been to a parkrun or junior parkrun event before, we always welcome new people!

Can I bring my children to volunteer?
Yes, families are welcome to volunteer at parkrun and junior parkrun. The roles are designed to be simple, and the tasks are suitable for children. You can even volunteer together as a family.

Can I bring my dog to volunteer?
Dogs are not allowed at junior parkrun events. Please see our dogs policy if attending one of our other events.

Can I volunteer with a friend?
Yes, please just let us know that you’d like to volunteer with your friend and we’ll find the best role for you to do together.

How long does volunteering take?
There are no cut off times at parkrun or junior parkrun events, so the duration of volunteering can vary from week to week. The length of time also depends on the role you are doing - some only take a few minutes, others can take longer. Some roles can also be done whilst walking or running the course. You can stay as long as you like, including joining others for a drink at the cafe after!

Do I have to commit to a certain number of volunteering days?
No, you can volunteer as often or as little as you like! Just drop us an email when you’d like to volunteer, or just turn up on the day.

Do I have to do the same role each week?
Definitely not! We love for people to volunteer in different roles. If you have a preference for what role you’d like to do, please let us know.

Do I need to be a runner or have a particular level of fitness to volunteer?
No, everyone is welcome. No experience, skills or knowledge are required. We will help find a role that is right for you.

Do I need to bring/wear anything specific?
No, please wear anything that you feel comfortable in. You’ll be given a high-visibility vest to wear over your clothing. You don’t need to bring any specific equipment, but if you are barcode scanning or timing, you will need a smartphone with the Virtual Volunteer app downloaded, you can find this here.

Do I need to take my parkrun barcode?
No, you do not need to take your barcode to the event. If you are 4-14 years old and carrying out the roles of Tail Walker, parkwalker or VI Guide and would like to record a finish time please bring your barcode.

Is training provided?: Yes

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

This volunteering opoortunity takes place on Sunday mornings in Westside playing fields, near the running track. Volunteers arrive at 9am to meet the other volunteers and help set up the course. Volunteer roles include marshalling, timekeeping and other finish line tasks. The volunteering will usually be finished before 10.30am. 

Skills required for this role:

No partiuclar skills, all training will be given on the day. This is an outdoor activity so please wear appropriate warm/waterproof clothes. 

Details of time commitment needed for role:
Sunday mornings from 9am to 10.30am.

Minimum time commitment per week:
1 hour p/week

Additional screening required for this role:
n/a