It’s been a tough day here (tough week or two actually). For the first time since graduating I’ve missed a couple of my regular thrice weekly runs lately, and so have only run twice in the last fortnight. And now I’ve madly committed to volunteering at Park Run tomorrow. I’ve been loving doing Park Runs and didn’t go last week so thought volunteering in a pre Run role would make sure I could go and still run. Win win! 👍🏻 Instead I’m now anxious about volunteering! Gah. Anyone volunteered and loved it?? Tell me I’m being daft.
(I didn’t know quite where to post this so hope still okay in Couch 2 5k)
Written by
Corarun
Graduate
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Yay, parkrun hero! 👍 especially for volunteering with storm Dennis on the horizon! I’m volunteering in a pre run role too tomorrow, love it, and don’t forget there’s that very, very special volunteer t-shirt to be had for 25 volunteers....👚......its the t-shirt I’m most proud of....😎
You’ll get a volunteer credit and a run credit, what’s not to like! 🏃♀️
I know! I’m planning lots of layers to be warm beforehand then strip down to run! And I can’t deny I have my eye on a t-shirt... I’ve done 6 or 7 park runs so thought it was about time I volunteered as I do appreciate what an amazing free activity this is 👍🏻
Funny, 🤔......first I’ve heard of that, if you volunteer for a role that is pre or post run, such as set up, close down, first timers briefing, car park marshal, results processor etc., etc.,...... you can run as well and then you can get a volunteer and a run credit, (you do have to do both! 😂)
Sorry - I didn’t realise you were running too!! 🤣 Of course you’d get a credit. I’ve only got a credit for tailwalking as I marshal or combine scanning and briefing. Tbf our course is SO muddy this time of year it’s an excuse not to run!!
We have people who get a volunteer credit for first timers briefing and then run and get their parkrun in 👍🏽 Same for set up and sorting tags post run.
Volunteered several times and loved it. Was a bit anxious first few times but now not so much a problem. Marshalling is my favourite. I’m very encouraging and interactive which people respond to and you get lots of love back. It’s a great start to the day. Enjoy 😊
Thanks - yes and will be interesting to see the other side I guess. I always thank the marshalls - especially those who cheer the most so thank you marshall 👍🏻
I rarely go to my home parkrun without also volunteering now. For me parkrunning without volunteering as well has gradually become known as ‘tourism’ 😀 You’ll be fine. What role have you volunteered for?
Yep cones and tapes and signs. You’ll just be doing as you’re told by the run director so it’s not a pressure role. Not that I’ve done it myself as I don’t get there early enough 😴😅
Maybe give it a go one week Tasha - the one I don't like is barcode scanning; timekeeping is easy (as long as you remember to start timing as soon as the run director sets the runners off - I forgot one week but got saved by the back up timer!).
Fair enough . To be fair, we don't seem to attract those types at our PR (average 150 participants so it is a small one)... and I'll bet the ones who complain NEVER volunteer!
I was just saying to someone - the front runners rarely say thank you when you marshall. Rude! Same volunteers you see taking their turn. I look at many runners and think, I've never seen you volunteer.
To be fair the front runners may well be physically incapable of saying thank you by that point: they are not exactly running at easy conversational pace. And some people have serious anxiety issues relating to volunteering and it may be a huge effort for them to turn up even to run: especially if they think people are looking at them and judging them for not volunteering. They may only be at parkrun at all because it’s been prescribed by their doctor. parkrun has room for all of them just like it has room for us.
We all - or certainly lots of us, especially me - have anxiety issues. We are all putting in a massive effort to run at our own pace. Just some of us go faster for the effort. A thumbs up is all it takes.
Actually no we can’t all use manners. Some people have conditions that affect their social skills and the way you are talking would make it even harder than it already is for them to parkrun. But I was really talking about judging people for not volunteering. You don’t know why they don’t volunteer. You also don’t know whether they volunteer in ways you don’t know about. Everyone parkruns in their own way and all are welcome.
Yes. 99% of us CAN use manners. You're being pedantic. Again. So all of the very fast front runners have issues meaning they can't volunteer nor even say thank you nor even a thumbs up nor even tinsy smile politely? OK. As long as they get their PB then 😶
You don’t know why they don’t volunteer. You also don’t know whether they volunteer in ways you don’t know about. Everyone parkruns in their own way and all are welcome.
That's not what I said. If you want to understand I'm happy to explain but if you're going to dismiss what I say as a joke and put words in my mouth I didn't say then there's no point. I care passionately about the inclusive ethos of parkrun and will defend it to anyone who will listen. I'm not going to get drawn into trading insults like 'what a joke'. That's not what we do on this forum.
Hi, I volunteer in a set-up role at my Parkrun too and can confirm that it is a winning combo! It's nice to "pay something back" and still get my PR in; it also means that I'm more awake and a bit more warmed up than I might otherwise be. The only down side is the 0615 start on a Saturday morning.
I'm sure you'll enjoy it and feel welcomed and useful too. I bet you volunteer again after today's experience!
Welll done you! I've volunteered more times than I've run parkrun! I love both or either . I've volunteered at my home run and a couple of others. The teams have always been lovely and so many runners are really grateful. I'm sure you will love it too, and I doubt it will be the last time you offer. Enjoy!
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. To be fair, we don't seem to attract those types at our PR (average 150 participants so it is a small one)... and I'll bet the ones who complain NEVER volunteer!
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